Hey guys, I’m just going to jump in here with both feet because I think this topic is neat.
Well, we need some sensible rationale:
- what is
- processing what is (is it good?)
- prediction based on processing of what is (how can I find more?)
- develop codes of conduct based on predictions from the processing of what is (should I share?)
- question what is (what is it really?)
Starting from the top, a progressively higher manner of organism is required to execute the task.
A simple organism can perceive (what is). Even an atom can perceive the presence of charge and react without neural processing. So, perception is most fundamental followed by discernment through a rudimentary network of specialized cells for memory and recognition. Prediction requires a more complex network for statistical processing and ethics is yet more refinement. The pinnacle and full-circle achievement is to develop to the point that reality itself is questioned and we, possibly, start over on another plane of consciousness where ideas are observable objects to be judged, predicted, etc.
How one decides to pigeon-hole arbitrary fields of study into each category is subjective to the semantic interpretation of labels as there seems quite a bit of overlap in some, but I’m thinking:
- Ontology (what is)
- Logic (is it good? yes/no, simple binary)
- Epistemology (how can I find more?)
- Ethics (should I share?)
- I’d put metaphysics here because it should encompass phenomenology (is it real?)
Thoughts?