Re: The Goal of this List

[Kevin de Laplante <***>]

Friends,

It seems there are some conflicting views of what the aims of the list are.
Judith suggested that her frustration with Howard was due primarily to the
personal criticism that she felt was being levied against her father, but
that she is in principle open to discussing thoughtful criticisms of or
challenges to the paradigm that her father had developed.  I would have
assumed that such a view would be consistent with the notion of a "Robert
Rosen discussion list", since this sort of thing falls under "discussion".
I also assumed it would in general be regarded as a good thing by proponents
of Rosen's work, for many of the reasons that Howard noted (e.g. that
response to conceptual criticism has been one of the mechanisms by which
theoretical frameworks have developed and advanced over the history of
science and philosophy).  Tim's response to Howard was the first time I
really saw this conception of the aims of the list challenged.  When I read
now that "RR's concepts are no longer open to amendment... They are
definitely affirmed against any further disputation" (from James Rose, and
seconded by John M), I am as taken aback as Arno.  Now, I can see reasons
why one might wish to have a discussion forum predicated on a general
acceptance of Rosen's scientific and philosophical paradigm, but I hope it
is clear that this really is a very different conception than what is
normally understood as a "discussion list", for it categorically rules out
certain forms of discussion.  As someone who thinks Rosen's paradigm has
much to recommend it but who also believes that some aspects of it are (at
least) open to criticism and perhaps modification, this latter type of list
is both less useful and less interesting to me than the former.  Ideally, I
suppose, there would be other lists that could satisfy everyone's
preferences.

That said, am I correct to infer that it is the general will of the list
members that dissenting views are not be aired here?

regards to all,

Kevin