Since Euclid, it seems, official philosophers have tried to formulate systems similar to his geometry. Not only have those attempts generally failed miserably, but it has also turned out that any philosophy – like any geometry _ only holds true in certain circumstances. For Euclid, the original framework only works on a flat plane _ curvature ruins the perfection.
Philosophy itself is dedicated to finding the “best” way of life. Now, life itself is a hell of a lot more complex than a flat plane. And the fundamentals shift constantly and often completely.
Most people are encountering crisis frequently, requiring a major adjustment to goals and means. A few undergo a total rebirth where what once seemed clearly true becomes irrelevant or even evil. This is how consciousness works.
Remarkably, an awful lot of us admire the unwavering diehard fanatic who never adjusts philosophy to fit changed circumstance. Instead of seeing him or her for what they truly are – crippled fools – we claim it is a badge of honor to maintain the same viewpoints forever no matter what.
Any rigid fragile philosophy soon becomes encrusted with adjustments very similar to epicycles in the Ptolemaic system. Maybe it can creak along, but the elegance has vanished.
Me? I think philosophy is necessary and should be pretty sticky and permanent. But I also know it must be fluid enough to handle change.
HuntingtonHarborThoughts 