Seriously, folks. We must realize that quantum phenomena are just that,
quantum phenomena. Wolves, people, holes in the ozone, etc., are not
quantum phenomena.
If we want to be speaking of epistemic phenomenalism, then that is a
different matter -- that is to say, whether or not there exists a one-to-one
correspondence between our sense data (phenomena) and the "thing-in-itself"
(Kant's numena). Unless we are going back to Berkeley's extreme epistemic
skepticism, which would offer us no help at all with respect to the environment.
Frankly, it matters not to me whether or not my observations correspond 1:1
with the "thing-in-itself." There quite clearly is a world with which we
interact (ontic claim), social construction (epistemic claims)
notwithstanding (sit out in the summer sun for about 4 hours without
sunscreen, and tell me that the external world either does not exist or does
not interact with us). To know the thing-in-itself is a metaphysical quest
that has little to no pragmatic value. What we do with our sense data, on
the other hand, will determine the sustainability of our future or the
survival of wolves.
Bill
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William J. McKinney, Ph.D.
Associate Professor and Chairperson
Department of Philosophy and Religion
MS4200
Southeast Missouri State University
Cape Girardeau, MO 63701
e-mail: [log in to unmask]
voice: 573-651-2818
fax: 573-651-2200
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