There are forces at work in this world that are against the fundamental principles of rationality and common sense that have brought us so much gain. If unchallenged, we risk losing ground to irrationality and relativism. The title of my blog "A dry, yeastless factuality" is taken from the book "Life of Pi" by Yann Martel. This book is a prime example of the way that rationality is subtly attacked. The book won the Booker Prize and is widely praised. It is a set text in many High Schools and even Seminaries. Otherwise intelligent people find it entertaining and for some it seems to hold a philosophically appealing message. This is shocking because the book is a polemic against rationality. The central theme is that it is better to believe a fantasy, if it makes you feel good, rather than the truth, which Martel disparagingly refers to as "a dry, yeastless factuality". The good news is that there are many sensible people who, like me, are greatly disturbed by the book's message. I hope to put some pointers to them here and at the same time record other supporters of rationality and common sense.
Yes, it's only a novel, and it doesn't in itself do much harm. However, it is a symptom of a much bigger problem, a spread of anti-rationality among otherwise intelligent and sensible people. These people teach our children, vote for our leaders and spread this virus among us.
Any little thing we can do to stop it spreading is a good thing.
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i watched the adapted movie last night and came out of the theater stunned, teary and thinking about life. As an atheist and a student planning to major in science, I understand why people would be offended by the idea to pursue fantasy instead of truth.
ReplyDeleteBut I do believe that there are times in life where we need to believe in irrationality to move on. Because of his faith, pi was able to get over his dark, uncivilized self that killed the chef and engaged in cannibalism. Without the leap of faith, he probably would not have survived, not to mention make a new family of his own later on.
Ultimately life shouldn't be entirely rational or irrational. Instead it should be a balance of the factual and fantastical.