Is This for Real?

Right, not arrogant

August 12, 2008 on 9:11 am | In Philosophy, Western Culture, postmodernism | Comments Off

It is not arrogant to believe that there is truth.  It is not arrogant to believe in the truth.  It is not arrogant to boldly stand for the truth.  It is not arrogant to proclaim the truth.  In fact, believing in, standing for, and proclaiming the truth is the right thing to do.

To you the reader this might seem obvious and logical, but to postmodern culture this “feels” wrong, and these days emotion comes before logic.  The reason is that postmodern culture is a refurbished version of the ancient philosophy of skepticism that declares nothing can be known, there is no absolute truth, and anyone who says otherwise is arrogant.  Based on this philosophy the only noble thing you can do is stand for nothing and be tolerant of everything.  And if you actually dare desire to achieve intellectual knowledge, you must limit yourself to being a gnostic, that is, knowing the details of different belief systems, but standing for nothing.

That’s dead wrong, and I am not afraid to say it.  These philosophical arguments are self-defeating.  First of all the basic premise of skepticism states that you can’t know anything and that you can’t be certain of anything.  Based on their own argument, how can they be certain of their own argument?  The second self-defeating aspect of this tainted philosophy is the so-called nobility of tolerance, that is, the acceptance of all other belief systems as valid.  Well, that’s just flat stupid.  When you examine the framework of each belief system, you see that there are differences within each, and that many in and of their own essence oppose each other.  This begs the question: “How can they all be deemed as acceptable?”.  The very essence of this branch of philosophy self-destructs before it really has a chance to become fleshed out.  It is interesting to note that in the study of philosophy this branch is considered the dumbest, most easily refuted of all.  The sad thing is our culture is unthinkingly embracing it.

Postmodern culture has changed the definition of tolerance to mean anything goes.  While the real definition of tolerance does mean forbearance and open-mindedness to listen the opinions of others, it does not mean compromise or acceptance of what is wrong, false, destructive, or immoral.  The tolerance of today is indeed a pseudo-tolerance.

The cries for the pseudo-tolerance of today are based on emotion and not logic.  In today’s culture there’s an overwhelming sense to be liked by people.  This leads to the reciprocating demand not to offend anyone by standing for truth.  This perspective is spineless, wimpy, irresponsible, and destructive.  Indeed, this is not love for fellow man that compels this pseudo-tolerance, but rather complete self-centeredness and hatred.  If people go on believing the wrong thing, they will ultimate face the consequences of their actions.  Personally I’d rather offend someone and save their life than pat them on the back as they walk to their demise.  I’d rather be unpopular and do what’s right by people.  How’s that for an emotional argument?

There is absolute truth, and I say pursue it, believe in it, stand for it, and proclaim it unashamedly with a good attitude.

This is for real.