Quote:
Originally posted by -Sigurd-
The trouble with relying on subjective accounts as 'evidence' is that the same arguments can be used to promote belief in just about anything, if we accept what some plausible seeming person says:
I believe in Karma primarily because there are enlightened spiritual teachers living today who claim to have a recollection of their previous incarnations-is there any reason why I should doubt the testament or integrity of such people?I find the idea of reincarnation plausible because there is a wealth of scientific research which,while not offering definitive proof of reincarnation,does offer some convincing evidence that it is a fact.
How about this:
'I believe in alien abduction primarily because there are reliable, upstanding members of the community with no history of mental instability of dishonesty living today who claim to have a recollection of their abductions-is there any reason why I should doubt the testament or integrity of such people? I find the idea of alien abduction plausible because there is a wealth of scientific research which,while not offering definitive proof of the phenomenon,does offer some convincing evidence that it is a fact.'
Another variation -
'I believe in miracles primarily because there are'....you get the idea.
In short, you believe in karma and reincarnation primarily because of the personal testimony of certain charismatic and revered individuals...this is a form of 'revelation' that is common in religion and absent in science.
Buddhism is not science or pure philosophy; the scientific world at large is in no doubt that Karma is a spiritual belief as much as belief in miracles. Not only that - but these beliefs are based in - essentially - the same kind of revelation based epistemology as Fears Christian beliefs.
|
Sigurd,
If there were scientific research which provided solid evidence to support alien abductions then it would be wrong of me to dismiss such allegations as the ramblings of mere lunatics.However as there has been scientific research into the possibility of reincarnation which has provided compelling evidence if not absolute proof that it actually occurs it gives support to the testimony of those eastern mystics who claim to have lived in previous incarnations.Given that I accept the integrity of such people I would tend to believe that their testimony is truthful however that in itself would be insufficient to make me accept without reservation that reincarnation and karma were real phenomena,which is where I differ fundamentally from orthodox christians-testimony by itself is not enough.However when that testimony is given credence by the research of
independent scientists who have no connection with Buddhism or any interest in eastern philosophy then that is sufficient for me to hold a belief in karma and reincarnation.Show me any independent scientific support for miracles and I might accept that you have a valid argument.Buddhist philosophy encourages adherents to subject their beliefs to the same rigorous scrutiny that scientists employ and to reject anything which does not conform to logic and basic common sense and it therefore differs fundamentally from other systems of belief which actively encourage adherents to accept testimony merely on faith.