Let’s start with some very basic ideas which underpin the Rational aspects of ‘rational mysticism’.
Learning
- Making Associations between what is known and what is being discovered
- Resolving Dissonance
- Masking new connections (in terms of neurology, cognition and emotions)
Accepting the notion that “most people think they are thinking when they are simply rearranging their prejudices” it is vitally important to realise that any new learning is being perceived, shaped and understood against a backdrop of pre-existing beliefs, attitudes and knowledge.
So when learning something or when exploring what is already known due diligence must be given to the question of “how do we know?”
Epistemology (How do you know?)
Blind acceptance of information, ideas and opinions is the path of anti-intellectualism. The ability to question evidence, look for alternative ideas and to challenge and provoke are key attributes of the intellectual explorer. Challenge and provocation is not about ‘bloody mindedness’ and ‘aggression’ it is the willingness to play devils advocate to any and all ideas – even ones own.
Scepticism (Skepticism)
The ability to question and argue logically is central to ‘deep learning’. The sceptical path is not the path of the cynic, the naysayer or debunker, although the sceptic will be accused of being these things by those who are so fixed or insecure in their opinions.
Being aware of the nature of logical argument, scientific method and the ability to remain emotionally neutral are important elements of the rationalist approach.
Human perception and memory is fallible.
An understanding of the neurological and psychological aspects of perception, learning an memory leads us to the conclusion that we can fool ourselves and be fooled by others. This means we have to be even more thoughtful when evaluating evidence – especially evidence based upon memory, personal experience
or other forms of anecdote.
There is as very real sense in which ‘believing is seeing’.
What we believe is ‘out there’, what we have ‘previously experienced’, what we ‘know’ or are willing to ‘accept’ can and does influence the way we process sensory information. Perception is an active process where the ‘mind’ does far more ‘guessing’ about what is there than we’d sometimes like to admit.
We construct personal realities
A fundamental notion that the reality we create inside our heads is a creation based upon perception, experience, emotion and expectation. The version of what we see, hear, feel and think inside our heads is a representation of the ‘world outside’.
Scientific consensus comes from continued refinement and questioning of experience; from structured observation and experimentation and from sharing results with peers for their comment, review and appraisal.
