I understand there are many perspective to what is slavery.
My focus is not on slavery [could be another example] but rather on the progressive trend since the past.
There is an implicit ‘machinery’ that drive this progressive trend and humanity objective is to abstract the principles of this ‘machinery’ or ‘model’ to convince [with sound justifications and personal experiences] the average person to adopt in the future to solve whatever problems they encounter.
I note whatever problems, question and doubts you raised and where I have contributed my views, you will raised more problems, problems and more problems. I think this is typical of philosophical discussions. Note Russell on the Purpose of Philosophy;
Thus, to sum up our discussion of the value of philosophy; Philosophy is to be studied, not for the sake of any definite answers to its questions since no definite answers can, as a rule, be known to be true, but rather for the sake of the questions themselves; …
Since the issue is Philosophical Problems, problems and problems, I would suggest one adopt a generic Problem Solving Technique to deal with any problem.
Here is one I will suggest;
Buddha’s 4NT-8FP -A Life Problem Solving Technique
viewtopic.php?f=5&t=187395&hilit=4NT
The four noble truths (4NT) can be summarized as follows:
1.The truth of dukkha (Problems)
2.The truth of the origin of dukkha
3.The truth of the cessation of dukkha
4.The truth of the path leading to the cessation of dukkha -8FP*
The Basic Problem Solving Technique
- Defining the problem.
- Generating alternatives.
- Evaluating and selecting alternatives.
- Implementing solutions.
- Feedback and Control
The 4NT-8FP when transposed as a conventional problem solving technique is as follows;
1. Defining the problem.
NT1 -The truth of dukkha (suffering, anxiety, stress)
NT2 -The truth of the origin of dukkha -12 Nidanas
2. Generating alternatives.
NT3 -The truth of the cessation of dukkha -Reverse 12 Nidanas
3. Evaluating and selecting alternatives.
NT4 -The truth of the path leading to the cessation of dukkha -8FP
4. Implementing solutions.
8FP -Right View, Intention, Speech, Action, Livelihood, Effort, Concentration, Mindfulness
F5. Feedback and Control
Right View - Is the problem resolved?
Yes, -seek improvement
No, -Check 1 and repeat process
*8FP = Noble Eightfold Paths
THE NOBLE EIGHTFOLD PATH
- Right Understanding (Samma ditthi)
- Right Thought (Samma sankappa)
- Right Speech (Samma vaca)
- Right Action (Samma kammanta)
- Right Livelihood (Samma ajiva)
- Right Effort (Samma vayama)
- Right Mindfulness (Samma sati)
- Right Concentration (Samma samadhi)
How to Use the above Generic Problem Solving Model;
Thus for any of those philosophical problem [or any] you raised on our discussion, you will need to define the problem precisely then put the problem through the whole model from process 1 to 5.
Take for example the problem [gap] you raised, i.e.
These are assumptions that, from my own frame of mind, still reflect the gap I note between 1. what you think you know here and now about “empirical possibilities that can happen in the future” and
2. all that any mere mortal would need to know about the very nature of Existence itself
in order to demonstrate why all rational men and women are obligated to think the same.
On running through the generic model with the above, I think the most likely bottle-necks [before others] would be the following;
- Right Understanding (Samma ditthi)
- Right Thought (Samma sankappa)
- Right Action (Samma kammanta)
In order to have the Right Understanding and Right thought one would need to take the Right Action to cover and exhaust if possible the relevant knowledge to understand [not necessary agree] to be in a position to tackle the problem.
In this case one would need to produce a relevant Bibliography for reading and researching to facilitate one to resolve the problem more effectively.
Within Right Action, it may not merely be restricted to reading but one need action to rewire one’s brain. For example, for more wider and complex problems computer from the older days, 1980 and prior will not be effective. We need computer will more modern motherboard, CPU and relevant OS and other softwares.
Try and run through your favorite problem via the above model.
Not all elements of the 8FPs will apply in all cases.