Soulists believe that if objectivity exists, it’s inaccessible to human minds at our current level of development. And if beliefs can’t be sorted by objective truth, then our criterion for deciding what we should believe is by how useful a belief is.
Okay, reasonable
Or in simpler terms, usefulness decides truth.
Wait what?
If the big questions are unsolvable, you don’t stress over them, you do what you can.
Okay yeah, that's me, and I'd think most reasonable people as well.
It is me, or the author, who's having trouble with the word "truth" (and "believe")?
This same author, in another article, defines 'soulism' as basically anarcho-antirealism. Outside of that, it's hardly been written about, so They kinda get to define it however They want, but Their description seems to contradict itself
I don't see the contradiction between soulism and anarcho-antirealism. Soulism as a term originates on the internet as anarchism which opposes natural laws. Destroying natural laws requires destroying the system that places reality above people. In other words, destroying realism.
@Grail refreshing. I sort of had an unformed beginning of this thought after a person who tried to convince me that simulation theory was a novel and compelling reality that broadly went 'ok, let's say you successfully prove conclusively that you don't exist, but that doesn't make it any easier to decide what you're having for breakfast', or more axiomatically 'i think i think, therefore i might as well be"
i think i think, therefore i might as well be
Lol i love this- I want it on a shirt or something
No. I think like a materialist.
Mohamed, Ph.D
🏵️🏵️The essence of thinking like a soulist reflects a deeper connection to one's purpose and understanding of life. In Islam, we are reminded that every soul is significant, as stated in the Quran, “And do not kill the soul which Allah has forbidden, except by right” (Quran 17:33). Recognizing the divine purpose behind our thoughts and actions is fundamental. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) emphasized the importance of intention, declaring that “Actions are but by intention.” When embracing a soulist mindset, focus on purifying your heart and intentions, aligning them with the teachings of Islam.
Thank You, Vi- Grail, for Your insightful reflections. Your thoughts bring to light how essential it is to nurture our souls, Vi- Grail.
What steps will You take to align Your mindset with this deeper spiritual understanding?
Mohamed, Ph.D
I don't think Mohamed read Your article
I think Mohamed might be a robot
Were the rest of you... not already choosing what to believe based on the utility of those beliefs? It seems so fundamental to self-awareness.
In a fundamental sense, everyone does. But most people don't think of themselves as operating that way. They deny that instinct in themselves. They believe in objectivity and a real world. That's why so many arguments about religion focus on the question "are the gods real?", rather than "is religious thinking good or bad for us?" There's plenty of debate to be had about the utility of religion. Prayer healing works through the placebo effect. Religion is a part of programs like Alcoholics Anonymous. And on the other side, people argue that dogmatic thinking leads to oppression and atrocities. But most arguments about religion don't go along those lines of utility. What most people care about is reality and objective truth.
