Now You Know Epistemology

The-Bitterroot-Mountains

Epistemology, means, well, you know: the study of knowledge.

In terms of being real (and discovering the real in RealTaiji!) consider 3 concepts:

  1. Input/Output
  2. Purposes of Beliefs
  3. Experience is Knowing

Input/Output

We each own various ways and vast potential for bringing information from the World into our bodies and minds. We gather information through sensory systems.

We see, hear, touch, taste, smell, and a lot more. We sense heat, weight, pressure, speed, locations of limbs in space, balance, and more. Each sense offers various ways of focusing intensely or softening and opening-up to a wider range of sensation.

While we gather input in various ways, we only output one thing: tension.

When we talk or gesture or walk or practice Taiji, all we can do is tense our muscles. Relaxation is not-doing; i.e. when we don’t tense, we do nothing. Actions roll between doing and not-doing, literally. Again, remember, this is way down: we’re focused on the nervous system.

It’s very physical: any implications or abstractions you might draw from this fundamental reality may be true too, but abstractions ride on this physical detail. (By the way, I’m not manipulating language: do and not-do reflect how our nervous system physically works.)

Relax: you’ll see more.

Purposes of Beliefs

From a physical reality perspective, beliefs limit our sensory input.

Like a fine strainer, beliefs provide existential relief to systems that would-be or could-be overwhelmed by too much sensational input. (Is that a belief? An experience?)

Beliefs are great at first. They develop naturally. They seem, at first, to keep us safe. And then, they inhibit, limit, and prevent experiencing what’s real.

Beliefs create internal tension.

To see more: relax.

Experience is Knowing

Many forces, the internet, educational institutions, your Mom and Dad, and more…insist that information is power. But we know better. Information is more like a map, a road-sign, or a clue.

When we get real, we realize that experience creates knowledge.

So What?

Watch the following video…gather some information about Epistemology.

What’s so real about Epistemology?

How’s that for flicking your mind?

Does attacking beliefs and beliefs systems cause turmoil, relief, or wonder? Let me know by leaving a note…

Either way, I hope studying knowledge…and releasing the hold that tension has on your senses…brings brilliance and vibrancy to your Real Taiji.

4 Responses to Now You Know Epistemology

  1. Jason says:
    3 November 2010 at 12:08 pm

    Great article. Some may say that what your are teaching is radical, especially when you talk about putting aside belief systems to determine through experience what is “real.” I recently read John Locke’s, “An Essay Concerning Human Understanding.” He made a very strong case for what you are saying. One of his main points is that all of our ideas come from sensory experience and the mind’s processing of these experiences. He then explained his views on determining truth or what is real through this creating and processing of ideas. These concepts seem to be how he approached life and through that approach discovered so many important philosophies that have significantly influenced our understanding of consciousness, human nature and politics. I really like the thought that we approach martial arts with this idea of open discovery instead of discovery hindered by belief systems and judgements.

    • Steven Smith says:
      13 November 2010 at 9:25 pm

      Yeah. It’s easy to get hemmed in by beliefs and judgments: and by language. Because experience is so base and fundamental, discussion even feels far removed from experience.

      I like your Locke vision, and I appreciate you connecting my simple article to such an astute philosopher.

  2. Nicola says:
    11 November 2010 at 8:23 am

    This is great. The beliefs systems bit makes sense but I think is hardest. Can approach doing some form of martial arts in an open way, but that is just a moment of openness when you begin some form of martial arts movement such as a form. I personally struggle with trying to shake off a belief system, getting distracted by thoughts or whatever which totally affect what and how I move next. It seems like you pay attention in order to notice that belief system, then once you’ve paid attention to it, not easy to then shake it off. I hope that kind of makes sense.

    • Steven Smith says:
      13 November 2010 at 9:29 pm

      Shaking-off is a great image for what we do to belief systems.

      It’s not easy to do; it might be even easier (or lazier?) to take on new belief systems…like when we engage in Taiji for the first time…a couple of ahas! can set a whole belief system in motion.