FM> The Academy of Science had, apparently, decided to take this unusual
 FM> step
 FM> due to circumstances and I applaud it.  Creationists will, of
 KK> course, leap on FM>this as an example (for them) that the sciences are
 KK> doctrinal.  But I think FM>they are grasping for straws.
 KK> Yes, but with several millions of dollars to grasp with, alas.
 KK> The myth definitely has its place in humanity
 FM> but NOT in working science.  But science must ALSO recognize the
 KK> persistence FM>of myth as a part of reality - as I think I've seen you
 KK> affirm as well.
 KK> For one thing, people don't seem to do well without an unconscious
 KK> 'story' for their lives.  As Eric Berne argued in the 60's, kids have
 KK> such a strong need for a story identity -- script hunger -- that they
 KK> will accept even a loser script and dutifully act it out (unconsciously,
 KK> of course).  I've sometimes wondered if anyone in the philosophy biz has
 KK> ever compared Berne with existentialism.
 KK> See how neatly I got this back on topic?
   I wasn't aware there had been any lapse from the topic, Keith.  I'm not
sure, either, about the necessity for myths being "unconscious stories"
although I guess they CAN be.  We seem to decide quite easily and consciously
that "mankind" is a kind of "crown of creation" and the idea of progress is a
very conscious notion although very much in the realm of myth when considered
in the overall aspect.  We work for "world peace" (nothing anybody has EVER
experienced) and in 1912, acting in accordance with outmoded law but quite
within the realm of myth somebody sent the Titanic out with insufficient
provision for lifeboats.  We really don't even know to this day where the
notion of "unsinkability" came from except within the general fin de siecle
myth that had developed in western civilization at the time that 
nternational
treaties, courts and law could make major wars unthinkable and technology
could make big liners unsinkable.  Note that NASA certainly doesn't follow 
ny
such nonsense, YET.    I think that if we're still known about 5,000 years
from now OUR myths will be quite well known and obvious.  
Sincerely, 
                                     Frank
                                                                              
                                                       
--- PPoint 2.05
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