Re: The scientific status of PCP

Gary Blanchard (garyb@pics.com)
Fri, 21 Jun 1996 06:31:42 -0700

Dear Bob-

Thanks for your latest post, in which you wrote:
>
> Gary, I find it interesting that you have commented several times - quite
> negatively - on the possibility that those in this group who are developing
> theoretical or empirical research projects from Kelly's framework, are
> perhaps enmeshed in a psychology of hero worship. I for one haven't read
> enough of Kelly to be near to that danger. But what I would like to suggest
> to you is that your last communication quite clearly shows an emotional
> attachment and cognitively blinding absorption in the Maturana/Varela
> framework. You appear to be nearly sanctifying Winogrand/Flores also. And
> the final distinction between "understanding" and "getting it" is quite
> scary. It appears to come close, as a construct, to conversion - as an
> opposite to mere understanding. I can understand the philosophy of Jesus or
> Buddha or Mohammed, without "getting it" or should we say, commiting to
> living the truths that are found through understanding.
>
> I'm not sure you are prepared to respond to this assessment. But I feel
> obliged to offer it, since my field of study (ideology) - and my plumbing
> of the Marxist tradition for insight - have subjected me to just this sort
> of challenge - the challenge to refrain from pinning my life exclusively on
> intellectual or practical emancipatory activities.

>Robert Parks--------------------------------------
Bob-

So, then, would I be correct to infer that this last sentence defines
your opinion of YOUR ruling life paradigm, to which you say you are
firmly committed?

If so, what have you 'pinned' your life to? How do you 'know' that?

How do you 'know' so clearly that you are correct? Or do you? Or are
you uncertain?

I guess I'd like to know more about your situation and orientation, the
better to get a sense of where you're coming from.

I look forward to hearing from you.

Sincerely, Gary

PS Did I mention that I have a little training in what I think I recall
as your field: Political Science? Namely, BA, Honors, UNC Chapel Hill;
MPA, Woodrow Wilson School, Princeton, Political Science. Related other
post-graduate and professional courses, Univ. of Pa. and elsewhere.

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