Epistemology + Socionics = "Further reasoning for Quadra motivations"
To think or believe…
Philosophically speaking, when a person says that they "think" something to be true they do so with zealous probability of being "right" based on knowledge. However when a person says that they "believe" something to be true they do so with modest probability of being "wrong" based on belief.
Therefore I think the following (based on my previous integrations):
- The Alpha Quadra displays characteristics of "Gnosticism" to me;
- The Beta Quadra displays characteristics of "Agnosticism" to me;
- The Gamma Quadra demonstrates "Atheism" to me;
- The Delta Quadra demonstrates "Theism" to me;
What's important here is that these are my CURRENT perceptions until I change/refine these concepts in the future. When you've checked out some edutainments I've put together like Quadra Wars and Quadras or Quadrants you may begin to see what I see, think what I think etc. in regards to how these fit together.
The use of language is important here because I chose these terms to associate with the four quadras due to how I understand them. The goal here is to make a 4-way distinction for the result of creating new inferences to appreciate quadras further.
What is Gnosticism?
"A group of ancient heresies, stressing escape from this world through the acquisition of esoteric knowledge."
| "Adults are obsolete children." - Dr. Seuss |
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Knowledge-Based Transcendence
I have spoken to many Alpha men and women and one thing remains consistent between them. They all, including myself, have at some point or another made suggestions, inferences and ideas for attaining true prosperity. Its almost like we naturally "get it" in this regard. I haven't met one Alpha who never had ambition or an idea of what a prosperous life was actually all about.
It would indeed seem that "knowledge is the key to your success". For example, no matter how many "failures" I've had so far I have an "ace in the hole" with regards to not giving a damn, since I know that only through constant introspection can I achieve the results I ultimately want which are constantly being redefined and shaped. A bit like the way "Doctor Who" in television series Dr. Who comes across like a genius although when asked what he's doing he modestly replies with something like "I don't know, I'm just making this up as I go along" (in that Cybermen double-bill if I remember correctly!).
What is Agnosticism?
"An intellectual doctrine or attitude affirming the uncertainty of all claims to ultimate knowledge."
"I do not consider it an insult, but rather a compliment to be called an agnostic.
I do not pretend to know where many ignorant men are sure, that is all that
agnosticism means." — Clarence Darrow |
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Knowledge-Based Realism
I know many Beta men and women who all appear (to me) to have something in common. They all have good worldly (or secular) knowledge, they don't get bogged down by "the unknown god". There's no known logic to manifest a belief in "him?" the same way we would remain honestly ignorant of anything until we have absolute proof, without question or doubt. The most religious agnostics I know are simply spiritualists, which is a clear distinction from one who believes in the Almighty. They appreciate the idea or concept of the "soul" and that we're all meant to live a meaningful life and any trials and tribulations along the way represent spiritual "tests".
Thus indeed it would seem that they have a "rich cultural heritage" of rituals and spiritual enlightenments. For example, no matter what the cost to achieve something we can rest assured that it will all be worth it in the end. By having an honest perspective on the un-know-ability of a supreme being they are released from irrational acts of self-sacrifice and worship freeing them up to pursue a worthy life of achievement and honor.
What is Atheism?
"The doctrine or belief that there is no God."
"The history of intellectual progress is written
in the lives of infidels." — The Great Infidels, 1881 |
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Belief-Based Rationalism
I have met many Gamma men and women who display similar characteristics (to me). They all seem to have a sensitivity to the irrational such as those bold enough to suggest radical new ways of thinking to the person who simply acts "crazy" by no scientific definition except that he (or she) empirically appears "mad". The most religious atheists I've ever met have simply been traditionalists with a respect for their "other half", the theists. However after much observation I can just sense how their is no real belief in any god per se. In fact the whole "religious science" of Scientology is testament to a Gamma enterpriser capitalizing on the needs of those who need something to believe in. I, myself have even succumb to this irrational desire, enough to "buy the book" quite literally albeit in the name of research and skepticism.
Don't make me angry with your Gamma rays (reference to The Hulk) in the sense that we should all just get along like "one big corporate family". This is the complete opposite to the ideals of an individualist. I think that an atheistic non-belief in a supreme being is still a belief albeit a negative one. Since its a negative belief it automatically doesn't have to be proved because how can one prove the obviousness of something we can't see, smell, hear, taste or touch etc. By having a lack of belief in a "scapegoat" they are free to achieve prosperity by any means possible knowing it will come through their own efforts and those of others. However the lack of morality inherent stereotypically in atheists would raise cause for concern in regards to how they choose to "exploit" human resources hence the old economy model. (See world-view-economies).
What is Theism?
"Belief in the existence of a god or gods (opposed to atheism)."
| "A deist is someone who has not lived long enough to become an atheist." — Diderot |
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Belief-Based Irrationalism
It would seem that "by default" many Delta men and women I have encountered believe in some universal power that governs everything. To believe for example in "creation science" or "intelligent design" as an explanation for how we came to exist in the first place. By spending countless amounts of time concerned by this apparent problem this Quadra represents "communism" to me, in both the social and political sense. In other words, with the search for "ultimate truth" taking up their priorities they have little or no time to achieve prosperity in the (traditional) capitalistic sense of amounting great wealth and material goods.
From experience I have known the odd religious teacher, rabbi or whomever that "lived comfortably" like a "closet atheist" (i.e. a modest capitalist) though always remained "held back" by some pursuit of "higher purposes" and their role in service of "the lord as my shepherd". I also know a friend who wants to do something for the local community although has little or no care for actually making money from their venture. I have also worked for children's charity Barnardo's long enough to realize that they take their "non-profit" mantra a bit too seriously to the point of falling "behind the times" with regards to fund-raising.
So, "communists" or perhaps "religious conservationists" represent the opposing counter-balance to atheistic "capitalists" who strive for industrial developments albeit at the cost of the planet's resources.
"Wisdom is your perspective on life, your sense of balance, your understanding of how the various parts and principles apply and relate to each other. It embraces judgment, discernment, comprehension. It is a gestalt or oneness, and integrated wholeness." — Stephen R. Covey
| "Knowledge is a process of piling up facts; wisdom lies in their simplification." — Martin Fischer |
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From concepts to realities…
I think the natural course of progression for the Alpha and Beta Quadras is to slowly and surely decrease their tensions and learn to embrace the other. For example, Alpha's become more extrospective in getting results whilst Beta's become more introspective in refining their mêlée with life.
From Communists to capitalists…
I think the nature course of progression for the Gamma and Delta Quadras is to increasingly realize their need for the other's way of thinking. For example, Gamma's become more philanthropic in the community whilst Delta's learn to throw caution the wind and extort the market like "pseudo-capitalists".
The Mirror Universe
Its time to bring Star Trek back into the mix again. In all the series as I know it I would say that it represented the "best of Alpha-Beta" working together struggling against the growing "paradox of Gamma-Delta" whom never came together in any of the movies or episodes.
Individualism (live to prosper) vs. Collectivism (live to exploit)
