i was watching an episode of star trek: next generation with my parents this evening when a real knowledge issue was raised. the klingon people had just seen the return of the supposed 'kahless', a man who was a legend in their culture, much like beowulf, and who was seen as a hero and role model.
commander data, an android, approaches lieutenant warf, who is a klingon and proceeds to have this conversation.
"in the absence of emperical data how can you tell if this is the real Kahless?"
"it is not an empirical matter, it is a matter of faith"
"faith. and you do believe Kahless may have supernatural attributes?as an android i am unable to accept that which cannot be proven through rational means, i'd appreciate hearing your insights on this matter"
"perhaps another time commander, i do not believe i can provide much insight at this moment."
this is exactly what we have been discussing in class for the past couple of weeks. what makes something truth? does it have to be absolute, or justified empirically? it's nice to know we aren't the only ones discussing knowledge issues.
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