Neither/nor: a pragmatic philosophy for oscillating between conceptual and experiential knowledge

Area of Science:

• Philosophy of Mind
• Epistemology
• Cognitive Science

Background:

• Traditional philosophical approaches often prioritize either abstract theory (concepts) or direct practice (experience).
• This dichotomy can lead to personal suffering and intellectual stagnation, termed 'latent Platonism'.
• Integrating diverse philosophical traditions, including skepticism, Buddhism, pragmatism, and cognitive science, offers a path forward.

Purpose of the Study:

• To present a philosophical synthesis, "Neither/Nor," that integrates conceptual and experiential knowing.
• To argue that neither mode of knowing is sufficient alone for personal flourishing or scientific advancement.
• To propose practical principles for training and oscillating between conceptual and experiential skills.

Main Methods:

• Philosophical synthesis drawing from Western and Eastern traditions.
• Analysis of 'latent Platonism' as a source of suffering and intellectual impasses.
• Development of five practical principles for integrating conceptual and experiential knowing.

Main Results:

• Conceptual and experiential knowing are complementary, trainable skills that can be deliberately oscillated.
• The "Neither/Nor" framework offers five principles to reduce suffering and enhance inquiry.
• This approach provides a pragmatic methodology for evaluating diverse philosophical positions.

Conclusions:

• Adopting the "Neither/Nor" framework fosters personal flourishing and more flexible approaches to complex challenges.
• Integrating conceptual and experiential knowing leads to reduced personal suffering and enhanced scientific inquiry.
• The framework promotes a pragmatic, process-oriented, and historically-aware approach to knowledge and living.