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The Virtue Of An Open Mind?
Is an Open Mind an Exercise in Relativism?

It is virtuous to be open-minded, right? Well, maybe not. At least about some things.

* * *

Here is the deal. Being open-minded or close-minded, in and of itself, is morally neutral. It is kind of like faith. Having faith, for the sake of having faith, means nothing. The question is, what is the object of your faith? Likewise, what are you open-minded or close-minded about?

Read the remainder of the essay from The Dawn Treader here.

Comments

Layman said…
I have often heard it said that mind is like a parachute: it only works when its open.

In response to this, I have pointed out that a parachute -- like an open mind -- is intended to deliver you safely onto solid ground. If you keep your chute open once you've reached solid ground, you'll get blown around and hurt yourself.

So its good to have a parachute, but it's also good to stand firm on solid ground if you are fortunate enough to find it.
7/03/2004 11:30:00 AM
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