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    %COMPLIMENTARY/CONFLICTING IDEALS VALUES TRUTHS+950314
    %PERSPECTIVES POSITION DESCRIPTIONS ASSUMPTIONS+950314
    %ATTITUDES BELIEFS PARADIGMS ROLES MODELS GOODS+950314
       %DEVIL MORALITY ETHICS PRINCIPLES RULES LAWS 950314

     Truths,   ideals,  values,  perspectives,  positions,
descriptions,  assumptions, attitudes, beliefs, paradigms,
roles, models,  and principles---which may appear to be in
conflict---are often complementary to each other.

     Differences  may be differences in our  perspectives.
One object viewed from two different positions relative to
the  object will look different;  yet be recognized as the
same object  by reasonable and  intelligent people of good
will.  The full nature of the object becomes known only as
people who  view  it from different perspectives  describe
their different experiences of the object,   and  describe
the perspectives from which they viewed the object.

     Einstein's  theories  of  relativity  are  not  about
indifference    to   perspectives,    differences,     and
experiences.  The theories take very careful consideration
of  the differences in perspectives from which object  are
viewed  to be in motion---and describe in exquisite detail
how  those differences in perspective result  in  dramatic
differences   in  the  measurements  of  space  and   time
intervals  between  uniquely  identifiable  events.    The
results of the measurements are different  because  of the
different  perspectives  from which the measurements  were
made  because  of  the  relative   motions  of   observers
considering the same uniquely identifiable events.

     Properly   understood,    Einstein's   theories    of
relativity  do  not translate into moral or  philosophical
relativism.  They may translate into accurate descriptions
of the differences between different people's descriptions
of   the   relationships   among  objects,    people   and
relationships;   which  may  be anywhere in  the  spectrum
between purely objective and purely reflexive.

     What  may  appear  to us to  be  conflicting  ideals,
values,   and  truths---are often  in  fact  complementary
ideals,  values and truths.    Dichotomous and contentious
assumptions,    attitudes   and  dispositions---can   turn
complementary ideals, values and truths into occasions for
conflict  within and among people and  their  communities.
Differences need not occasion conflict.   Differences  can
facilitate cooperation and enrichment.

     Often  our  problems with differences relate  to  the
fact  that we do not want to accept the reality  of  human
limits and limitations placed upon us by our contexts.  We
often  wish  our  situation were other than  it  is,   and
pretend that it  is other than it is.   Such pretense does
not  lead  to wise decisions and actions.   Such  pretense
does  not  help us  to resolve apparent conflicts  between
ideals, values and truths.   If we are honest we can often
find   ways      to  resolve  apparent  conflicts  between
ideals,  values and truths.   If we are dishonest we often
find  ways  to  be      in conflict regarding our  ideals,
values and truths.

                                                                                                                               
                         (c) 2005 by Paul A. Smith in      
                    (On Being Yourself, Whole and Healthy)  
                                                                                                                               
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