What is a method and what is a dogma

 

When reading the Method of Intrinsecus it is assumed that we all know what a “method” really is, and what it isn’t. But when we’re not versed in philosophical or scientific literature, it is easy to confuse “method” with “dogma”. As Academia Intrinseci is built around a method, but entirely rejects dogma, it is prudent to explain these two concepts more clearly.

Well known methods in our daily life are the scientific method, the method of logic, and the method of ranking sports teams. Well known dogmata are various religious dogmata, cooking recipes, and most laws. Essentially, a dogma tells you what to do, while a method tells you how to figure a thing out. If Academia Intrinseci would follow dogma instead of method, it would be a sect, cult, or religion. Academia Intrinseci is instead an Academy, and academies follow methods.

Academia Intrinseci seeks to teach us new ways to structure our thoughts so as to find a fulfilling life, without assuming the audacity to tell anyone what to do. Now, this can get confusing at some point, because not telling anyone what to do or not do will result in anarchy, which is not a state that the Academia currently envisions. Instead of dogma, the Academia accepts the concept of consensus: which is an agreed upon way to act.

An important difference between dogma and consensus is that consensus is always temporary. Consensus will only stay for as long as it serves the people, whereas dogma overstays its welcome. For example, the infamous York city law that states it is not punishable to shoot and kill a Scotsman if done with a crossbow and not on Sundays, is a dogma that overstayed its welcome. It made sense at the time of creation, but consensus has overruled that it doesn’t anymore. Our preference towards consensus indicates that we perpetually seek to update our views to better fit the spirit of the times.

However, as no single thing is ever entirely useless, Academia Intrinseci does accept one dogma: that there shall be no dogma. Instead, methods will ensure that all rules followed within the Academy are to be based on consensus.