Logically Screaming Fire in a Crowded Building

Hadison:  I see.  You've done it again, haven't you?  You've made me do the philosophical legwork again, right?

Socrato:  To paraphrase your earlier statement, friend, if someone engages in work then they must think that work has value.  They must believe in it.

Hadison:  Well since I've already led us here, suppose you do the summarizing again, friend.

Socrato:  Very well.  Beliefs and philosophical ideas can be the same things.

Hadison:  Can be?  Why so vague?

Socrato:  One can believe in the spirit of friendship but possess no logical means of explaining that belief.

Hadison:  Agreed.  I'd go one step further, Socrato, and say that belief is always a step under a philosophical idea.  What I mean is that a belief, by definition, stands alone without logical supports.

Socrato:  There is no need to divorce the two entirely.  I think that on some occasions, people have beliefs that they can support in a logical manner - while on other occasions, people have beliefs that they can not support in a logical manner.

Hadison:  That may be a reflection of their character in general, yes?

Socrato:  Perhaps, but that isn't the point.

Hadison:  I suspect it may be later when you are thinking of who should lead your ideal form of government.

Socrato:  Undoubtedly yes, friend.  It is a good point that we shall table for later.

Hadison:  Fair enough, we'll stick to the foundation work then.  I suppose you are right about belief.  Sometimes people have a reasonable means to support their beliefs and sometimes they don't.

Socrato:  Beliefs can be tied to philosophical ideas.  Perhaps that is a better re-statement.

Hadison:  Beliefs can lead to philosophical ideas?

Socrato:  A particular belief, especially one that an individual strongly holds, may not be the best way to stride into an endeavor that requires logic and a willingness to admit error.

Hadison:  Well said.  Perhaps belief should be removed from the equation and philosophy made to pour the concrete.

Socrato:  To mirror you, friend, I think later we may need to examine the value of having belief, and indeed a strong emotional component to a belief, as a great asset when thinking about the philosophical tenets of our ideal government.

Hadison:  I can see your distant leap, Socrato.  I commend it - even if it lands in a different place than I may wish for it to land.

Socrato:  I appreciate your faith, Hadsion.

Hadison:  Very well.  Beliefs can be tied to philosophical ideas.

Socrato:  Indeed.  And again, we are examining that root idea that citizens of an ideal government should be free to share their philosophical ideas.

Hadison:  Which in turn means they should be able to share their beliefs, yes?

Socrato:  Mostly.  I think again here we must be cautious.