Reference: Course on Subject Clearing
When studying a subject one should be able to detect the hidden assumptions and distortions present in it. This is especially necessary when one is studying the fundamentals of a subject. Such distortions can be very pervasive. They may even enter the definitions of words provided in dictionaries. One should be able to detect such assumptions and distortions and clear them up.
In Subject Clearing, we refer to these things that do no make sense as ANOMALIES. The anomalies stand out because of their inconsistency with reality. Since one’s perception of reality itself may be corrupted by anomalies, it is important to define what reality is.
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Reality
The integrity of reality underlies the very concept of universe. The word UNIVERSE is derived from a Latin root, which means “entire, all, literally, turned into one.” Therefore, the reality of the universe is the continuous, consistent and harmonious aspect that can be seen as ONE. When applying the scientific method, it is the consistency of observations that one is seeking. Any inconsistency alerts one to something amiss.
We define reality as that continuous, consistent and harmonious aspect of the universe which is perceived as ONE.
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Anomaly
The dictionary defines “anomaly” as something irregular, odd, peculiar, or strange condition, situation, quality, etc. It is an incongruity or inconsistency. A violation of the integrity of reality would be an anomaly.
Since reality has the quality of continuity, consistency and harmony, we may provide a formal definition for ANOMALY as follows.
We define anomaly as any violation of the integrity of reality, such as, discontinuity (missing data), inconsistency (contradictory data), or disharmony (arbitrary data).
An anomaly flags the presence of a hidden impression on the mind, which is generally expressed in the form of an assumption. A fixed assumption or idea then leads to a distortion of what one views. When the hidden impression on the mind is discovered, it collapses the assumption and its resultant fixed ideas. As the consequence, there are realizations, which resolve the anomaly.
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Other Definitions
In his Data Series, Hubbard defines anomalies in the form of the following outpoints. Outpoint is generated when one,
- Omits a fact.
- Changes sequence of events.
- Drops out time.
- Adds a falsehood.
- Alters importance.
In other words, for Hubbard reality has the following properties.
- All relevant facts are known.
- Events are in actual sequence.
- Time is properly noted.
- The data is true or valid.
- Relative importances amongst the data are recognized.
Hubbard doesn’t go as far as recognizing the ONENESS of reality, but his Data Series is a brilliant piece of work.
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The Key words and their Definitions
Arranging key words in logical sequence may reveal anomalies. Incomplete definitions of the key words may also reveal anomalies. They may at first appear as something puzzling. But closer examination may reveal the exact anomaly.
A claim made in a subject without further explanation is a postulate. A postulate, at best, is an educated assumption. Every subject starts with a postulate. That is normal. But when there is a postulate in the middle of a subject, it is more likely an assumption that is hiding some gap in knowledge. When the gaps in knowledge becomes clear, then real progress also becomes possible.
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Subjects
There are likely to be many contributors to a subject. For example, many different cultures have contributed to the broad subject of religious knowledge. Religions were the earliest attempts at understanding this universe. We find many gaps in knowledge among otherwise deep and astute observations.
When we look at religion as one subject we may find many similar concepts referred to by different words in different cultures. When we seek consistency among these concepts we may develop a deeper understanding of the universe.
It is the resolution of anomalies that leads to deeper knowledge.
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Purpose of Study
The true purpose of study is to resolve anomalies as you come across them. The anomalies that you come across are either in the materials you study, or in your own thinking. The resolution of anomalies develops a clarity of mind and the ability to think fast on your feet.
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