Too often, a (dominant) semantic based culture confuses an idea with its implementation. However, this is not wise. The way an idea is implemented (and the context within which it is interpreted) can have important consequences…. The statement “All Cretians are liars” may be an example of reprehensible prejudice when expressed by others -but becomes a complex paradox when spoken by a Cretian.

The Wikipedia says of Sufi belief: “The essence of Being/Truth/God is devoid of every form and quality, and hence unmanifested, yet it is inseparable from every form and phenomenon either material or spiritual. It is often understood to imply that every phenomenon is an aspect of Truth and at the same time attribution of existence to it is false.”

Surely, it is this danger of confusing the (phenomenalogical) manifestation (which on some level must be true) with the representation (which is likely to be false -if misinterpreted) that underlies the Zen warning not to confuse the finger (that points) with the moon (which is being pointed at)…..

Perhaps the dangers of a potential confusion between the phenomenon and its representation also lies behind the Jewish/Muslim and early (Orthodox) Christian taboo on visual representations of living creatures. A taboo which created the original “Iconoclasts” and played an important role in splitting eastern and western churches in Rome and Constantinople….. A split which is still apparent within Europe today.

Postmodernist confusion regarding the value of simulacra might well have disaterous consequences for us all…..