(Short and I hope, sweet)
Hello Roberto,
Thursday, November 11, 1999, 2:17:25 PM, you wrote:
RV> From the descriptions, it sounds to me as if HACCP, like the
RV> California organic law, is really about small organic farm
RV> elimination, wrapped in technical mumbo-jumbo...
RV> Roberto
Quite a while back, a long thread ensued regarding the role and
significance of science in the development and implementation of
biological processes.
It seems as though the composition of this list has changed to a
degree, and perhaps the proportion of those that farm or are involved
with farming out of love or personal conviction has diminished in
proportion to others, that depending on your point of view, could be
classified to a greater or lesser degree as: Professionals, academics,
consultants, mercenaries, industry (or governmental) representatives,
researchers - these are just a few classification methods that come to
mind.
The point is this: Science itself is a discipline, a method that
classifies phenomena in a consistent and logical manner. But logic
itself at some point (at it's base), depends on assumptions - and that
is faith, and if you will (*I* certainly will), purpose, intentions.
The Philosophy of Science (like the philosophy of anything else),
depends on metaphysics.
Medicine, which is certainly a classic science (when exercised
properly), postulates that it's FIRST principle is "Do No Harm" (the
Hippocratic Oath). That is, no doctor is a good doctor (and by
corollary, no scientist is a good scientist) unless his heart is in
the right place, first and foremost. While this may not be *enough*,
it *is* a prerequisite.
It is difficult for science to classify the meaning of the words
"heart" and "right" in this context, but the importance of their
meaning precedes science itself and forms an indispensable ingredient,
that's basic to the quality of the science performed.
HACCP has little relevance to an organic farm except to the degree
that it can be used to further the inherent goals of organic farming,
organic farmers and the consumers of organic products.
It is a systems approach that as stated earlier, is true to its name,
and not much more. (Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point, used
principally in meat packing and food processing operations).
Douglas Hinds
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