This is a good post. I wish I'd read it earlier.

Whoa, new comment system!

The somewhat scientific mode of discourse was a little harder for a small brain like mine to wade through than the discussion of the solipsist. But still very enjoyable. I came across some 'warm' discussion while at the Engineering dept. precisely because epistemological differences between the scientists and those calling themselves Critical Realists. Ironically, much of the heat was due to the fact that the scientists' seemed unable to comprehend that they even had an epistemology.