Freethought & Rationalism Archive

bd-from-kg · 02-02-2003, 05:25 PM

To all:

Actually the argument that ReasonableDoubt is referring to is pretty respectable. But it doesn�t quite work, IMO. At any rate, it was debated at mind-numbing length on this thread a while back.

Clutch · 02-02-2003, 07:59 PM

bd,

Quote:

To all:

Actually the argument that ReasonableDoubt is referring to is pretty respectable.

Well, I don't know what argument RD is "referring to", apart from the argument he actually gives. And that argument is not "respectable" since, among other things, it equates naturalism with reductionism-to-physics.

7thangel · 02-02-2003, 08:45 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by ReasonableDoubt
What's an atheistic reply to the following argument:

If naturalism is true, then the ultimate explanation for anything is either
1. Chance
2. Physical Law
3. Some combination of chance & physical law

If everything is random, then our thoughts are also random. We then have no reason to think our thoughts contain truth or correspond to reality.
If everything is an effect that flows from a prior, natural, irrational cause, we again have no reason to think our thoughts contain truth. Our thoughts are merely the product of chemical reactions and natural causes, but may not correspond to reality.
If everything is a combination, the same effect occurs.

Is this good reason to doubt the deliverances of our belief forming processes? And if so, what are the implications?

WOW! Just thinking, in what POWER that I have the will to defy science to have eternal life?

Me, being bound by the natural laws, like to defy natural laws because of something good? Is that illogical?

I guess my SPIRIT is too demanding.

Silent Acorns · 02-03-2003, 10:39 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by philechat
else we will be stuck with the diamond/granite question, where both objects are formed from the same element.

Just to pick a small nit:

I think you meant diamond/graphite. Diamond and graphite are both made of pure carbon while granite is made of silicon oxide (aka silicate).

philechat · 02-03-2003, 11:48 AM

Okay, I admit of using the wrong word (much to do with English as my second language, lol)

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02-02-2003, 05:25 PM	#21
bd-from-kg Veteran Member Join Date: Jul 2000 Location: King George, VA Posts: 1,400	To all: Actually the argument that ReasonableDoubt is referring to is pretty respectable. But it doesn�t quite work, IMO. At any rate, it was debated at mind-numbing length on this thread a while back.

02-03-2003, 11:48 AM	#25
philechat Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2002 Location: Mind of the Other Posts: 886	Okay, I admit of using the wrong word (much to do with English as my second language, lol)

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