Time for a quick poll:

- How likely is it to you that there is some historical person behind the figure of Caesar as known from the ancient records?

- How likely is it to you that there is some historical person behind the figure of Jesus as known from the ancient records?

- How likely is it to you that there is some historical person behind the figure of Hercules as known from the ancient records?

My estimates:

98%, 75%, 5%

And you?

fG

I believe that there is sufficient evidence to convince me 100% of the existence of Caesar; more than one Caesar, in fact.

As to the other two: 0%

Unless we are talking about Jesus the Essene and not Jesus of Nazareth.

Pretty good percentages. Myself, I know Jesus Christ existed. His father was Joseph (with his holy hat on he was a different person, some kind of spirit). Jesus was born in 7 b.c.e. and died about seventy years later. Julius Caesar existed. Hercules, I have always enjoyed him as a mythological character.

Thanks, Offa

How likely is it to you that there is some historical person behind the figure of Caesar as known from the ancient records?

99%

How likely is it to you that there is some historical person behind the figure of Jesus as known from the ancient records?

99%

How likely is it to you that there is some historical person behind the figure of Hercules as known from the ancient records?

1%

I think you bring out a good point in showing that absolute certitude is not possible in the area of ancient history. This is what the Christians on this board have been trying to demonstrate. By definition, we should believe something is true if we believe it to be more than 50% probable. As much as SOME skeptics hate to admit, we all rely on faith to make up the difference. I don’t think anyone who labels themselves as a “free thinker” should be putting 100% or 0% as the probability of any ancient historical event. Doing so is anything but “free thinking” and as dogmatic as the most zealous religious fundamentalist.

Peace,

Polycarp

P.S. I assume when you say "Caesar" you mean Julius Caesar.


[This message has been edited by Polycarp (edited May 02, 2001).]

I assume you are referring to me, polycarp, so let me respond in kind. The question, as put, was "how likely is it TO YOU...." Well, to me, my percentages are as I relayed them since, being a free-thinker, I have examined the evidence and quite freely arrived at my conclusion. It doesn't mean I am right or wrong and it doesn't make me "dogmatic"... it is simply my opinion based on what I know. If and when some further evidence of which I am unaware is produced, I will be happy to examine it, at which time I may change my opinion.... or not, as is my absolute right as a "free" thinker.

[This message has been edited by katlynnhow (edited May 02, 2001).]

Quote:

<font face="Verdana, Arial" size="2">Originally posted by katlynnhow: I assume you are referring to me, polycarp, so let me respond in kind. The question, as put, was "how likely is it TO YOU...." Well, to me, my percentages are as I relayed them since, being a free-thinker, I have examined the evidence and quite freely arrived at my conclusion. It doesn't mean I am right or wrong and it doesn't make me "dogmatic"... it is simply my opinion based on what I know. If and when some further evidence of which I am unaware is produced, I will be happy to examine it, at which time I may change my opinion.... or not, as is my absolute right as a "free" thinker.

Yes, you do have the absolute right to be absolutely wrong. If being 100% certain of something doesn't make someone dogmatic, then what in the world does "dogmatic" mean? Does truth change from one day to the next? I'm trying to figure out how you can be 100% certain of something yet still open to changing your mind. If you're 100% certain, then you are saying there is 0% chance of being wrong. If you have zero chance of being wrong today, then how could truth change tomorrow.

Ahh... relativism is such fun. Aristotle is spinning in his grave.

Peace,

Polycarp

Caesar--90%

Jesus of Nazareth--50% (I'm currently masticating Doherty's theories)

Hercules--0.1%

Caesar--99%
Jesus of Nazareth--95% hmmmm, from 'Q' I'd say some of the stories are based on a real person

Hercules--0 This is tough, sinse these stories are based on older tales of Gilgamesh (who was a real King)

Polycarp.... truth DOES change, all the time. Once upon a time, people believed the world was FLAT... until they learned that it was NOT. You see, they lacked the evidence to convince them they were wrong. Once the evidence was introduced, the truth of their world changed.

Dogmatic - 1. Pertaining to a dogma, or to an established and authorized doctrine or tenet.

I do not subscribe to an established and/or authorized doctrine. I can be 100% sure now and not tomorrow because I know that at any moment, some heretofore unknown piece of information may be revealed which may or may not have the power to convince me I am wrong. This is why I am a "free-thinker"..... But I have my opinions, based on the evidence.... Caesar was a real historical person, Jesus and Hercules were not. I do not insist that you agree with me because I want you to be a free-thinker also.

95% +/- 5%
50% +/- 50%
5% +/- 5%