Freethought & Rationalism Archive

Hobbs · 07-31-2002, 10:13 AM

Or, WJ, if you don't want to answer the Santa Claus question, perhaps you wouldn't mind answering this one:

Suppose a child hears a noise outside his window at night. He interprets it to be a monster which desires to eat him. He hears the noise again, and then again. Then he hears more noises, different noises this time, but still consistent with the hypothesis that a child-eating monster is outside his window trying to get in. He feels afraid, very afraid. His fear is deep; it shakes him to his core.

Now, what is the object of his fear? The monster, of course. But is his fear, his real and powerful and inescapable emotion, really of anything that exists objectively outside his mind? Something caused the noises, but it could have been the wind blowing a branch against the side of the house. His feelings are real. His concept of a monster really is in his head. But there is no real objectively existing monster outside his window.

WJ, is this scenario plausible? Is it plausible that someone could interpret experiences in a certain way and feel real emotions as a result of those interpretations? Would the reality of those emotions then be adequate evidence that the interpretations of the experiences are accurate?

Koyaanisqatsi · 07-31-2002, 10:13 AM

What would be the essence of that Devilnaut and could you prove it through your logic?

Hobbs · 07-31-2002, 10:15 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Koyaanisqatsi:
Excuse me, I am the essence of the concept anti-ignorant slut that lives subjectively outside everyone's mind that I can't consistently prove through logic!

My mistake.

No problem. That's perfectly understandable.

Devilnaut · 07-31-2002, 10:17 AM

Does it really matter? The essence of my logical mode of thought has already been demonstrated to be more reliable than an elephant without a home, which is all that your worldview is!

Koyaanisqatsi · 07-31-2002, 10:18 AM

What do you mean and can you prove it through your aposterior logic?

Darwin's Finch · 07-31-2002, 10:21 AM

Maybe a walrus-speak contest is in order. (Of course, I can't prove that through logic.)

Hobbs · 07-31-2002, 10:21 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Koyaanisqatsi:
What do you mean and can you prove it through your aposterior logic?

My posterior will deposit a whole pile of logic all over your concepts.

Koyaanisqatsi · 07-31-2002, 10:27 AM

Hey! How can I go door-to-door selling my atheism with potty talk like that proved through the essence of your aposterior logic?

Jayhawker Soule · 07-31-2002, 10:32 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Devilnaut:
Does it really matter?

Damn you, Devilnaut, yes it does! Why the hell did you have to come up with that 'evidence' concept. Now we're stuck with it.

Next time, try to keep your damn a priori to yourself.

DRFseven · 07-31-2002, 10:54 AM

Quote:

Hobbs: WJ, is this scenario plausible? Is it plausible that someone could interpret experiences in a certain way and feel real emotions as a result of those interpretations? Would the reality of those emotions then be adequate evidence that the interpretations of the experiences are accurate?

I've already tried to illustrate this with the real-life "love for the toy horse" example. He refuses to acknowledge.

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07-31-2002, 10:13 AM	#91
Hobbs Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2000 Posts: 929	Or, WJ, if you don't want to answer the Santa Claus question, perhaps you wouldn't mind answering this one: Suppose a child hears a noise outside his window at night. He interprets it to be a monster which desires to eat him. He hears the noise again, and then again. Then he hears more noises, different noises this time, but still consistent with the hypothesis that a child-eating monster is outside his window trying to get in. He feels afraid, very afraid. His fear is deep; it shakes him to his core. Now, what is the object of his fear? The monster, of course. But is his fear, his real and powerful and inescapable emotion, really of anything that exists objectively outside his mind? Something caused the noises, but it could have been the wind blowing a branch against the side of the house. His feelings are real. His concept of a monster really is in his head. But there is no real objectively existing monster outside his window. WJ, is this scenario plausible? Is it plausible that someone could interpret experiences in a certain way and feel real emotions as a result of those interpretations? Would the reality of those emotions then be adequate evidence that the interpretations of the experiences are accurate?

07-31-2002, 10:13 AM	#92
Koyaanisqatsi Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2000 Location: Yes, I have dyslexia. Sue me. Posts: 6,508	What would be the essence of that Devilnaut and could you prove it through your logic?

07-31-2002, 10:17 AM	#94
Devilnaut Regular Member Join Date: Mar 2001 Location: Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada Posts: 374	Does it really matter? The essence of my logical mode of thought has already been demonstrated to be more reliable than an elephant without a home, which is all that your worldview is!

07-31-2002, 10:18 AM	#95
Koyaanisqatsi Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2000 Location: Yes, I have dyslexia. Sue me. Posts: 6,508	What do you mean and can you prove it through your aposterior logic?

07-31-2002, 10:21 AM	#96
Darwin's Finch Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2001 Location: Gardnerville, NV Posts: 666	Maybe a walrus-speak contest is in order. (Of course, I can't prove that through logic.)

07-31-2002, 10:27 AM	#98
Koyaanisqatsi Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2000 Location: Yes, I have dyslexia. Sue me. Posts: 6,508	Hey! How can I go door-to-door selling my atheism with potty talk like that proved through the essence of your aposterior logic?

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