Freethought & Rationalism Archive

Datheron · 03-08-2002, 11:09 PM

Blu,

Quote:

I think what you wrote about "throwing this idea away," is sad. I would much rather see nothing thrown away. Ideas should be explored and theories should be explored.

We have explored this idea; I just did so right now. And at least I have concluded that the idea is not feasible. Hence, I throw it away, instead of trying to keep the discussion politically correct (PC).

Quote:

At one end of the spectrum there are people against something and then on the other end of the spectrum are people who outright believe and there is nothing you can do to say or do that will change there mind. Both ends of the spectrum are representative to a closed state of mind. Once you find yourself stuck there, discoveries are few and far in between. For that reason, I think it is sad.

Then you're obviously constructing a strawman. You're acting as if I rejected your proposal out of hand, which I did not; rather, I carefully analyzed the situation, applied some rigorous logic to the shebang, and then figured out that such an idea does not work.

Note that there is a difference between being close-minded, and being conclusive. The former, I agree with you that those that refuse to listen to alternate viewpoints do indeed procede nowhere, and are sad cases. However, in deriving a conclusion based on evidence and reason, and keeping that conclusion unless proven otherwise is the epitome of logical and reasonable thinking - i.e. free thought. Just because you come up with an idea that cannot be justified by any means possible does not mean that I have to accept it, or be somehow labelled "close-minded".

Quote:

THere is a middle ground. NEither believing or disbelieving, someone who still asks questions and is not afraid or unwilling to "hear" other people theories or ideas.

I think a lot of good researchers would have to take a middle ground.

But that's all you want to do - hear theories and nod your head. Don't you see how opinionless you become?

Quote:

"Putting a scientific attitude into practice requires not only skepticism but also humility because we may have to reject our own ideas. What matters is not my opinion or yours, but the truths nature reveals in response to our questioning."

Humility, skepticism, and questioning are the words that need to be focused one.

I ask a lot of questions, my mind is still open, and I do not accept it when someone says that can't be true etc etc.

...and we also expect something to come from such questioning, i.e. conclusions. If you're just saying that we question these ideas, yet are not allowed to come to definitive conclusions for holding an actual stance defies free thought, then you obviously have it all wrong.

Quote:

If you read the book of Genesis, I will then be able to discuss evolution from the point of view of the Bible.

<shakes head>
Fine. You can go ahead and discuss the finer points of Biblical evolution. I would suggest taking it on the E&C forum, though, for you will find more "open-minded scientists" from that flock who are knowledgable enough to show you where you are wrong.

phlebas · 03-09-2002, 03:55 AM

Interesting discussion. Unfortunately, not really focusing on the Existence of God at this point. Off to... hmmm... Philosophy, I think.

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03-09-2002, 03:55 AM	#52
phlebas Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2000 Location: Metropolis Posts: 916	Interesting discussion. Unfortunately, not really focusing on the Existence of God at this point. Off to... hmmm... Philosophy, I think.

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