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Author Topic:   I Know That God Does Not Exist
Stile
Member
Posts: 4295
From: Ontario, Canada
Joined: 12-02-2004


Message 1651 of 3207 (859524)
08-01-2019 9:53 AM
Reply to: Message 1642 by Phat
07-31-2019 4:31 PM


Re: No evidence = irrational
Thugpreacha writes:
Given that you *know* there are two possible answers, namely keys or no keys and that only one table has keys, can you even label which table is one and which table is two?
No.
But I don't see how this applies to anything, either. Can you explain?
To invoke the appeal to popularity, lets say that out of 6 billion people, 4 billion claim to know that invisible keys exist and yet also claim that it is a matter of subjective knowing and not objective knowing. What do you do with that problem?
I look for any way to rationally test for invisible keys.
For thousands of years.
If no method is ever applicable - then I can say that invisible keys do not exist. Despite 4 billion irrationally claiming to the contrary.
Rationality is not a popularity contest.
Lets say that they know because they have used such a set of invisible keys before to unlock some of their problems.
If this results in a rational test - then I would not be able to say "I know that invisible keys do not exist."
If this does not result in a rational test - if there are other rational items that can also "unlock some of their problems" just as well, then I can continue to dismiss the irrational claims and say "I know that invisible keys do not exist."

This message is a reply to:
 Message 1642 by Phat, posted 07-31-2019 4:31 PM Phat has seen this message but not replied

  
Stile
Member
Posts: 4295
From: Ontario, Canada
Joined: 12-02-2004


Message 1652 of 3207 (859525)
08-01-2019 9:59 AM
Reply to: Message 1643 by ringo
07-31-2019 4:32 PM


Re: No evidence = irrational
ringo writes:
Stile writes:
The problem is... what constitutes "normal" keys?
The ones you're looking for, car keys, house keys, etc.
Ah, you're letting me define it? Great.
"Normal keys" are keys that can be rationally tested to exist. Car-keys, house keys, etc... are all rationally known keys.
Do you agree?
Or would you like to use another method to define "normal keys?"
Hint: If you use my method, it leads directly into my argument.
If you do not want to fall directly into my argument, please supply your alternative method for identifying "normal" keys.
ringo writes:
Stile writes:
Why are "keys that can only be detectable the way God is detectable" not normal?
Do you have any?
Of course not. I know they don't exist.
It's you who seems to have trouble saying they don't exist. This is why you need to identify what "normal" keys are.
Edited by Stile, : Correcting quote formatting

This message is a reply to:
 Message 1643 by ringo, posted 07-31-2019 4:32 PM ringo has replied

Replies to this message:
 Message 1659 by ringo, posted 08-01-2019 12:04 PM Stile has replied

  
Stile
Member
Posts: 4295
From: Ontario, Canada
Joined: 12-02-2004


Message 1653 of 3207 (859526)
08-01-2019 10:04 AM
Reply to: Message 1644 by Phat
07-31-2019 4:37 PM


Re: No evidence = irrational
Thugpreacha writes:
Stile writes:
This consideration would have to be considered for all tables in all time - as the possibility equally exists for all tables in all time.
Substitute the word "places" for "tables.
Both "tables" or "places," in the context of this sentence, are equally irrational as neither has an evidence that they even might exist in the first place.
One key to finding Him is to get to know Who and What you are looking for.
I think a key to finding Him is for him to exist.
As ringo suggests, the dark matter has not yet been perused.
If you have a rational reason to suggest that God may actually exist behind dark matter... that God may actually be more than just your imagination, please present it. It will prevent me from being able to say "I know that God does not exist."

This message is a reply to:
 Message 1644 by Phat, posted 07-31-2019 4:37 PM Phat has seen this message but not replied

  
Stile
Member
Posts: 4295
From: Ontario, Canada
Joined: 12-02-2004


Message 1654 of 3207 (859527)
08-01-2019 10:06 AM
Reply to: Message 1645 by Phat
07-31-2019 4:40 PM


Re: No evidence = irrational
Thugpreacha writes:
I would suggest that in order to be rational in the first place, God must exist in your imagination at the very minimum. Perhaps some people have less of an imagination than others. Sara cant seem to even fill in ringos blanks. (so far)
I agree.
The problem is that "existing in anyone's imagination" is not enough to rationally claim that God may exist.
We both have many, many things that exist in our imagination that do not actually exist - unless you've never been wrong about anything before?
Therefore, yes, this is required "at a very minimum" but it also does not reach a "high enough" standard to make an impact yet.

This message is a reply to:
 Message 1645 by Phat, posted 07-31-2019 4:40 PM Phat has seen this message but not replied

  
Stile
Member
Posts: 4295
From: Ontario, Canada
Joined: 12-02-2004


Message 1655 of 3207 (859528)
08-01-2019 10:08 AM
Reply to: Message 1650 by Theodoric
07-31-2019 10:01 PM


Theodoric writes:
I really think this poor dead horse has been beaten enough.
Personally, I find it fascinating
But I understand it's highly likely to be very repetitive and not-very-entertaining for anyone else.

This message is a reply to:
 Message 1650 by Theodoric, posted 07-31-2019 10:01 PM Theodoric has not replied

  
ringo
Member (Idle past 442 days)
Posts: 20940
From: frozen wasteland
Joined: 03-23-2005


Message 1656 of 3207 (859537)
08-01-2019 11:45 AM
Reply to: Message 1646 by Sarah Bellum
07-31-2019 7:57 PM


Re: No evidence = irrational
Sarah Bellum writes:
Do you even know what falsifiability means? It means capable of being tested by experiment or observation.
You're the one who brought it up. I've been telling you that rationality does not depend on evidence and you still bring up falsifiability.
Sarah Bellum writes:
The statement, "Zeus stands on Olympus and throws lightning bolts" is falsifiable.
How?
Sarah Bellum writes:
The statement, "A supreme being created the Big Bang about fourteen billion years ago and then went away" is not falsifiable.
But is the idea that a supreme being created the Big Bang about fourteen billion years ago and then went away irrational? If so, fill in the blanks.

All that are in Hell, choose it. -- CS Lewis
That's just egregiously stupid. -- ringo

This message is a reply to:
 Message 1646 by Sarah Bellum, posted 07-31-2019 7:57 PM Sarah Bellum has replied

Replies to this message:
 Message 1664 by Sarah Bellum, posted 08-01-2019 6:27 PM ringo has replied

  
ringo
Member (Idle past 442 days)
Posts: 20940
From: frozen wasteland
Joined: 03-23-2005


Message 1657 of 3207 (859539)
08-01-2019 11:48 AM
Reply to: Message 1648 by Sarah Bellum
07-31-2019 8:04 PM


Re: No evidence = irrational
Sarah Bellum writes:
Oh, I was only talking about the contents (or lack thereof) of that jar.
I'm willing to stipulate there is peanut butter somewhere.
It's the same with God. If you haven't found Him where you have looked, He may still be somewhere else.

All that are in Hell, choose it. -- CS Lewis
That's just egregiously stupid. -- ringo

This message is a reply to:
 Message 1648 by Sarah Bellum, posted 07-31-2019 8:04 PM Sarah Bellum has replied

Replies to this message:
 Message 1666 by Sarah Bellum, posted 08-01-2019 7:21 PM ringo has replied

  
ringo
Member (Idle past 442 days)
Posts: 20940
From: frozen wasteland
Joined: 03-23-2005


Message 1658 of 3207 (859542)
08-01-2019 11:56 AM
Reply to: Message 1649 by Sarah Bellum
07-31-2019 8:29 PM


Re: No evidence = irrational
Sarah Bellum writes:
You're not giving me much to go on....
It seems pretty simple to me: What are the logical errors in the idea of God?
Sarah Bellum writes:
We don't give credence to belief in a deity....
But many of us do give credence to the idea, so giving credence can not be a useful criterion.
Sarah Bellum writes:
What reason do I have to believe....
We're not talking about reasons to believe. We're talking about logical errors. They're pretty well defined. If there are any logical errors in the idea of God, point them out.
Sarah Bellum writes:
Rational thought leads to the conclusion that belief in a deity is irrational.
1. Rational thought does not necessarily produce correct conclusions.
2. We are not talking about belief.
You clearly haven't thought this through at all.

All that are in Hell, choose it. -- CS Lewis
That's just egregiously stupid. -- ringo

This message is a reply to:
 Message 1649 by Sarah Bellum, posted 07-31-2019 8:29 PM Sarah Bellum has replied

Replies to this message:
 Message 1667 by Sarah Bellum, posted 08-01-2019 7:24 PM ringo has replied

  
ringo
Member (Idle past 442 days)
Posts: 20940
From: frozen wasteland
Joined: 03-23-2005


Message 1659 of 3207 (859543)
08-01-2019 12:04 PM
Reply to: Message 1652 by Stile
08-01-2019 9:59 AM


Re: No evidence = irrational
Stile writes:
ringo writes:
The ones you're looking for, car keys, house keys, etc.
"Normal keys" are keys that can be rationally tested to exist. Car-keys, house keys, etc... are all rationally known keys.
Do you agree?
I said it right there where you quoted me.
Stile writes:
If you do not want to fall directly into my argument, please supply your alternative method for identifying "normal" keys.
But I did define normal keys. You quoted me.
Stile writes:
Why are "keys that can only be detectable the way God is detectable" not normal?
ringo writes:
Do you have any?
Of course not. I know they don't exist.
But you don't know. You claimed that banana keys are irrational and you were wrong about that. Banana keys could certainly exist.
Stile writes:
It's you who seems to have trouble saying they don't exist. This is why you need to identify what "normal" keys are.
But I did define normal keys. You quoted me.

All that are in Hell, choose it. -- CS Lewis
That's just egregiously stupid. -- ringo

This message is a reply to:
 Message 1652 by Stile, posted 08-01-2019 9:59 AM Stile has replied

Replies to this message:
 Message 1660 by Stile, posted 08-01-2019 12:17 PM ringo has replied

  
Stile
Member
Posts: 4295
From: Ontario, Canada
Joined: 12-02-2004


Message 1660 of 3207 (859544)
08-01-2019 12:17 PM
Reply to: Message 1659 by ringo
08-01-2019 12:04 PM


Re: No evidence = irrational
ringo writes:
But I did define normal keys. You quoted me.
And I agreed.
You said "the one's you're looking for."
And I said "that's rationally-tested-for keys - just like everything else we look for."
...which is my argument.
Wouldn't it be irrational to look for something that cannot be rationally tested? How would you ever look for it? It's a logical contradiction.
You claimed that banana keys are irrational and you were wrong about that. Banana keys could certainly exist.
I did not claim that banana keys are irrational in this sense.
We've been over this.
The idea of banana keys is rational in and of itself: you could build keys out of bananas.
However, the idea that banana keys actually exist is irrational: there is no evidence that suggests banana keys exist. Therefore, thinking they exist without evidence that they exist is a logical contradiction - it's irrational.
We have evidence to suggest that banana keys do not exist:
-we have never seen them
-keys need to be sturdy in order to turn locks, bananas are not sturdy
This doesn't make it impossible that banana keys could exist. It just makes it irrational to think they do without further evidence.
Just show evidence that banana keys actually exist (a picture of them) or evidence that banana keys might exist (perhaps evidence of a banana lock, or evidence of a manufacturer/creator of banana keys.)
Anything like that would do.
Without any of that, however, the idea that banana keys actually exist is irrational - and I can rationally say: I know that banana keys do not exist.
You keep mixing up context and attempting to force it in a way that doesn't align.
It's starting to appear dishonest with the amount of times you've done it.

This message is a reply to:
 Message 1659 by ringo, posted 08-01-2019 12:04 PM ringo has replied

Replies to this message:
 Message 1661 by ringo, posted 08-01-2019 12:21 PM Stile has replied

  
ringo
Member (Idle past 442 days)
Posts: 20940
From: frozen wasteland
Joined: 03-23-2005


(1)
Message 1661 of 3207 (859545)
08-01-2019 12:21 PM
Reply to: Message 1660 by Stile
08-01-2019 12:17 PM


Re: No evidence = irrational
Stile writes:
Wouldn't it be irrational to look for something that cannot be rationally tested? How would you ever look for it?
Well, you claim you've been looking for God. You tell us how you've been doing it.

All that are in Hell, choose it. -- CS Lewis
That's just egregiously stupid. -- ringo

This message is a reply to:
 Message 1660 by Stile, posted 08-01-2019 12:17 PM Stile has replied

Replies to this message:
 Message 1662 by Stile, posted 08-01-2019 2:50 PM ringo has replied

  
Stile
Member
Posts: 4295
From: Ontario, Canada
Joined: 12-02-2004


Message 1662 of 3207 (859574)
08-01-2019 2:50 PM
Reply to: Message 1661 by ringo
08-01-2019 12:21 PM


Re: No evidence = irrational
Well, you claim you've been looking for God. You tell us how you've been doing it.
Just like everything else.
When the-way-to-detect-keys is rational, we check it. For the last few hundred years, we have been able to create and use these "normal keys."
This rational testing gives us a conclusion that keys exist.
When the-way-to-detect-keys is irrational, we rightfully ignore it.
Even though it's rational to have the idea of keys-that-are-only-detectable-the-way-God-is-detectable, there is no rational reason to suggest that such keys actually exist.
Therefore, I can say "there are no keys on the empty table" even though there is a 'rational idea' about keys existing that I would not be able to see on the empty table.
I can also say "I know that keys-that-are-only-detectable-the-way-God-is-detectable do not exist." Because any opposition doesn't have a rational connection to reality.
You seem to accept this for keys.
When the-way-to-detect-God is rational, we check it. For thousands of years, this has come up with no evidence of God.
This rational testing gives us a conclusion that God does not exist.
When the-way-to-detect-God is irrational, we rightfully ignore it.
Even though it's rational to have the idea of a-God-that-is-only-detectable-behind-Dark-Matter-that-we-haven't-identified-yet, there is no rational reason to suggest that God actually exists there.
Therefore, I can say "I know that God does not exist." Because any opposition doesn't have a rational connection to reality.
You don't seem to accept this for God.
Even though it's the same, consistent process of obtaining knowledge.
Please note: "keys" are not analogous to "God" here... because there is evidence that keys exist. There is no evidence that God exists.
It is the idea of "keys-that-are-only-detectable-the-way-God-is-detectable" that is analogous to God. Since both have no evidence of their existence.
If you are unable to accept "I know that God does not exist."
Then, to remain consistent, you must also be unable to accept "I know that keys-that-are-only-detectable-the-way-God-is-detectable do not exist."
And if you can't say that... then you can no longer say "I know there are no keys on the empty table."
Which is the absurdity your position falls into.
Edited by Stile, : Changed "Table B" to "empty table" as this is what it refers to anyway. Cleaned up grammars.

This message is a reply to:
 Message 1661 by ringo, posted 08-01-2019 12:21 PM ringo has replied

Replies to this message:
 Message 1663 by ringo, posted 08-01-2019 5:05 PM Stile has replied

  
ringo
Member (Idle past 442 days)
Posts: 20940
From: frozen wasteland
Joined: 03-23-2005


Message 1663 of 3207 (859581)
08-01-2019 5:05 PM
Reply to: Message 1662 by Stile
08-01-2019 2:50 PM


Re: No evidence = irrational
Stile writes:
You seem to accept this for keys.
You're not making any sense. You admitted that you haven't really been looking for God at all.
Stile writes:
Please note: "keys" are not analogous to "God" here... because there is evidence that keys exist. There is no evidence that God exists.
Well, you wouldn't know that, would you? Because you haven't been looking.

All that are in Hell, choose it. -- CS Lewis
That's just egregiously stupid. -- ringo

This message is a reply to:
 Message 1662 by Stile, posted 08-01-2019 2:50 PM Stile has replied

Replies to this message:
 Message 1673 by Stile, posted 08-02-2019 8:36 AM ringo has replied

  
Sarah Bellum
Member (Idle past 626 days)
Posts: 826
Joined: 05-04-2019


Message 1664 of 3207 (859586)
08-01-2019 6:27 PM
Reply to: Message 1656 by ringo
08-01-2019 11:45 AM


Re: No evidence = irrational
I said the statement, "Zeus stands on Olympus and throws lightning bolts" is falsifiable and you asked, "How?"
Do you mean to tell me you can't think of a single way to check whether or not that statement is true? How about this: go up on top of the mountain, wait for a thunderstorm and look around. That's what falsifiability means.
People make statements and hypotheses about many things. That's the way we think. We consider propositions like, "A minimum wage increases unemployment," or, "Heavy objects fall faster than lighter objects," or, "Cigarettes cause lung disease," or, "Stomach ulcers are caused by bacteria," or, "The Earth is round." Then we try to determine whether or not those statements are false. That is part of reasoning. We don't denigrate people for making incorrect statements, provided they are falsifiable and provided people are willing to test them. That is reasonable and rational.
What is irrational is to try to work with unfalsifiable hypotheses. Here are some examples of the unfalsifiable:
Whenever I say, "Open!", as the elevator reaches the designated floor, it causes the doors to open. Whenever I don't say, "Open!", the elevator doors open of their own accord.
Criticism of you is a form of persecution. Criticism of this fact is proof you are being persecuted.
You are identical to a conscious human in all measurable ways, but you are not actually conscious. You only think you are.
Our reality is just a complex computer simulation.
If these are examples of your thinking, you are being irrational. If your thinking involves statements such as, "A supreme being created the Big Bang about fourteen billion years ago and then went away," then your ideas are not rational.

This message is a reply to:
 Message 1656 by ringo, posted 08-01-2019 11:45 AM ringo has replied

Replies to this message:
 Message 1665 by ringo, posted 08-01-2019 6:41 PM Sarah Bellum has replied

  
ringo
Member (Idle past 442 days)
Posts: 20940
From: frozen wasteland
Joined: 03-23-2005


Message 1665 of 3207 (859587)
08-01-2019 6:41 PM
Reply to: Message 1664 by Sarah Bellum
08-01-2019 6:27 PM


Re: No evidence = irrational
Sarah Bellum writes:
that statement is true? How about this: go up on top of the mountain, wait for a thunderstorm and look around.
How would that falsify Zeus? That's like going to Africa and looking around to falsify elephants. You might see one or you might not.
Sarah Bellum writes:
What is irrational is to try to work with unfalsifiable hypotheses.
Not at all. Science may be limited to falsifiable premises. Free thought is not.
Sarah Bellum writes:
If these are examples of your thinking, you are being irrational.
I'd be more impressed by that statement if you knew what rational meant. But you keep equivocating rational with falsifiable, etc.

All that are in Hell, choose it. -- CS Lewis
That's just egregiously stupid. -- ringo

This message is a reply to:
 Message 1664 by Sarah Bellum, posted 08-01-2019 6:27 PM Sarah Bellum has replied

Replies to this message:
 Message 1670 by Sarah Bellum, posted 08-01-2019 9:18 PM ringo has replied

  
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