quote:
Don't we have to hit rock bottom somewhere in our expanatory framework?
Yes. This rock bottom is called one's set of
axioms,
postulates,
premises, or [/i]basic assumptions[/i]. In logic, statements (theorems) can only be proven using statements previously shown to be true. But you have to have a starting point, though, so you have to start with a set of statements that are assumed to be true without proof (axioms) -- usually chosen because they seem reasonable.
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quote:
2.) Many go against other evidence
This, I think, gets at the heart of "empiricism".
If evidence seems to be counter to one's belief, one must either
(1) decide the evidence is faulty in some way,
(2) modify the belief to take into account the contrary evidence, or
(3) jettison the belief altogether for one that is in better accord with the data.
Actually, if their god makes better pancakes, I'm totally switching sides. --
Charley the Australopithecine
™ Version 4.2
