Is there a difference between observational reality and reality derived from quantum physics/mechanics? Some say that observational reality is the ONLY reality...
For example, a 20th century philosopher challenged Einstein to prove to him that the moon exists when no one is looking at it. And...
I wonder. If consciousness really is just a chemical reaction created in the brain, we should then be able to create a consciousness by using the same chemical environment found in the brain. I understand chemists aren't there yet, but if the day does come where this science actually is...
That is exactly what I am saying. ;)
You are missing my point. What is logic? What is a coherent argument? What is an idea? They are all observations, in relation to the world around us, or products of our psyche. However, they all require a true understanding of consciousness to be always and...
I disagree. I think rationalism requires very little (if any) emotional fortitude. It takes all kinds of emotional fortitude for adhering to other belief systems.
Anyways, as far as the OP. First of all, I agree. Afterlife actually can be grounded in science. No matter how you look at it, no...
Most atheists confuse "theology" with "religion."
Religion itself does indeed affect the world we live in. Theology itself does not. If it wasn't for human nature, we could all have our own idea of the universe and live and let live. However, there is a basic human need to fit in with society...
I don't know. There are times when I really do think ignorance is bliss. If I could just accept things as others describe them life would be much easier.
In general, I think thousands of years of religious dogma have essentially put up barriers between us and "god."
Many of us (although few...
That being said, how does one define "maladaptive and irrational?"
I would tend to think we just make general comparisons to other people. If you are different from the rest of us, that means we are "normal" because there are more of us.
Look at any major philosophical, scientific, or...
I don't like the poll options. What makes one "religious?" By definition, I do not adhere to any religion. However, coining the term "non-religious" is very ambiguous. I do believe in a higher power. I don't like to call it "god," but if I label myself "non-religious," that is interpreted as...
Interesting posts! I guess it really does come down to one's own personal perspective in relation to multiple factors. However, I suppose I must rephrase the question:
Does true love, as a universal concept ever exist? I suppose we should all scratch our heads and try and figure out how to put...
Yes I do. Although it is an extremely rare phenomenon. If you believe in evolution, there are those that speculate that language was derived from an evolutionary step when many of us lost our ability to telepathically communicate. I suppose it does sound a bit far fetched, and in truth I am a...
I was watching "Through the Wormhole with Morgan Freeman" on the science channel the other day, and the topic in question was human consciousness. It really got me thinking.
Do you think that, with the limited number of neurotransmitters in our brains, it can ever be possible that we can...
I would tend to view Dawkins as "Panmonist." People like to toss the word "God" around willy-nilly, but the truth of the matter is that the concept of "God" has become quite deluded and ambiguous, thanks in large-part to the religious views of the world. Wht is "God?" How would you define it...
Hello all. I have had several friends go through some exceptionally nasty relationships before (I have as well). I always used to believe in true love, but recently I am not so sure.
First, I suppose one must define "True love."
By my book, I guess it would have to be the unconditional...
Perhaps the "useful term" in this situation would be to establish a hypothetical reason why we shouldn't just kill each other for the sake of our own individual survival. Society needs a certain fabric of order to it, and without it, you wouldn't be where you are today ;)
Correct. I also do not believe in these things. However, one can still look at this hypothetically and base social and psychological states of being on such a hypothetical presumption.