Get to know you (deep edition)

[1137]

So instead of most of these which as pointless **** like last person you talked to or your favorite color, I thought I'd make one with important questions. Answer or don't answer whatever you wish!

Name:

Religion Raised:

Other Religions Practiced:

Current Religion:

Organizations:

Does Free Will exist:

Do god(s) exist:

Are math and logic created or discovered:

Is the mind created by the brain:

Rituals/Practices:

How much thought do you give to cultural norms/values:

Family norms/values:

Work norms/values:

Where does morality come from:

Do good and evil exist:

What do you consider yourself politically:

How do you feel about modern technology:

What are your thoughts on natural science:

What are your thoughts on psychological science:

Is abortion wrong:

What makes something beautiful:

Do you think there's an afterlife:

What do you think of euthanasia:

Do you think aliens exist:

How important is analytical philosophy:

How important are your ancestors to your life:

Should animals have equal rights as humans:

What is the purpose of art:

Is strong artificial intelligence possible:

How do you feel about "authority":

Is it ever ok to violate the free will of another:

What do you think of "holy books":

Is birth control ethical:

How important is the physical body:

What are the differences between brains and minds:

What do you think of capitalism:

Socialism:

Anarchy:

Fascism:

Is it ethical to (not) have children:

To what extent do humans affect climate:

What conspiracies do you believe:

How did the universe come to exist:

Are you afraid of death:

What role does doubt play in your life:

What are dreams:

How do you feel about drug use:

Is selfishness inherently wrong:

What is the meaning of life, or how do we create it:

Is there something inherently wrong or right with having faith:

How important are family:

Friends:

Coworkers:

Significant Other:

Should free speech be unlimited:

Do you believe there are two set genders objectively:

Do you support gender roles:

Do ghosts exist:

What makes you happy:

What makes you sad:

What makes you angry:

Should governments, schools, etc be secular:

Can we trust our senses:

Do you engage in introspection:

Can miracles occur:

What are your views on money and wealth:

What does it mean to say something is "Natural":

How do you feel about social media:

Do you trust the news:

Should we ever use weapons of mass destruction:

Should we have open boarders:

What are your thoughts on sex:

Do we have a soul:

What makes something "reasonable to believe":

Can we learn from fiction:

 

[BSM1]

Yes and/or no on all questions.

 

[Firemorphic]

Name: Reserved

Religion Raised: Christian (non-denominational)

Other Religions Practiced: "atheism", Buddhism, Taoism, Thelema (and occultism in general)

Current Religion: Shia Islam (Twelver)

Organizations: N/A

Does Free Will exist: Kind of irrelevant

Do god(s) exist: One, non-personal God

Are math and logic created or discovered: Discovered

Is the mind created by the brain: No

Rituals/Practices: Many, prayer and Yogic-related (like "meditation")

How much thought do you give to cultural norms/values: None that isn't relevant to me

Family norms/values: Critical

Work norms/values: Critical

Where does morality come from: Logic, Karma, Evolutionary development and God (each respectively and together)

Do good and evil exist: Yes (but it's not black/white)

What do you consider yourself politically: I don't and won't

How do you feel about modern technology: Good and bad, over-reliance is highly negative though, social interaction is a psychological must

What are your thoughts on natural science: Good

What are your thoughts on psychological science: Sort of a passion

Is abortion wrong: Yes (with conditional exceptions)

What makes something beautiful: The self's perception

Do you think there's an afterlife: Yes but it's not like this "life"

What do you think of euthanasia: Very conditional too (with specific exceptions)

Do you think aliens exist: Not hollywood aliens but to some degree, it doesn't logically make sense that there wouldn't be some other intelligent lifeforms somewhere in the universe

How important is analytical philosophy: Just don't get carried away

How important are your ancestors to your life: They're not

Should animals have equal rights as humans: Awfully specific, not sure whether to be pedantic or not

What is the purpose of art: I could write a whole book series on this, lets just say - to reflect on the human condition (both the material and the immaterial)

Is strong artificial intelligence possible: N/A

How do you feel about "authority": Should have it's limits

Is it ever ok to violate the free will of another: No (trying to guess at exactly what you mean there)

What do you think of "holy books": Love reading them, however there is only one which I believe is authoritative.

Is birth control ethical: Yes

How important is the physical body: Important but not that important. Keep fit and healthy though!

What are the differences between brains and minds: One is an organ, the other is connected to the soul

What do you think of capitalism: No

Socialism: Has it's perks and pitfalls

Anarchy: Great in spirit but not effective in long-term, better as a philosophy than a political system

Fascism: Hell no!

Is it ethical to (not) have children: Sure, why wouldn't it?

To what extent do humans affect climate: Too much

What conspiracies do you believe: None, but it's an interesting topic. I'm too skeptical for conspiracy theories - making distinction for proven 'out in the open' conspiracies.

How did the universe come to exist: God Willed and it formed

Are you afraid of death: Nope

What role does doubt play in your life: Doubt as a form of skepticism, to know and be aware of different points of view is quite important.

What are dreams: A combination of images and ideas from your experiences, imaginations and often a form of connection with the flow of things (or "syncronicities")

How do you feel about drug use: Never done it myself but would advise only rational people with a knowledge of science, philosophy and spirituality to use them, and I'd only really support the use of hallucinogenics (especially for lab research)

Is selfishness inherently wrong: Depends how you define it

What is the meaning of life, or how do we create it: Two sides to that, on the whole: life is the process of birth to death and unity with the godhead. But on an individual basis, it's very much a subjective thing relating to how you get in tune with the flow of things ("syncronicity") and your Will.

Is there something inherently wrong or right with having faith: No

How important are family: If you have one, very

Friends: If you have them, very

Coworkers: Less so but we all affect each other in some way, so try to be a positive influence and likewise.

Significant Other: The most important on a personal level

Should free speech be unlimited: Sure but rationality and self-criticism should be far more emphasized. (and a hard to discern line that it creates)

Do you believe there are two set genders objectively: Yes (with scientifically conditional biological exceptions)

Do you support gender roles: Yes (but I'm not gonna tell you how to dress/act)

Do ghosts exist: No

What makes you happy: Life

What makes you sad: Life

What makes you angry: Life

Should governments, schools, etc be secular: Yes but at the same time pro-religion. Secular in the way to allow diversity of thought and community but not to the point of prohibition on people expressing their religious identity freely.

Can we trust our senses: Depends on context

Do you engage in introspection: Every minute of my life

Can miracles occur: Depends on definition

What are your views on money and wealth: Neutral, they have their place, but they've their own negative consequences

What does it mean to say something is "Natural": Scientifically it'd be anything in the material universe

How do you feel about social media: Hate it, don't like it, left it and don't miss it

Do you trust the news: Lol, not an ounce

Should we ever use weapons of mass destruction: No, bad idea

Should we have open boarders: Depends on context

What are your thoughts on sex: Positive, just use wisdom

Do we have a soul: Yes

What makes something "reasonable to believe": Another contextual thing, reason, logic, evidence and experience are usually a standard but nothing is ever the same.

Can we learn from fiction: Lots, they are archetypal in many ways

 

[Skwim]

{QUOTE="1137, post: 5892215, member: 54069"}So instead of most of these which as pointless **** like last person you talked to or your favorite color, I thought I'd make one with important questions. Answer or don't answer whatever you wish!

Name:

Religion Raised:

Other Religions Practiced:

Current Religion:

Organizations:

Does Free Will exist: Of course not.

Do god(s) exist:

Are math and logic created or discovered:

Is the mind created by the brain:

Rituals/Practices:

How much thought do you give to cultural norms/values:

Family norms/values:

Work norms/values:

Where does morality come from:

Do good and evil exist:

What do you consider yourself politically:

How do you feel about modern technology:

What are your thoughts on natural science:

What are your thoughts on psychological science:

Is abortion wrong:

What makes something beautiful:

Do you think there's an afterlife:

What do you think of euthanasia:

Do you think aliens exist:

How important is analytical philosophy:

How important are your ancestors to your life:

Should animals have equal rights as humans:

What is the purpose of art:

Is strong artificial intelligence possible:

How do you feel about "authority":

Is it ever ok to violate the free will of another:

What do you think of "holy books":

Is birth control ethical:

How important is the physical body:

What are the differences between brains and minds:

What do you think of capitalism:

Socialism:

Anarchy:

Fascism:

Is it ethical to (not) have children:

To what extent do humans affect climate:

What conspiracies do you believe:

How did the universe come to exist:

Are you afraid of death:

What role does doubt play in your life:

What are dreams:

How do you feel about drug use:

Is selfishness inherently wrong:

What is the meaning of life, or how do we create it:

Is there something inherently wrong or right with having faith:

How important are family:

Friends:

Coworkers:

Significant Other:

Should free speech be unlimited:

Do you believe there are two set genders objectively:

Do you support gender roles:

Do ghosts exist:

What makes you happy:

What makes you sad:

What makes you angry:

Should governments, schools, etc be secular:

Can we trust our senses:

Do you engage in introspection:

Can miracles occur:

What are your views on money and wealth:

What does it mean to say something is "Natural":

How do you feel about social media:

Do you trust the news:

Should we ever use weapons of mass destruction:

Should we have open boarders:

What are your thoughts on sex:

Do we have a soul:

What makes something "reasonable to believe":

Can we learn from fiction:{/QUOTE}

 

[Cooky]

Does Free Will exist: Of course not.

You do realize that by stating free will does not exist, then that means you believe all human activity is not only inevitable, but completely natural. Essentially then, we humans are both the eyes and voice of the world.

 

[YmirGF]

Name: Paul/Ymir (Why-mer)
Religion Raised: Huh? Zippo. Notta. Was never on the menu, fortunately.

Other Religions Practiced: To an extent, Buddhism (Mahayana) and later on Vaisnava (ISKCON) thought had a fairly deep impact, to say the least. ( @Terese I thought you might like the phrasing on that part. Hehe.)

Current Religion: Huh? Why? Sadly, I am not a follower.

Organizations: Trying to be retired.

Does Free Will exist: In a limited sense, certainly; in larger terms? No. (In that you cannot do whatever you like, whenever you like, depending on your given mood. One could try, I suppose.

Do god(s) exist: If you want.

Are math and logic created or discovered: *Crickets*

Is the mind created by the brain: It would seem to be a rather good guess. *shrugs*

Rituals/Practices: Huh? I go shopping for veggies every few days.... um...

How much thought do you give to cultural norms/values: Far, Far, Far, too much.

Family norms/values: Not often

Work norms/values: Well, you have to pay attention at work.

Where does morality come from: Immortality? Sorry, couldn't resist.

Do good and evil exist: If you want them to, yes.

What do you consider yourself politically: An unapologetic Neo-Conservative (Canadian Flavor)

How do you feel about modern technology: *Crickets* I'm a retired tech geek. I'm getting tired of the pace of change in hitech. Then again, I suspect that most people are too. It's getting a bit dizzying already and it's only just begun, in a big way, since the Internet. I can't even imagine what they will be doing in 100 years because I'm fairly aware of the capabilities right now.

What are your thoughts on natural science: It's very natural, naturally.

What are your thoughts on psychological science: *Crickets*

Is abortion wrong: *Crickets*

What makes something beautiful: Me.

Do you think there's an afterlife: No, I do not think there is an afterlife.

What do you think of euthanasia: *Crickets*

Do you think aliens exist: *Crickets*

How important is analytical philosophy: *Crickets* Oh, don't get me going.

How important are your ancestors to your life: *Crickets*

Should animals have equal rights as humans: *Crickets*

What is the purpose of art: *Crickets* Art doesn't need a purpose. The artist simply creates.
"It's what they do." ~ zefrank01

Is strong artificial intelligence possible: Robots as good as people? Oh, for sure. Hang on!

How do you feel about "authority": I am always respectful of authority and sometime respect it.

Is it ever ok to violate the free will of another: Yes. If it is to stop them from harming themselves or others.

What do you think of "holy books": They can weigh a lot on your bookshelf, Ill tell ya. Packing those ******** when you have to move is also no small feat.

Is birth control ethical: Ya think? *Said in best "valley girl" voice*

How important is the physical body: *Crickets* Hmmm. I sorta like it. Not like home, but it feels good.

What are the differences between brains and minds: *Crickets* In less than 250,000 words?

What do you think of capitalism: High Five, baby! Love it, or be eaten.

Socialism: *giggles* *Crickets*

Anarchy: Not exactly well thought out.

Fascism: Il Duce!

Is it ethical to (not) have children: *Crickets*

To what extent do humans affect climate: Certainly to an extent.

What conspiracies do you believe: I'm not supposed to say!

How did the universe come to exist: I'll take String Theory for $500, Alex.

Are you afraid of death: Nopers. (It's not like I'm new to it. LOL.)

What role does doubt play in your life: My main man!

What are dreams: Fun adventures, the more lucid, the better.

How do you feel about drug use: *Crickets*

Is selfishness inherently wrong: No, not at all. Can it become a problem? Most certainly.

What is the meaning of life, or how do we create it: 1) *Crickets* 2) You don't know yet?

Is there something inherently wrong or right with having faith: No, not at all, it's a basic component of the human psyche in my opinion. We would seem to be so wired. My own guess is that it is buried in the urge to survive.

How important are family: A necessary evil

Friends: Essential

Coworkers: Mostly good, some excellent, some eminently forgettable.

Significant Other: Other what? Oh right, I'm single.

Should free speech be unlimited: Probably not the best idea. We are an excitable species.

Do you believe there are two set genders objectively: *Crickets*

Do you support gender roles: *Crickets*

Do ghosts exist: If you want, yes.

What makes you happy: Nothing. I am happy to begin with. It's the natural state of my mind.

What makes you sad: Being unable to express the wonders that I see in verbal terms. It's sort of like describing a painting to someone on the phone.

What makes you angry: Not a lot of things. My doctor sometimes wonders why I still have a pulse.

Should governments, schools, etc be secular: Should? Yer kidding, right?

Can we trust our senses: For the most part, yes we can trust our physical senses, but verifying your perception with known reality is tremendously helpful.

Do you engage in introspection: *giggles*

Can miracles occur: If you REALLY want! Metaphorically, of course. The miracle is when you achieve the dream you have pursued for so long.

What are your views on money and wealth: I'm a die hard Capitalist running dog. What do you want from me?

What does it mean to say something is "Natural": General inference would be as opposed to man-made!

How do you feel about social media: Oh, dear. We're supposed to have feelings about social media now? That is precious.

Do you trust the news: Yes and no. Is this a trick question? You are talking about millions of providers.

Should we ever use weapons of mass destruction: Depends, if there is no other solution.

Should we have open boarders: No.

What are your thoughts on sex: *gets out the breath mints*

Do we have a soul: I hate the term due to its religious baggage and much prefer entity or personality energy essence. *Looks at watch* Jeez.

What makes something "reasonable to believe": Credibility, as based on understanding.

Can we learn from fiction:

*THUNK*
*falls off chair fast asleep*

 

[Skwim]

You do realize that by stating free will does not exist, then that means you believe all human activity is not only inevitable, but completely natural. Essentially then, we humans are both the eyes and voice of the world.

I have no idea how "essentially we humans are both the eyes and voice of the world" fits into the equation, or why without free will human activity must inevitably be completely natural, whatever that means, but I am well aware that all human activity is inevitable.

.

 

[Jumi]

Religion Raised: Lutheran

Current Religion: Secular

Organizations: None

Does Free Will exist: What is free will?

Do god(s) exist: Yes*

Are math and logic created or discovered: Discovered.

Is the mind created by the brain: Correlation exists.

Rituals/Practices: Meditation.

How much thought do you give to cultural norms/values: Mix of heretical and traditional seems best.

Family norms/values: Yes, but don't care too much if others don't follow them

Work norms/values: Too high

Where does morality come from: Upbringing, genes, your own experiences and thoughts

Do good and evil exist: Yes

What do you consider yourself politically: Centrist libertarian, sometimes more to the left, someimes more to the right

How do you feel about modern technology: Good, but our societies aren't adapting to them

What are your thoughts on natural science: Fun

What are your thoughts on psychological science: Sometimes useful, sometimes not

Is abortion wrong: No

What makes something beautiful: If I think it is...

Do you think there's an afterlife: Dunno

What do you think of euthanasia: Support

Do you think aliens exist: Probably, haven't seen any though

How important is analytical philosophy: Have lost interest

How important are your ancestors to your life: High

Should animals have equal rights as humans: No, but better than they do now

What is the purpose of art: To evoke responses

Is strong artificial intelligence possible: Yes*

How do you feel about "authority": Often misplaced and misused, sometimes good

Is it ever ok to violate the free will of another: Self-defense and so on

What do you think of "holy books": Some of them inspired, others a trove of cultural, philosophical and historical material of a culture

Is birth control ethical:Yes

How important is the physical body: Too important

What are the differences between brains and minds: Minds are abstractions, brains are systems

What do you think of capitalism: Mixed bag

Socialism: Mixed bag

Anarchy: Mixed bag

Fascism: Mixed bag

Is it ethical to (not) have children: Depends on you, but sticking to a low number as a society sounds good

To what extent do humans affect climate: Mid-high

What conspiracies do you believe: JFK

How did the universe come to exist: Did it, or was it always?

Are you afraid of death: Maybe sometimes, most of the time no. When in deepest pain, not at all.

What role does doubt play in your life: High

What are dreams: Usually garbage collection mixed with inspiration

How do you feel about drug use: Up to you

Is selfishness inherently wrong: No, but there are degrees where you become a burden. You don't want to become a burden

What is the meaning of life, or how do we create it: Mu

Is there something inherently wrong or right with having faith: No

How important are family: If it's a good family, high. If not, make a new one.

Friends: Yes

Coworkers: Yes

Significant Other: Yes

Should free speech be unlimited: Yes*

Do you believe there are two set genders objectively: No, science is clear on this

Do you support gender roles: No, but depending on culture it can be a healthy start for a small majority

Do ghosts exist: Dunno

What makes you happy: Good people, good food, good weather*

What makes you sad: Pain

What makes you angry: Incompetence and deliberate harm

Should governments, schools, etc be secular: Yes

Can we trust our senses: To an extent

Do you engage in introspection: Yes

Can miracles occur: Depends on definitions

What are your views on money and wealth: Too little or too much is not good

What does it mean to say something is "Natural": Something that comes from you spontaneously. Most people have a skewed view of what that is

How do you feel about social media: RF is ok

Do you trust the news: Depends on source, but not a whole lot on most topics

Should we ever use weapons of mass destruction: Yes

Should we have open boarders: No

What are your thoughts on sex: Ok

Do we have a soul: Depends on definition

What makes something "reasonable to believe": It doesn't conflict with known reality

Can we learn from fiction: Yes

*definitions may change answer

 

[Jedster]

@1137


Ok I'll byte, I mean nibble.

Name: Jedster

Religion Raised: Rabbinic Judaism

Other Religions Practiced: I was a ferocious bhakti of my former guru for over 20 years..

Current Religion: nirgun bhakti(non-theist). I have to borrow Dharmic words here


Does Free Will exist: yes, although we have no choice in the matter :>).
Is that a paradox?

Do god(s) exist: I don't really have a god-concept.
I see god-concepts as attempts to define the life process, which is
Birth-life-death, ie Generator, Operator, Destroyer , trinity, Brahma, Vishnu Shiva...etc

Are math and logic created or discovered: Math/logic, for me has discovery. It has been a brilliant teacher.
It has also been my first form of meditation.

Rituals/Practices: Meditation

How much thought do you give to cultural norms/values: Very little, if any. I have lived in several countries with different norms/values without any problem.



Where does morality come from: from one's own life experience.

Do good and evil exist: Yes

What do you consider yourself politically: Apolitical since childhood.

How do you feel about modern technology: Very fine with it. I have enjoyed my part in helping develop it.

What are your thoughts on natural science: Anyway for increasing world knowledge is a plus.

What are your thoughts on psychological science: I have had some experience as a 'client' and some as a therapist(short lived). Both left me with a bad taste, ie a complete waste of time.(I know it is different for others)



Is abortion wrong: No. I think it should be the mother's decision.


What do you think of euthanasia: It should be available. I have known several people who chose euthanasia, all of whom were in incredible discomfort and agony.

Do you think aliens exist: I like to think so. Why not?
I have heard that the reason aliens don't visit Earth is because of the auric stink created by humans.

How important are your ancestors to your life: Not important in my life, but it does give me something to speak about to those that consider it important.

What is the purpose of art: An outward expression an inner feeling/thought/desire etc..

Is strong artificial intelligence possible: Yes

How do you feel about "authority": Always to be questioned.

Is it ever ok to violate the free will of another: yes (defence of self and/or others)

What do you think of "holy books": There's lots of good stuff in them. However, they have become (almost) deified, which has cause unnecessary suffering.

Is birth control ethical:yes



Is it ethical to (not) have children: Yes. Either way.

To what extent do humans affect climate: I don't know.


Are you afraid of death: Having had several close encounters, I was not afraid at the time.

What role does doubt play in your life: One of the things I got from my former guru was the commandment 'never leave room for doubt in your mind' (btw I applied that to him and consequently left).
Doubts(about whatever) should be dealt with and not buried(imo).



Is there something inherently wrong or right with having faith: Having faith(believing without knowledge) can diminish the wish to attain 'truth'.


Should governments, schools, etc be secular: Yes.


Do you engage in introspection:Yes.



Do you trust the news: Most of it is biased.

What are your thoughts on sex: wondrous

What makes something "reasonable to believe": Any belief I think is reasonable.

Can we learn from fiction: Absolutely. I can see future forums arguing about whether 'Star Trek' is The Truth or 'Dr who'. Just many religious people do with their book.


QED

 

[Valjean]

Many of them: Depends...
Others: Clarification needed.

 

[Woberts]

Name: Jake

Religion Raised: Atheist

Other Religions Practiced: None

Current Religion: Atheism with a bit of Lovecraftian horror for shock value.

Organizations: I work at Behaviour Interactive, and I am enrolled in various communist and environmental protection organizations.

Does Free Will exist: Yes.

Do god(s) exist: No.

Are math and logic created or discovered: Discovered.

Is the mind created by the brain: Yes.

Rituals/Practices: I keep a complete library of the works of Abdul Alhazred, the Mad Arab. I like to read a passage from his greatest work, the Necronomicon, at least once a day.

How much thought do you give to cultural norms/values: Not very much.

Family norms/values: Not at all.

Work norms/values: Eh, a bit more. Work is pretty important, after all.

Where does morality come from: Morality is ingrained within our heads as a result of evolution.

Do good and evil exist: No.

What do you consider yourself politically: Marx-Leninist Communist.

How do you feel about modern technology: It's great. Keep it coming.

What are your thoughts on natural science: It's my favorite of the sciences. It's also the only one worth preforming. We live in a material world, after all.

What are your thoughts on psychological science: Practically useless. Everything that exists is material.

Is abortion wrong: No.

What makes something beautiful:

Do you think there's an afterlife: No.

What do you think of euthanasia: It is unethical to disallow it.

Do you think aliens exist: Yes. Most likely as bacteria.

How important is analytical philosophy: Eh, not my favorite brand but it has it's uses.

How important are your ancestors to your life: Completely unimportant.

Should animals have equal rights as humans: No.

What is the purpose of art: The expression of ideas.

Is strong artificial intelligence possible: Yes.

How do you feel about "authority": Authority should be concentrated in the hands of the state.

Is it ever ok to violate the free will of another: No.

What do you think of "holy books": They're garbage, without exception.

Is birth control ethical: Yes.

How important is the physical body: Eh, just don't kill yourself. Unless you want to kill yourself. In that case, it's not my body. Do what you want.

What are the differences between brains and minds: The mind is a result of the brain. It's a series of chemical reactions, essentially.

What do you think of capitalism: Have fun being exploited, lol.

Socialism: Viva la revolución!

Anarchy: It's bad.

Fascism: Another bad one!

Is it ethical to (not) have children: Yes.

To what extent do humans affect climate: A very large extent.

What conspiracies do you believe: I'm apparently a Holodomor denier.

How did the universe come to exist: A big boom.

Are you afraid of death: Yes.

What role does doubt play in your life: It screws with the stuff I do at work.

What are dreams: A manifestation of your desires/fears/emotions

How do you feel about drug use: Eh, I don't care. Let them take meth!

Is selfishness inherently wrong: Yes.

What is the meaning of life, or how do we create it: There is none.

Is there something inherently wrong or right with having faith: Yes, it is inherently wrong.

How important are family: Unimportant. They're pretty much friends that you've known your entire life, but that doesn't award them any special treatment.

Friends: They're what makes life bearable.

Coworkers: Eh, not that important. Now if you become friends with them, they would fall under the "friends" category.

Significant Other: Pretty damn important.

Should free speech be unlimited: No. Absolutely not. "Free Speech" as an idea is absolute garbage.

Do you believe there are two set genders objectively: Sex =/= Gender.

Do you support gender roles: No.

Do ghosts exist: No.

What makes you happy: Working on a new game at work.

What makes you sad: Systemic inequality.

What makes you angry: Religion, and it's use to pull the wool over the eyes of the proletariat. It's also inherently flawed, and is generally oppressive.

Should governments, schools, etc be secular: Yes. without exception. Religious schools should be eradicated.

Can we trust our senses: Yes.

Do you engage in introspection: Not really.

Can miracles occur: No.

What are your views on money and wealth: Money and wealth are the bane of a truly civilized society.

What does it mean to say something is "Natural": It exists without interference.

How do you feel about social media: It's great.

Do you trust the news: Yes.

Should we ever use weapons of mass destruction: No.

Should we have open boarders: Yes.

What are your thoughts on sex: Do what you want. It's no one's business what you do.

Do we have a soul: No.

What makes something "reasonable to believe": There needs to be a logical cause and/or evidence.

Can we learn from fiction: No. The "fiction" we learn from is just taking real world ideas and wrapping them up in a pretty shell.

 

[1137]

- Name: Ryan

- Religion Raised: Jewish

- Other Religions Practiced: Atheism, Thelema, Satanism, Luciferianism

- Current Religion: Setianism

- Organizations: Order of the Serpent

- Does Free Will exist: yes, but it is attained and learned, not inherent.

- Do god(s) exist: multiple gods exist

- Are math and logic created or discovered: discovered

- Is the mind created by the brain: no, and there is no evidence supporting the idea that it is

- Rituals/Practices: guest speaking, writing, debate

- How much thought do you give to cultural norms/values: little, I'm more concerned with my own values

- Family norms/values: a decent amount, I don't need my family to be happy with everything I do but still do things like attend holidays

- Work norms/values: gotta keep that job unless it's values are immoral

- Where does morality come from: applying reason and evidence to the human condition

- Do good and evil exist: hmmmm... In beings with higher consciosness like us, yes

- What do you consider yourself politically: center

- How do you feel about modern technology: it is a serious double edged sword, but I appreciate it overall

- What are your thoughts on natural science: useful and knowledge, but limited to the material world. Scientism is a very real problem

- What are your thoughts on psychological science: absolutely key to understanding ourselves

- Is abortion wrong: depends on context

- What makes something beautiful: subjective preference and differences

- Do you think there's an afterlife: I do

- What do you think of euthanasia: it's completely appropriate when quality of life is lost. I sure don't want to live on with no quality of life.

- Do you think aliens exist: probably

- How important is analytical philosophy: moderately

- How important are your ancestors to your life: they really aren't

- Should animals have equal rights as humans: if they did we would all be screwed

- What is the purpose of art: to inspire thought

- Is strong artificial intelligence possible: maybe, unsure

- How do you feel about "authority": sometimes it is earned and when it is it is good to listen. Usually it is not earned though and has no value

- Is it ever ok to violate the free will of another: nope

- What do you think of "holy books": humans trying to explain their beliefs/experiences. Not the word of Gods

- Is birth control ethical: yes

- How important is the physical body: only important enough to have a decent quality of life

- What are the differences between brains and minds: they are entirely different, separate things with contradictory properties

- What do you think of capitalism: with fair oversight (like not gouging medical prices) capitalism would be best.

- Socialism: I'm good with equal OPPORTUNITY, but you should get what you earn.

- Anarchy: childish, a state is needed to protect people even if it is limited in power

- Fascism: evil embodied in politics

- Is it ethical to (not) have children: all about context and preference

- To what extent do humans affect climate: somewhat

- What conspiracies do you believe: demonization of stellar tradition, 9/11

- How did the universe come to exist: infinite probability of chaos + infinite time

- Are you afraid of death: nope

- What role does doubt play in your life: I doubt everything but my own existence

- What are dreams: subconscious images, thoughts, desires, etc.

- How do you feel about drug use: you own your body, do what you want. Just don't put others at risk. Not spiritually beneficial though.

- Is selfishness inherently wrong: definitely not

- What is the meaning of life, or how do we create it: to come into beings as discrete, unique individuals

- Is there something inherently wrong or right with having faith: we all have faith in some things, even if it's not religious.

- How important are family: very

- Friends: very

- Coworkers: moderately

- Significant Other: #1 importance

- Should free speech be unlimited: no, people should be able to share any idea, but something like encouraging violence should be limited.

- Do you believe there are two set genders objectively: yes, with the exception of the rare individuals who are born both.

- Do you support gender roles: no, but sometimes they are nice lol

- Do ghosts exist: I think so

- What makes you happy: SO, friends, family, music, movies, video games, reading, writing, philosophy, academia, and more

What makes you sad: chronic illness and pain, bad friends, family problems...

- What makes you angry: bad drivers, hypocrites, coworkers not doing their job, willful ignorance...

- Should governments, schools, etc be secular: yes

- Can we trust our senses: definitely not

- Do you engage in introspection: like... Hourly

- Can miracles occur: not in the traditional sense

- What are your views on money and wealth: I'd like to live a good life but don't focus on being rich or anything. Nobody should want for basic needs due to money.

- What does it mean to say something is "Natural": it is part of the objective, deterministic, material world.

- How do you feel about social media: another double edged sword, but mostly good.

- Do you trust the news: hell no

- Should we ever use weapons of mass destruction: only as an absolute last resort against a similar evil.

- Should we have open boarders: no, but no country or culture should be unlivable.

- What are your thoughts on sex: it's good, not immoral, important to the relationship

- Do we have a soul: yes

- What makes something "reasonable to believe": evidence, reasoning, experience.

- Can we learn from fiction: often times more than we learn from fact!

 

[Terese]

Fun thread @1137!

Name: Terese

Religion Raised: Muslim, but primarily secular.

Other Religions Practiced: Vaishnavism

Current Religion: Vaishnavism

Organizations: Not sure what you mean.

Does Free Will exist: In some capacity.

Do god(s) exist: God and gods exist.

Are math and logic created or discovered: No clue.

Is the mind created by the brain: Yes

Rituals/Practices:

How much thought do you give to cultural norms/values: I sometimes think why we do things is the way we do them, but all in all i have found myself to have very Western ideals like egalitarianism and individuality.

Family norms/values: Constraining.

Work norms/values: Rules are rules as long as i stay.

Where does morality come from: God and his devotees

Do good and evil exist: Yes, good is truth, evil is ignorance

What do you consider yourself politically: On the left of the spectrum.

How do you feel about modern technology: Great! Please advance more for the betterment of mankind!

What are your thoughts on natural science: Great! Understanding the physical world is a very good thing!

What are your thoughts on psychological science: Great! All sciences are good for us.

Is abortion wrong: Depends on the situation. Raising a child is no easy task.

What makes something beautiful: That's quite a subjective question, i would say uniqueness and aesthetics.

Do you think there's an afterlife: Yes

What do you think of euthanasia: If people wish to forfeit their lives that is their decision. Euthanasia is painless. Doesn't make the situation less unfortunate though.

Do you think aliens exist: They should, considering the immensity of the universe. If they don't, that'd be an awful waste of space I also believe there are many universes like there are galaxies.

How important is analytical philosophy: Very important. Logic, reason and rationality and our capability to understand it is one of our greatest traits as a species.

How important are your ancestors to your life: Not important.

Should animals have equal rights as humans: Yes, they should be treated with respect. Its very possible to domesticate a species and respect them too.

What is the purpose of art: Self-expression of the mind.

Is strong artificial intelligence possible: Could be. We know little about the brain and how consciousness works, but i don't consider AI an impossible feat.

How do you feel about "authority": Necessary, but can be highly abused.

Is it ever ok to violate the free will of another: No.

What do you think of "holy books": They contain truths.

Is birth control ethical: I don't know.

How important is the physical body: Quite important, neglecting the body tends to affect the mind as well.

What are the differences between brains and minds: Brain is the house of the mind, the mind is the individual

What do you think of capitalism: Good in small doses. Too much of anything will inevitability go sour.

Socialism: A good system, but not sure.

Anarchy: Not good.

Fascism: No good

Is it ethical to (not) have children: Considering the availability of modern medicine and the population of humans on earth, i don't think it necessary to have children.
To what extent do humans affect climate:

What conspiracies do you believe: I think the government had something to do with 9/11.

How did the universe come to exist: It has always existed in different cycles. What creates, maintains and destroys the universe is Brahman

Are you afraid of death: Logically no, emotionally yes.

What role does doubt play in your life: I've never been confident in my abilities and often second guess myself.

What are dreams: Our memories made into a story

How do you feel about drug use: I think there are good drugs and bad drugs. What makes them good or bad is how you use them.

Is selfishness inherently wrong: Self-preservation is not wrong, but believing selfishness trumps selflessness is wrong.

What is the meaning of life, or how do we create it: The meaning of life is our existence.

Is there something inherently wrong or right with having faith: Nope.

How important are family: Important, but not sacred.

Friends: Very important.

Coworkers: Handy

Significant Other: Sacred, important, and handy

Should free speech be unlimited: No. People shouldn't be allowed to do everything. There are rules. But freedom is sweet.

Do you believe there are two set genders objectively: Yes, but they can often mix.

Do you support gender roles: Yes

Do ghosts exist: Maybe!

What makes you happy: The spiritual, selflessness, love.

What makes you sad: Anger, bullying, low self esteem.

What makes you angry: Egotistic behaviour, wilful ignorance, unjust violence.

Should governments, schools, etc be secular: I don't think they should, but they can.

Can we trust our senses: Not all the time.

Do you engage in introspection: Yes, often.

Can miracles occur: Yes.

What are your views on money and wealth: Has the potential to achieve great things for people. It can also hurt lots of people.

What does it mean to say something is "Natural": Made by the earth, as opposed to artificial, which is made by people. These definitions are contentious though.

How do you feel about social media: A horde of flesh eating locusts.

Do you trust the news: I take news with a grain of salt. What they report has both true and false information.

Should we ever use weapons of mass destruction: No! It will never be worth it.

Should we have open boarders: Complicated question. Really depends on the politics and cultures. We could, but should we?

What are your thoughts on sex: A pleasurable experience. Lusty thoughts during sex are normal, but outside they can affect our cognition. Too much sex can create problems.

Do we have a soul: Yes! Every living being has an atma inside of them. It is the engine which propels our existence.

What makes something "reasonable to believe": Something that doesn't stray too far from our norms.

Can we learn from fiction:[/QUOTE] Absolutely. Sci-fi creates stories of a far flung future with technology that are fantastical to us, but if they did exist, how would we react? What would our way of life be? These discussions create thoughts for our future.