Ex Theists

[Rhizomorph13]

And without reason... where would our science be? Science is completely based on chance. Even if something happens 500 times in a row under the same conditions... it is still possible for it to happen differently on the 501st time. The scientific method does not acknowledge this fact... and assumes that if it happens a few times the same way: it will not alter in an infinite number of tests. This is all well and good if we are in a universe formed not by intelligent beings. But it is impossible to prove that we are or not... therefore science must blindly assume that our world abides by the same laws at all time (if it is to progress at any reasonable pace).

Saerules,

Experimentation never settles a question for scientists in any infinite way, science is always ready for new data.

from http://www.colby.edu/biology/BI17x/expt_method.html

How can we prove that our new hypothesis is true? We never can. The scientific method does not allow any hypothesis to be proven. Hypotheses can be disproven in which case that hypothesis is rejected as false. All we can say about a hypothesis, which stands up to, a test to falsify it is that we failed to disprove it. There is a world of difference between failing to disprove and proving. Make sure you understand this distinction; it is the foundation of the scientific method.

Please provide an example of how philosophy could solve a problem that science could not.

Thank you,
Rhizo

[Tiberius]

This is the thing, philosophy concerning logic is one of the most important parts of science. Science uses logic in deducing conclusions from results, and even in writing out hypotheses, theories, laws, etc.

Then of course there are things in philosophy live meaning of life, beauty, ethics, etc. All of which are ultimately meaningless questions for science because these questions are born out of the human mind, they aren't present as natural questions that have answers.

[Edwardo Piet]

It's like, "What is the purpose of Lava? Why does it burn villages down? What does it want from us? Why all the hate? Is it evil?" - quesitons such as these are retarded, amusing maybe, but retarded.

EvF

[Rhizomorph13]

EvF,

Well, it depends on your epistemic approach to lava. Ontologically it exists but it is only impure actuality, so if you infinitly regress through time, there was a time when lava did not exist and had to manifest from the lava god(actus purus lavus). It is absurd to believe that lava didn't come from actus purus lavus so your atheistic worldview fails and necessitates a theistic worldview which makes the argument valid.

1) Lava is impure actuality
2) Impure actuality has to come from pure actuality
3) Actus purus lavus is necessary to explain lava
4) Therefor the lava god needs a few virgins so he won't send his minions to burn down your village!

I hope that helped,
Rhizo

[Edwardo Piet]

FUCK I'm converted to Lavaism. Damn, and I've been in denial for so long - I can't take it ARRRGH!

EvF

[Rhizomorph13]

Sorry EvF,

My mind reels from the weight of my own genius. I too am a lavaist and will continue my good work of deflowering virgins to save them from the my lava daddy. If you truly wish to know what lava has planned for you, you need to buy my book "Actus Purus Lavus: a hearty tail of poking virgins to save them from immanent peril." It is only available from the Akashic Library and only if you are a skilled remote viewer.

Only you can save them from their fiery fate!

Rhizo

[Edwardo Piet]

Does it cost but only nine hundred and ninety nine dollars nine hundred and nine cents, per chance? "Just $999.99", "Only $999.99!" - that's the way to do business in this sick world it seems.

EvF

[fr0d0]

Back then Frodo? I was first debating online, in a forum, in 1998

I'm the same age as you Kyu (roughly). I became a Christian at age 24 in 1984.

I became an atheist for the 2nd time about 10 years later. I got the IT bug around 1984. Unlike you I never was interested much in online discussions. I was into blogging about 8 years ago. Atheism wasn't something I discussed. I love to talk about religion. Always have. But a 'forum' wasn't known to me. About 2 1/2 years ago, on a forum I joined at a very early stage and became a mod (and still am), I participated in a long thread where I learned about modern atheism. Whilst debating in that thread I changed from atheist to Christian. I've said this before early on this forum. And said where it was. That forum was edugeek.net. The thread is 'scientology' and my username is mark. The thread is for registered users only in the 'Behind the Red Door' area.

[Tiberius]

WTF is modern atheism? Atheism is atheism, plain an simple. It's been the same for thousands of years...disbelief in gods

Unless you are talking about the "new atheist" movement, which is entirely different.

[fr0d0]

Yes, the new atheist movement. It was new to me at this point in time.