(January 23, 2016 at 6:48 pm)Mr.wizard Wrote:(January 23, 2016 at 6:06 pm)phil-lndn Wrote: What question? What explanation?
I don't like making assumptions, so please be more precise - quote my question so I know what you are talking about, state the explanation so that I can test your claims about it.
Thanks!
I'm a scientist, so for me - "probably" means that we are in possession of facts or reasoning which allow us to calculate a probability, and a probability that is over 50%
If you wish to define "probably" as "as far as we can tell", then I'm happy to work from that definition.
However, an argument from "as far as we can tell" is an argument from ignorance.
It's not an argument from ignorance because it does not exclude the option of designers or anything else being possible. It is simply saying since there is no evidence for designers of universe then there is no reason to accept the claim that they exist.
OK, your argument sounds correct from that definition. Because the conclusion didn't sit right, I have checked the dictionary definition for "probable", i think it supports my previous definition rather than "as far as we can tell".
probable:
1. likely to occur or prove true
2. having more evidence for than against, or evidence that inclines the mind to belief but leaves some room for doubt.
3. affording ground for belief.
http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/probable
