(June 4, 2011 at 5:51 am)Aerzia Saerules Arktuos Wrote:Diffidus Wrote:On the second point, it is true that I have said holding an open mind reflects the facts as they are, but I have never said that this means you are unenlightened if you don't. In fact, it is in the nature of an open mind to respect all peoples beliefs where that facts are not fully known.
This does not mean that I will not challenge views when the facts are known. For example, many Christians believe that the age of the earth is ~6500 years old. The evidence from the record of the rocks and carbon dating puts the age of the earth at ~ 4.5 billion years. Although there is some experimental uncertainty in the scientific measurements, it would be nowhere near enough to reconcile the differences. The Christian view is so far off the radar that it cannot possibly be correct. In this case we are able to test a view against empirical measurement and prove it to be fallacious using known experimental techniques.
But there are other types of question that are not accessible to current experimental measurements such: Does telepathy exist, the mystery of consciousness, are there more dimensions to space-time than four, is there a God? I keep an open mind on these type of questions and respect peoples beliefs about them.
... *Aerzia ponders on her hungry empty stomach over whether or not this is worth devouring. On the one hand: she is hungry. On the other: this tripe looks to be gathering mold and unfit for consumption*...
I wonder how many hundred years it will take for humans to stop saying nonsense like this. We have a running pool throughout the galaxy, and the smart money puts it outside 4 centuries.
I'll give you a shortcut. Everything exists. Telepathy takes far more electricity than a human brain provides for. Consciousness is not a mystery but a state of being. Only those weirdo scientists give a damn how many dimensions are in 'this' 'universe', and them certainly not for practical application. There is no longer a 'God', as Larry is dead, and for my own safety I shall not say how (as the method used to kill him is the same method required to kill me).
Diffidus:
Thank you for these considered answers. If I require any more information on subjects that have baffled the greatest minds that have existed throughout history, I now know who to ask!
