(September 19, 2017 at 8:21 pm)RoadRunner79 Wrote:(September 19, 2017 at 1:15 pm)Kernel Sohcahtoa Wrote: RoadRunner, out of curiosity, I'm somewhat confused by apologetics. Specifically, god belief is unfalsifiable, yet from my observations, there are apologists who will use tools of falsifiability, such as reason and logic, to establish that their unfalsifiable claims are true (which can often give the appearance of mental gymnastics, rationalizations, circular reasoning, etc). Could you please clarify how this is not a contradiction? Also, when taking an apologetics approach toward one's belief system, to what degree are the truths of that belief system faith-based? Does it make sense to engage in rational discourse over truths that are faith-based?
I would agree, that it would be incorrect, to engage in rational discourse, over that which is subjective. However, I would disagree, that these things are unfalsifiable. Hence I don't understand nor share your concern and confusion. [1] Perhaps you can clarify (or re-evaluate that they are unfalsifiable). I also think that you may have confusion on what my faith consists of. [2] My faith is in God, not about God. I don't think that it is about taking a blind leap, and I don't advocate or think that people should have that kind of faith.
Quote:With that said, is it completely sensible for an individual to accept the claims of his or her belief system based on faith/belief? Also, rather than asserting that one's belief system is the truth in our reality, is it more sensible and open-minded to keep one's belief system in the domain of faith/belief? Thanks
If it is a subjective matter, then I would agree. [3] However I don't think that your statements here make much sense when it is objective whether talking about religion or just one's worldview in general.
Thanks for the very polite questions... I hope this helps.
Thanks for your response. Out of curiosity, how would you go about falsifying supernatural claims?
Regarding [1], my confusion lies in trying to establish the truth of supernatural claims via naturalistic tools such as human reason/logic. Furthermore, if supernatural claims can be understood or falsified via naturalistic means, then are these claims really based in the supernatural? Is it more accurate to say that "supernatural" describes humanity's lack of knowledge about how reality works?
In regards to [2], could you please clarify the following statement: "my faith is in God, not about God."
Regarding [3], if one's worldview/religious faith is falsifiable, then does that open the door to subjectivity?
Thanks for your polite answer, sir.