(October 17, 2018 at 9:24 am)Rahn127 Wrote:So then, you are saying, that I can deny any testimony, that I have not seen for myself. By this standard, then I can say that there is no evidence for evolution. There is no evidence against President Trump, I don't even have any evidence that Sweden exists (my apologies to Brian and ABBA).(October 17, 2018 at 8:02 am)RoadRunner79 Wrote: How so? What principles or reasons, lead you to this conclusion?
I have a book that details several stories about individuals who have grown arms & legs back on their body after they had been cut off in various accidents over the years. The book details exactly what they did to accomplish the regrowing of their limbs.
All of the stories are from the 14th century, so unfortunately we can't directly talk to the individuals listed in the book, but we do have letters from family & friends that show very clearly that these events took place.
The book costs only $1000 but it's a small price to pay when you compare it to getting back an arm or leg.
You asked what principles or reason led to my conclusions about what is or isn't evidence.
Skeptical thinking and rational reasoning tells me that a book containing stories about events that can't be verified, nor demonstrated to be true are not evidence.
Do you plan on buying my book for $1000 or would you prefer that I provide some evidence that what it contains is actually true or not ?
A large issue, with such analogies, is that they rely only on personal incredulity. They don't provide any details, reasons, or principles, with which to discuss anything. It's really just trying to make a "you too" claim to prove one's argument. The problem is that there are no specifics in your scenario. You want me to make a decision not based on the evidence, but my feelings, without the evidence being examined. I'm not saying that you jump in blindly and without examination and corroboration of the evidence. Nor that you have to say yes, to everyone trying to sell you something. I look at reviews online, when what they are selling seems too good to be true (actually for most things).
However when a documentary or scientist is also telling me something which seem incredible, I look for others testimony; and hopefully, I'm rational an unbiased enough to evaluate that evidence, and perhaps change my views.
It is said that an argument is what convinces reasonable men and a proof is what it takes to convince even an unreasonable man. - Alexander Vilenkin
If I am shown my error, I will be the first to throw my books into the fire. - Martin Luther
If I am shown my error, I will be the first to throw my books into the fire. - Martin Luther