(June 8, 2009 at 3:10 am)scameter Wrote: 1. Do you think it is possible to know why the universe exists?
Why is in my opinion the wrong question because it presupposes a purpose for it. I see no evidence that it needs one.
(June 8, 2009 at 3:10 am)scameter Wrote: 2. How do you think morality can exist without objective authority or verification?
Empathy. You don't like it if your stuff gets stolen, so you can empathise with people that also don't want their stuff to be stolen. So you make an agreement amongst each other not to steal each other's stuff. Same goes for killing, raping, etc.
Besides, how do you determine that this "objective authority" is indeed objective and an authority at all? You would need to determine if the "lawgiver" is indeed correct in its foundation.
(June 8, 2009 at 3:10 am)scameter Wrote: 3. If there is no afterlife, what motivation would/should anyone have for living any particular way, such as trying to live ethically, civilly, healthily, or any specific way?
Because we live as a society with other human beings and we are interdependant on eachother. Do you really need a carrot and a stick to do the right thing? How sad would that be.
(June 8, 2009 at 3:10 am)scameter Wrote: 4. If there is no afterlife and no essential or ultimate meaning to existence, why should an atheist care if someone believes in a religion and, indeed, if believing in a religion would make their life easier, would that bother you as an atheist?
It wouldn't, not in the least. If a person wants to worship volcanoes that is his or her choice. However if that person wants to teach in science classes that humans come from the big manatoa on the center of the island, that I do have a problem with. You want to believe in a god, that is fine by me, but do not pass off this belief without any evidence for it as "absolute truth" and have it thaught as a science, it is not.
Furthermore, you think a belief in a religion is easier, I have yet to see any evidence of that.
(June 8, 2009 at 3:10 am)scameter Wrote: 5. Can you be absolutely certain, without a doubt, that God or something supernatural does not exist?
No, proving a negative is a fultile endeavor. Can you be absolutely certain that God does exist?
(June 8, 2009 at 3:10 am)scameter Wrote: As a note: please try to answer the questions themselves, not ask questions in response or deviate from them, and please try to refrain from insult or assumption towards me in your replies. Thank you.
If your questions is unclear or insufficient we have every right to ask a question in return.
Best regards,
Leo van Miert
Horsepower is how hard you hit the wall --Torque is how far you take the wall with you
Leo van Miert
Horsepower is how hard you hit the wall --Torque is how far you take the wall with you
