(June 8, 2009 at 3:10 am)scameter Wrote: 1. Do you think it is possible to know why the universe exists?
I do not absolutely know whether it's possible 'to know why' but I have no reason whatsoever to believe it is. I know of no evidence whatsoever that there is 'purpose in the universe' so why would I ask why? Why would I ask 'why the universe exists' if I know of no evidence for a '"Why?"' question - because there's no evidence of purpose?
If there was evidence of purpose in the universe then I'd wonder 'why', then I'd ask a '"Why?" question' - until then there's no point because there's no reason to believe, there's no evidence that there is a "why?" to the universe.
Quote:2. How do you think morality can exist without objective authority or verification?
Morality has evolved, it's a thing we share. Some are more moral than others - it doesn't need to be objective, it's based on feelings, on empathy. On caring about others - just because it's not objective doesn't mean that some people don't care more than others, and some people are 'nastier' some people are 'nice', etc, etc, etc. That's pretty much obvious.
It pretty much boils down to empathy, really.
Quote: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 it makes this life special. The real life (the only life that there's actually any evidence of whatsover); it also means you have no chance wasting this life on behaving so you can get into another life (and the 'good side' (heaven) rather than the 'bad side' (hell) that there is no evidence of whatsoever; that there's no reason to believe exists.
Like I said - it makes this life extra special, if you're not living for another one instead (that there's no evidence of whatsoever)
I'm very fond of this quote; and I think it's always appropriate to this matter:
"That it will never come again is what makes life so sweet." - Emily Dickinson
Quote: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?
Because religion, believing in "God(s)", the supernatural, etc, etc - are delusional because there's no evidence whatsoever for these beliefs - and these delusional beliefs can be very harmful, potentially. Just look at the Crusades, the Inquisition, just look at 911.
People can do bad things because they're driven by religious beliefs that are very harmful and they literally believe it.
Yes people can be comforted by religion like a placebo. And if someone totally harmlessly believes and it gives them comfort, fine. But I'm not going to agree with them, not am I going to pretend I do, I'd give them my own view. And the point is that you do not need[/b] religion for comfort, religion as a placebo - only if you believe you do. You [i]can have a great life without believing in supernatural bullshit.
Quote:5. Can you be absolutely certain, without a doubt, that God or something supernatural does not exist?
No; because that's a logical fallacy. You can't prove a negative. I don't need to know - I'm as sure that "God" doesn't exist as I'm as sure that the Tooth Fairy doesn't exist. I cannot disprove God and absolutely "know" he doesn't exist, but nor can I with the Tooth Fairy either! I'm agnostic in that sense, but there's absolutely no reason whatsoever to believe something as ridiculous as the Tooth Fairy exists, or something as ridiculous as God exists either. There's no evidence in either case and they are both complexities that would need evidence and an explanation for me to even consider believing.
EvF
