RE: A few questions
June 8, 2009 at 9:18 pm
(This post was last modified: June 8, 2009 at 9:20 pm by Oldandeasilyconfused.)
Quote:1. Do you think it is possible to know why the universe exists?
I have no idea,nor do I care.
Quote:2. How do you think morality can exist without objective authority or verification?
Morality is a cultural construct,which varies. It is pragmatic and self interested.The the motivation is survival of the individual and of society.There are no outside moral authorities,other than the group/society
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?
Why does one need a reason to accept what simply is.? Why does everything need an answer?
As atheist I make no claims about anything whatsoever,nor am I obliged to. I assert ONLY "I do to believe in god(s)". Some of my views may correlate with my atheism,but there is no causal connection.
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?
"Should" is an irrelevant moral question. "To care" is an emotional response ,not a rational decision,it requires no explanation. Nor is there an atheist position on the matter. An atheist,I REALLY don't care what others believe. (so long as the religious stay out of my face, and don't try to impose their values on me and society generally.EG anti abortionists (I refuse to call them "pro life") and anti euthanasia advocates give me the fucking shits)
Quote:5. Can you be absolutely certain, without a doubt, that God or something supernatural does not exist?
NO; like Dawkins,on a scale of 1 to7, I'm a 6.9. My position is that human being can have personal certitude,but not certainty. Nor does science work on absolutes.**.
Quote: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.
You don't get to set conditions. Some questions require other questions, not answers.
TRIVIA: On TV last night: Part of Einstein's theory,relating to gravity and time (which I don't pretend to understand) is about to be tested for the first time.
