Exist vs. Real

[Kyuuketsuki]

I agree that thought is real, for the same reasons you stated. The fMRI is a very cool machine. I also do agree with that definition of real, if it is a part of our testable, reliable world then real seems the perfect word for it.

Cool, I think we're in agreement ... could you try and explain it to Frodo now?

Btw, I don't think I have seen the abbreviation 'IOW' before, what does it stand for?

As Arcanus says, in other words.

Kyu

---

I agree with Michael Shermer on this subject (How We Believe, 1999), that dictionaries only give us how a word is used (in particular contexts; e.g., there are several uses for the word 'real') and some dictionaries will touch upon how it entered the language (e.g., etymology), but no dictionary provides us with how a word is defined. For example, in cases like this, we look to the dictionary to see how the word "real" is used in our present context, but we look to philosophy to see how the word is defined (which the dictionary will have taken into account). Given this take on the issue, I agree with Demonaura that the dictionary provides us with a place to start the conversation (contrary to Ledo's notion that it gives us a place to end the conversation).

I agree ... you read Shermer? Sh** ... I could actually start liking you ... shame you're a theist (although the thing I have most issue with is that you're a religionist).

Kyu