(September 23, 2009 at 5:10 pm)Minimalist Wrote: Seems that they (and I) are not willing to accept ancient superstition in lieu of evidence, either. Perhaps even the notion that life has to have a "purpose" is merely a reflection of humanity's overinflated view of itself?
(September 23, 2009 at 5:30 pm)ecolox Wrote: How is it egotistical to think things happen for a reason? Do you reject science as egotistical too?
You're confusing things happening for a reason (as in cause and effect) with purpose, which implies intention.
The reason its egotistical is that it implies life is an intentional outcome of a predetermined purpose. This idea puts life and therefore us, as the centre, or the goal of the suggested 'intender'.
An alternative view that life began by chance, and then evolved by natural selection, puts us in the position of lucky benefactors of evolution, and we can then state the reason for our existence, but a grand purpose is not necessary. This, I would suggest, is a much less self-centred view of humanity's place in the world.
