(July 2, 2014 at 1:23 pm)Mozart Link Wrote: But the concept of "superior" has a scientific explanation because everything has a scientific explanation. Therefore, since there would have to be a scientific definition of "superior," then that is what determines whether that definition applies here in my argument or not.
Nonsense. There is no scientific definition of superior. Relative subjective criteria, such as superior, are purely philosophical descriptors. Once the criteria is agreed to, science can be used to measure attributes which can then be used to rank examples.
Working the other direction is also possible. Science can accumulate facts about entities and can even order examples on a min/max scale, but as far as determining which is superior would be a philosophical matter.
I would post a video if I could so you'll have to settle for this transcript of a scene from Master and Commander which I think helps illustrate my point:
[Dinner in the officers' mess. The captain is inebriated, but asks apparently seriously]
Capt. Jack Aubrey: Do you see those two weevils doctor?
Dr. Stephen Maturin: I do.
Capt. Jack Aubrey: Which would you choose?
Dr. Stephen Maturin: [sighs annoyed] Neither; there is not a scrap a difference between them. They are the same species of Curculio.
Capt. Jack Aubrey: If you had to choose. If you were forced to make a choice. If there was no other response...
Dr. Stephen Maturin: [Exasperated] Well then if you are going to *push* me...
[the doctor studies the weevils briefly]
Dr. Stephen Maturin: ...I would choose the right hand weevil; it has... significant advantage in both length and breadth.
[the captain thumps his fist in the table]
Capt. Jack Aubrey: There, I have you! You're completely dished! Do you not know that in the service...
[pauses]
Capt. Jack Aubrey: ...one must always choose the lesser of two weevils.
[the officers burst out in laughter]
