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InvisibleSkorpivoMusterion
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Epistemology and the Primacy of Existence
    #5238387 - 01/29/06 12:26 PM (18 years, 1 month ago)

Epistemology is the branch of philosophy that studies the nature and methods of human knowledge. It discovers the processes we have to go through in order to acquire knowledge. It identifies the rules and criteria which determine when our knowledge is valid.

On the basis of such science, evident is the fact that the very existence of such a subject as epistemology depends upon the Primacy of Existence. For if the Primacy of Consciousness were true, there would be no need of any such subject as epistemology.

This is so, because if one has to engage in a certain specific process, that means one is not able to simply do whatever one feels like doing and then count whatever comes up as knowledge. Furthermore, if one has to use specific methods of validation before something counts as knowledge, that means one's feelings, emotions or whatever else that simply strikes you does not count as a standard of validity, evaluation, or cognition.

In other words, the reason for an epistemology is the fact that merely because an idea passes through your head doesn?t ensure it is true. One can misuse one?s cognitive faculty. One can err. Therefore, one needs criteria. One needs principles to inform one how one must function in order to achieve knowledge. Put simply, the mere brute fact that you believe something is irrelevant to truth ? irrelevant to knowledge.

Why? Because consciousness does not have primacy. Thus epistemology is only necessary if existence has primacy.

The primary source of the mind-body dichotomy and of all the suffering it has caused, is a false view of the mind, i.e., of concepts. The solution is to return to the axioms of philosophy, existence and consciousness, and identify their actual relationship within a conceptual process. The axioms of philosophy cannot be asunder, there is no consciousness without existence and no knowledge of existence without consciousness. The advocate of objectivity recognizes this fundamental fact; that a volitional relationship between consciousness and existence is the essence of conceptual cognition, i.e., of the mind. For one to grok and follow this, is to uphold the Primacy of Existence, the efficacy of human consciousness, and the harmony of mind and body.

In conclusion, I leave you with the final paragraphs of Introduction to Objectivist Epistemology:

Quote:


. . . the satisfaction of every need of a living organism requires an act of processing by that organism, be it the need of air, of food or of knowledge.

No one would argue [at least, not yet] that since man's body has to process the food he eats, no objective rules of proper nutrition can ever be discovered - that "true nutrition" has to consist of absorbing some ineffable substance without the participation of a digestive system, but since man is incapable of "true feeding," nutrition is a subjective matter open to his whim, and it is merely a social convention that forbids him to eat poisonous mushrooms.

No one would argue that since nature does not tell man automatically what to eat - as it does not tell him automatically how to form concepts - he should abandon the illusion that there is a right or wrong way of eating [or he should revert to the safety of the time when he did not have to "trust" objective evidence, but could rely on dietary laws prescribed by a supernatural power]. . . .

No one would argue that man eats bread rather than stones purely as a matter of "convenience."

It is time to grant to man's consciousness the same cognitive respect one grants to his body - i.e., the same objectivity.








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InvisibleSclorch
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Re: Epistemology and the Primacy of Existence [Re: SkorpivoMusterion]
    #5239168 - 01/29/06 04:35 PM (18 years, 1 month ago)

How is existence or essence any more primary than the other?

Essence is required to measure existence. Existence is required for essence to function.
It's a mutual relationship where each party is nullified without the other. This is why the body dies without a consciousness (its own or another's) fulfilling its needs. It seems fundamental then that evidence for incorporeal entities should not exist... and no evidence has withstood testing.


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InvisibleSkorpivoMusterion
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Re: Epistemology and the Primacy of Existence [Re: Sclorch]
    #5239195 - 01/29/06 04:45 PM (18 years, 1 month ago)

How is existence or essence [consciousness?] any more primary than the other?

Existence has primacy over consciousness because consciousness cannot exist without reality. Reality can exist without consciousness.

Essence is required to measure existence. Existence is required for essence to function.
It's a mutual relationship where each party is nullified without the other.


You are implying that essence exists apart from existence. It either exists, or it doesn't. In any case, the relationship between the two is mutual - as pointed out once more: The axioms of philosophy cannot be asunder, there is no consciousness without existence and no knowledge of existence without consciousness.
The party of existence, however, is independent of any faculty of perception. To say that the existence of Earth was nullified prior to any conscious life, or after any conscious life becomes extinct, is to deny the Primacy of Existence, the absoluteness of reality.

This is why the body dies without a consciousness (its own or another's) fulfilling its needs. It seems fundamental then that evidence for incorporeal entities should not exist... and no evidence has withstood testing.


Agreed, entirely.



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Edited by SkorpivoMusterion (01/29/06 04:55 PM)

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InvisibleSclorch
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Re: Epistemology and the Primacy of Existence [Re: SkorpivoMusterion]
    #5239518 - 01/29/06 06:18 PM (18 years, 1 month ago)

Quote:

SkorpivoMusterion said:
Reality can exist without consciousness.



No, it can't.  Wipe out all consciousness... and the universe cannot be shown to exist. :smile:

Quote:

The party of existence, however, is independent of any faculty of perception. To say that the existence of Earth was nullified prior to any conscious life, or after any conscious life becomes extinct, is to deny the Primacy of Existence, the absoluteness of reality.



Is the Primacy of Existence falsifiable?


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Invisibleit stars saddam
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Re: Epistemology and the Primacy of Existence [Re: Sclorch]
    #5239652 - 01/29/06 06:54 PM (18 years, 1 month ago)

Quote:

SkorpivoMusterion said:
Reality can exist without consciousness.




Yeah, man, that's highly debatable, and virtually impossible to confirm.

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InvisibleSkorpivoMusterion
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Re: Epistemology and the Primacy of Existence [Re: it stars saddam]
    #5239802 - 01/29/06 07:27 PM (18 years, 1 month ago)

No, it can't. Wipe out all consciousness... and the universe cannot be shown to exist.

The Universe, or any existent for that matter, does not need to be shown to exist, in order for it to exist. Look out at the night sky, and gaze at the ancient moon. It has existed long before any life on Earth was able to observe it.

You are alluding to the same old "If a tree falls when no one hears it, does it make any noise?" argument. If no one is around, then will it be heard? No. But will the actions create soundwaves? Yes. The Law of Identity remains lawful, as Existence still exists. To claim that because one is not present to recieve those sounds, that the sound is therefore non-existent, is a denial of cause and effect - another law of Nature.

Is the Primacy of Existence falsifiable?

I don't know.



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Re: Epistemology and the Primacy of Existence [Re: SkorpivoMusterion]
    #5239972 - 01/29/06 08:20 PM (18 years, 1 month ago)

Quote:

SkorpivoMusterion said:
To claim that because one is not present to recieve those sounds, that the sound is therefore non-existent, is a denial of cause and effect - another law of Nature.




How so?

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InvisibleSkorpivoMusterion
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Re: Epistemology and the Primacy of Existence [Re: it stars saddam]
    #5239984 - 01/29/06 08:24 PM (18 years, 1 month ago)

Every cause must have an effect - this is an objective fact.



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Re: Epistemology and the Primacy of Existence [Re: SkorpivoMusterion]
    #5240032 - 01/29/06 08:34 PM (18 years, 1 month ago)

What I'm asking is how "to claim that because one is not present to recieve those sounds, that the sound is therefore non-existent, is a denial of cause and effect?"

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Re: Epistemology and the Primacy of Existence [Re: it stars saddam]
    #5240049 - 01/29/06 08:37 PM (18 years, 1 month ago)

Because to claim that an action wouldn't create any reactions, is to deny the fact that every cause must have an effect - which, is an objective fact.



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Re: Epistemology and the Primacy of Existence [Re: SkorpivoMusterion]
    #5240080 - 01/29/06 08:41 PM (18 years, 1 month ago)

Quote:

SkorpivoMusterion said:
Because to claim that an action wouldn't create any reactions, is to deny the fact that every cause must have an effect - which, is an objective fact.




Without any kind of conscious observer, how is there any way to verify that the action ever took place?

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InvisibleSclorch
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Re: Epistemology and the Primacy of Existence [Re: SkorpivoMusterion]
    #5240097 - 01/29/06 08:44 PM (18 years, 1 month ago)

Must every effect have a cause?

And for that matter, could it not be chronocentric to assume that the "laws of the universe" are static?
Maybe these so-called laws have expiration dates. You know... throw them out when the universe starts smelling funny.


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InvisibleSclorch
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Re: Epistemology and the Primacy of Existence [Re: it stars saddam]
    #5240105 - 01/29/06 08:45 PM (18 years, 1 month ago)

Quote:

itstarssaddam said:
Quote:

SkorpivoMusterion said:
Because to claim that an action wouldn't create any reactions, is to deny the fact that every cause must have an effect - which, is an objective fact.




Without any kind of conscious observer, how is there any way to verify that the action ever took place?



Faith in formulaic constants?


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Re: Epistemology and the Primacy of Existence [Re: it stars saddam]
    #5240107 - 01/29/06 08:45 PM (18 years, 1 month ago)

By looking at the crime scene, so to speak. :grin:

If I walk in a forest, and see a fallen tree, then obviously the tree once stood - for a tree cannot fall if it never stood. Hence, it fell, and all natural effects followed from such a cause.




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Re: Epistemology and the Primacy of Existence [Re: Sclorch]
    #5240124 - 01/29/06 08:48 PM (18 years, 1 month ago)

Quote:

Sclorch said:
Quote:

itstarssaddam said:
Quote:

SkorpivoMusterion said:
Because to claim that an action wouldn't create any reactions, is to deny the fact that every cause must have an effect - which, is an objective fact.




Without any kind of conscious observer, how is there any way to verify that the action ever took place?



Faith in formulaic constants?




Faith, indeed.

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Re: Epistemology and the Primacy of Existence [Re: SkorpivoMusterion]
    #5240136 - 01/29/06 08:50 PM (18 years, 1 month ago)

Quote:

SkorpivoMusterion said:
By looking at the crime scene, so to speak. :grin:

If I walk in a forest, and see a fallen tree, then obviously the tree once stood - for a tree cannot fall if it never stood. Hence, it fell, and all natural effects followed from such a cause.




In my opinion, there would be no way to confirm that the tree existed in that state prior to it's entrance into your perception, and your role as the observer.

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Re: Epistemology and the Primacy of Existence [Re: Sclorch]
    #5240146 - 01/29/06 08:51 PM (18 years, 1 month ago)

Must every effect have a cause?

Until I am shown of an example whereby such laws do not apply, I will remained 100% convinced that every effect will naturally have a cause.

And for that matter, could it not be chronocentric to assume that the "laws of the universe" are static?

I, for one, have no problem acknowledging that if the Universe were to collapse in a "Big Crunch", into non-existence, then along with it, it's own laws will go.

Maybe these so-called laws have expiration dates.

When these laws expire, nobody will get anything done, for it is by the Law of Cause and Effect that we create change - when that expiration date comes, then so will the Universe expire [see: Big Crunch]



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Re: Epistemology and the Primacy of Existence [Re: SkorpivoMusterion]
    #5240177 - 01/29/06 08:57 PM (18 years, 1 month ago)

In my opinion, there would be no way to confirm that the tree existed in that state prior to it's entrance into your perception, and your role as the observer.

In that state, as in "stood"? Certainly, we can confirm that it once stood - it has fallen. What more confirmation do you need? Something does not fall without having stood. Furthermore, an expert can check the remains of the tree stump, observe levels of decay and even determine the general time frame that the incident occured. One can even determine how many years the tree has stood by looking on the inside of the tree stump.



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Re: Epistemology and the Primacy of Existence [Re: SkorpivoMusterion]
    #5240199 - 01/29/06 09:01 PM (18 years, 1 month ago)

its NOT a sound unless it is HEARD man. its just disturbed air. Just like Reality would be nothing without someone to observe it.

Your brain MAKES it a sound, jsut liek yoru BRAIN makes this world REAL. There is no absolutness to this reality. It is a perception of our minds, and nothing more. A passing glimpse. Thats not to say our world and universe has no practical rules of course, only that we are ignorant of 99% of these(better to err on the side of cation rather than ASSUME one knows more than they do).

blaze2


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Invisibleit stars saddam
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Re: Epistemology and the Primacy of Existence [Re: SkorpivoMusterion]
    #5240207 - 01/29/06 09:02 PM (18 years, 1 month ago)

Quote:

SkorpivoMusterion said:
In my opinion, there would be no way to confirm that the tree existed in that state prior to it's entrance into your perception, and your role as the observer.

In that state, as in "stood"? Certainly, we can confirm that it once stood - it has fallen. What more confirmation do you need? Something does not fall without having stood. Furthermore, an expert can check the remains of the tree stump, observe levels of decay and even determine the general time frame that the incident occured. One can even determine how many years the tree has stood by looking on the inside of the tree stump.




Of course, but this would all be after the fact of your initial observation of the tree in the state of having fallen. Add a touch of solipsism, or consider the theory of "wavefunction collapse", and the notion that the tree was ever standing is no longer so black and white.

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InvisibleSkorpivoMusterion
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Re: Epistemology and the Primacy of Existence [Re: blaze2]
    #5240231 - 01/29/06 09:10 PM (18 years, 1 month ago)

its NOT a sound unless it is HEARD man. its just disturbed air.

Disturbed air? You mean sound waves? Well, gee, that's what I said.

Just like Reality would be nothing without someone to observe it.

Nothing relative to the perception of someone who isn't present, correct. In reality, however, the proverbial tree still stands, regardless. Molten lava still heats and boils underneath the Earth's crust. Stars remain during the day. Existence continues to exist.




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InvisibleSclorch
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Re: Epistemology and the Primacy of Existence [Re: SkorpivoMusterion]
    #5240244 - 01/29/06 09:14 PM (18 years, 1 month ago)

Quote:

SkorpivoMusterion said:
Must every effect have a cause?

Until I am shown of an example whereby such laws do not apply, I will remained 100% convinced that every effect will naturally have a cause.



Consciousness.


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Re: Epistemology and the Primacy of Existence [Re: SkorpivoMusterion]
    #5240247 - 01/29/06 09:15 PM (18 years, 1 month ago)

Quote:

SkorpivoMusterion said:
In reality, however, the proverbial tree still stands, regardless. Molten lava still heats and boils underneath the Earth's crust. Stars remain during the day. Existence continues to exist.




I respect your personal belief in objectivism, but you have to understand that these statements are still leaps of faith and in no way absolute, regardless of how much that philosophy appeals to you.

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Re: Epistemology and the Primacy of Existence [Re: SkorpivoMusterion]
    #5240249 - 01/29/06 09:17 PM (18 years, 1 month ago)

Quote:

SkorpivoMusterion said:
Existence continues to exist.



Until you stop thinking...


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Re: Epistemology and the Primacy of Existence [Re: Sclorch]
    #5240265 - 01/29/06 09:22 PM (18 years, 1 month ago)

The existence of consciousness; our faculty of perception, is a product of our body, i.e., brain. It most certainly has a cause.



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Re: Epistemology and the Primacy of Existence [Re: SkorpivoMusterion]
    #5240290 - 01/29/06 09:33 PM (18 years, 1 month ago)

I respect your personal belief in objectivism, but you have to understand that these statements are still leaps of faith and in no way absolute, regardless of how much that philosophy appeals to you.

Well, likewise I'll have to respect your personal belief in Solipsism. Once you bring out the Solipsism card, we can no longer have any discussion, as there is no point in debating with a Solipsist about such matters. Objectivism requires no leaps of faith, regardless of what you misthink. Existence exists; this is axiomatic, and irreducible. Do you agree or disagree? If you agree, then you must agree that there will be natural corollaries. After all, it serves no purpose to be perpetually stuck at the axiomatic level. Such a corollary: Existence has identity, i.e. a nature. Thus, because it has a specific nature, it will act only in accordance with its own nature. This is 100% evident in all of reality. No leap of faith has been taken. Faith is belief in something that has zero evidence for it.



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InvisibleSclorch
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Re: Epistemology and the Primacy of Existence [Re: SkorpivoMusterion]
    #5240330 - 01/29/06 09:43 PM (18 years, 1 month ago)

Quote:

SkorpivoMusterion said:
The existence of consciousness; our faculty of perception, is a product of our body, i.e., brain. It most certainly has a cause.



But you only know all this... because you're conscious.


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Re: Epistemology and the Primacy of Existence [Re: SkorpivoMusterion]
    #5240343 - 01/29/06 09:46 PM (18 years, 1 month ago)

Quote:

SkorpivoMusterion said:
Existence exists; this is axiomatic, and irreducible. Do you agree or disagree?




My field of perception exists, this is all that I am currently able to admit.


Quote:

Once you bring out the Solipsism card, we can no longer have any discussion, as there is no point in debating with a Solipsist about such matters.



Quote:

Faith is belief in something that has zero evidence for it.




I would say that anything which can't be directly confirmed through one's own perception would constitute faith. Solipsism is NOT a cop out, in fact it is the most logically sound system of belief. Solipsism also has scientific backing through the modern theories of quantum mechanics (the consistency is often alarming). No matter how much consideration I attempt to give to objectivistic philosophy, I simply cannot turn my back on the self-evident, and presuppose anything beyond my immediate perception.

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Re: Epistemology and the Primacy of Existence [Re: SkorpivoMusterion]
    #5240433 - 01/29/06 10:10 PM (18 years, 1 month ago)

Quote:

SkorpivoMusterion said:
its NOT a sound unless it is HEARD man. its just disturbed air.

Disturbed air? You mean sound waves? Well, gee, that's what I said.

Just like Reality would be nothing without someone to observe it.

Nothing relative to the perception of someone who isn't present, correct. In reality, however, the proverbial tree still stands, regardless. Molten lava still heats and boils underneath the Earth's crust. Stars remain during the day. Existence continues to exist.
Quote:



No man i do not mean a sound wave because a sound wave implies sounds and sounds must be HEARD to be sounds, i mean what I said disturbed air that may or may not be there. but most certainly NOT a sound


You assume your view of Reality is real, while I make my own assumtion that reality could be many things. You narrow your view into the realms of absolutes, yet you cannot prove these absolutes. Agreed things SEEM to operate that way but can you ever be sure? no. It is pure arrogence to assume otherwise. History should be a lesson to the assumptions of scientists. You assume the human race has an accurate view of the nature of things, but where is your proof of that? Science has its place, but when one starts to assume that the science of the day will hold fast forever they are in effect placing faith in an idea, jsut like a believer in God would. Im not saying you dont have that right to that, only that you should realize that it is not a sure thing. I believe in the Lord, but do I assume my views on him are hte word of God? no, neither should you believe that your understanding of the world through science is the true nature of things.

either is arrogance, and both are ignorance of the fact of our insignifigance to the big picture. peace

blaze2




P.S. also on an off topic note, i realize now that you are alot different from that fireworks cat, I apologize for including you in that other thread from a few days ago. I made the assumption that if fireworks counted you as on his side(you are of course on a intellectual level) then you would act like the child that he does. That was wrong of me. You are seem to enjoy the discussion of a topic, and not just the endless arguing.






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"Religion without science is blind, Science without religion is lame." Albert Einstein

"peace is not maintained through force it is acheived through intelligence." Albert Einstein

"Those who desire to give up Freedom in order to gain Security, will not have, nor do they deserve, either one."
Thomas Jefferson

"To compel a man to furnish contributions of money for the propagation of opinions which he disbelieves and abhors, is sinful and tyrannical." --Thomas Jefferson

Edited by blaze2 (01/29/06 10:12 PM)

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Re: Epistemology and the Primacy of Existence [Re: it stars saddam]
    #5240435 - 01/29/06 10:11 PM (18 years, 1 month ago)

My field of perception exists, this is all that I am currently able to admit.

And does your field of perception not have any causal roots in Existence? Is there not something outside of your field of perception, that facilitates such perceptual cognition, e.g., a brain?


I would say that anything which can't be directly confirmed through one's own perception would constitute faith.

Then this is where we'll simply have to differ. I cannot confirm through my own direct perception, that I have kidneys - and if I were a Solipsist, then I would have to ignore the fact that I have witnessed kidneys being operated upon, on television - and the fact that they are shown in medical books, and the fact that there are various, established procedures and medical treatments that pertain to disorders of such organs, ignore everything I've heard about kidney transplants, ignore all the agonizing pain that I've witnessed people go through because of kidney stones, and so on and so forth, just to support the notion that I cannot be sure I have kidneys, merely because they don't fall within range of my own perception. But because I am not a solipsist, and rather, an Objectivist, I can use reason and rationality to determine that I indeed, do have kidneys, and that there is no faith involved. Furthermore, I need not conflate perception to the point that only perception itself is reality - as frankly, there is far too much evidence pointing to the contrary. Aside from the one provided above, fossils of extinct dinosaurs are one of many examples.



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Re: Epistemology and the Primacy of Existence [Re: SkorpivoMusterion]
    #5240451 - 01/29/06 10:18 PM (18 years, 1 month ago)

Quote:

SkorpivoMusterion said:
And does your field of perception not have any causal roots in Existence? Is there not something outside of your field of perception, that facilitates such perceptual cognition, e.g., a brain?




I can't say for sure.

Quote:

I would say that anything which can't be directly confirmed through one's own perception would constitute faith.

I cannot confirm through my own direct perception, that I have kidneys - and if I were a Solipsist, then I would have to ignore the fact that I have witnessed kidneys being operated upon, on television - and the fact that they are shown in medical books, and the fact that there are various, established procedures and medical treatments that pertain to disorders of such organs, ignore everything I've heard about kidney transplants, ignore all the agonizing pain that I've witnessed people go through because of kidney stones, and so on and so forth, just to support the notion that I cannot be sure I have kidneys, merely because they don't fall within range of my own perception.




All of this too could be an illusory fabrication of the mind in order to ensure the consistency of your singular reality. Solipsism in no way defeats the consistencies and intricacies of existence; in fact, it has led me to view them with a new level of admiration and curiosity.

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Re: Epistemology and the Primacy of Existence [Re: it stars saddam]
    #5240471 - 01/29/06 10:30 PM (18 years, 1 month ago)

:heart: this thread.
.
.
.
Assumptions are made on either side of this argument.
Assume that existence exists independently of yourself, essence takes a hit.
Assume nothing, fall down that solipsistic well.


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Offlineblaze2
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Re: Epistemology and the Primacy of Existence [Re: SkorpivoMusterion]
    #5240479 - 01/29/06 10:33 PM (18 years, 1 month ago)

animal brains know only what they sense and see, much like much like your Epistomology mumbo jumbo(no offense) the human brain is obviously something more as we have awareness of our selves and our being, along with feelings other animals have not such as shame and guilt. We have an internal sense of right and wrong, a conscious. The Brain is not responsible for all that. the brain is our computer a thing of instinct of measurable quantites, but we have a self workign that computer. We can direct our thoughts to specific purpose. This is what seperates us from animals Im not going to speculate on what the self is, it will only lead to more arguments that cannot be proven/disproven.

You can use reason and rationality to come to alot of conclusions true enough but you cannot prove something that has never been observed, you cannot make it "true".

heres a mind bender, in teh beginnign there was stardust it made stars which condensed the lighter elements into heavier ones, and eventually made planets, and life, and us... When we go around observing the world and stars we are the universe looking at itself. Perhaps that is the meaning of life in and of itself. Merely to be here and observe so that "reality" can exist, maybe we support it and make it "exist". makes ME think at least. peace

blaze2


--------------------
"Religion without science is blind, Science without religion is lame." Albert Einstein

"peace is not maintained through force it is acheived through intelligence." Albert Einstein

"Those who desire to give up Freedom in order to gain Security, will not have, nor do they deserve, either one."
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InvisibleSkorpivoMusterion
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Re: Epistemology and the Primacy of Existence [Re: blaze2]
    #5240633 - 01/29/06 11:27 PM (18 years, 1 month ago)

No man i do not mean a sound wave because a sound wave implies sounds and sounds must be HEARD to be sounds, i mean what I said disturbed air that may or may not be there. but most certainly NOT a sound

Okay, vibrations. There. Vibrations continue to exist. Better?

It is pure arrogence to assume otherwise. History should be a lesson to the assumptions of scientists. You assume the human race has an accurate view of the nature of things, but where is your proof of that?

The proof is in the pudding. Show any case whereby the Law of Identity, or Cause and Effect, is violated. Demonstrate any case whereby an entity goes against it's own nature. These are all demonstrable, repeatable and consistent laws of nature, which man has discovered through reason, logic and objectivity.

P.S. also on an off topic note, i realize now that you are alot different from that fireworks cat,

Yes, two entirely different people. Fireworks and I even have differing positions and stances at times - regardless, he and I are good friends outside of this site.


I apologize for including you in that other thread from a few days ago. I made the assumption that if fireworks counted you as on his side(you are of course on a intellectual level) then you would act like the child that he does. That was wrong of me.

Seeing as how I too participated in OTDesque behavior, e.g., misquoting your words in accordance with my slightly comical twists and exaggerations, you've no need to apologize - but if you insist, then allow me to return the gesture in kind: I apologize for being the antagonizer that I was, as it was hardly conducive to the promoted atmosphere of this forum, nor to the facilitation of mutual understanding and concordance.


You seem to enjoy the discussion of a topic, and not just the endless arguing.

:thumbup:



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InvisibleSkorpivoMusterion
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Re: Epistemology and the Primacy of Existence [Re: SkorpivoMusterion]
    #5240856 - 01/30/06 12:39 AM (18 years, 1 month ago)

I can't say for sure.

So in the absence of mirrors and any reflections, you couldn't say for sure if you possessed a pair of ocular organs? What if somone comes up to you, and smacks a good ole' fist in your left eye? The effect: You have blurred vision. If you did not have any sort of organs which facilitate your perception, then you would remain unaffected by any such physical interaction.

Okay back on track. So you say only your field of perception exists. Only that? This is a non-sequitir, for there must be an existence in order for you know that your field of perception exists. Thus the axiom that existence exists. So you must agree, that existence exists - or at the very least, your own actions - however diametric to your thoughts - must follow this. What thinkest thou?

All of this too could be an illusory fabrication of the mind in order to ensure the consistency of your singular reality. Solipsism in no way defeats the consistencies and intricacies of existence; in fact, it has led me to view them with a new level of admiration and curiosity.

If you recognize that existence is consistent with itself, and that reality is lawful - and you still maintain your solipsist viewpoint, what keeps you from progressing beyond that point? Why not treat it as exploring a world in itself, and learn about how your [illusory] perceptual cognition is facilitated by [illusory] various organs, for instance?




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Re: Epistemology and the Primacy of Existence [Re: SkorpivoMusterion]
    #5240906 - 01/30/06 01:02 AM (18 years, 1 month ago)

Quote:

SkorpivoMusterion said:
So in the absence of mirrors and any reflections, you couldn't say for sure if you possessed a pair of ocular organs? What if somone comes up to you, and smacks a good ole' fist in your left eye? The effect: You have blurred vision. If you did not have any sort of organs which facilitate your perception, then you would remain unaffected by any such physical interaction.




In the absence of mirrors and reflections (assuming I had never been able to view my own ocular organs), I COULDN'T say for sure whether I possessed them or not, since the concept of said organs would be entirely foreign to my consciousness (this leads back to the debate in your "Are Certain Things Unknowable?" thread).  I would interpret the blurred vision as a direct consequence of the other person hitting me, but I would be unable to rationalize the distortion in terms of the organs themselves.

Quote:

there must be an existence in order for you know that your field of perception exists.




I don't see how this is so (actually you kind of lost me with that whole paragraph), but I suppose it depends entirely on one's own definition of existence.

Quote:

If you recognize that existence is consistent with itself, and that reality is lawful - and you still maintain your solipsist viewpoint, what keeps you from progressing beyond that point? Why not treat it as exploring a world in itself, and learn about how your [illusory] perceptual cognition is facilitated by [illusory] various organs, for instance?




I do.  Though at heart I subscribe to solipsism, I'm very interested in science and various philosophies, and I even maintain relationships with a few people.  :eek:  Contemplating solipsism doesn't necessarily equate to isolating one's self and living in uncertainty; the truth is, whether or not there is an objective reality, we are stuck in our own singular field of perception, and this is the only vessel through which we can experience consciousness.

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Re: Epistemology and the Primacy of Existence [Re: it stars saddam]
    #5241287 - 01/30/06 06:22 AM (18 years, 1 month ago)

In the absence of mirrors and reflections (assuming I had never been able to view my own ocular organs), I COULDN'T say for sure whether I possessed them or not, since the concept of said organs would be entirely foreign to my consciousness (this leads back to the debate in your "Are Certain Things Unknowable?" thread). I would interpret the blurred vision as a direct consequence of the other person hitting me, but I would be unable to rationalize the distortion in terms of the organs themselves.

Well, I was operating under the hypothetical scenario that you still have much of the knowledge of our ocular organs - and the fact that you see other people as well, with such faculties of sight. For argument's sake, lets go back to our brainy discussion so to speak, and say you got a concussion, and suffered some noticeable brain damage - clinically documented and established by medical professionals. Would you still doubt the existence of such an organ, merely because it does not fall within your range of perception?


I don't see how this is so (actually you kind of lost me with that whole paragraph), but I suppose it depends entirely on one's own definition of existence.

You wrote: My field of perception exists, this is all that I am currently able to admit.

This is what I am referring to. In order for you to be able to admit that your perception exists, there must be an existence for you to know this.
As Rand points out, "A consciousness with nothing to be conscious of is a contradiction in terms. A consciousness conscious of nothing but itself is a contradiction in terms: before it could identify itself as consciousness, it had to be conscious of something. If that which you claim to perceive does not exist, what you possess is not consciousness."
The definitions of Existence are quite simple and straightforward: The fact or state of existing; being.

And so, we have the axiom: Existence exists.



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Re: Epistemology and the Primacy of Existence [Re: SkorpivoMusterion]
    #5241325 - 01/30/06 07:35 AM (18 years, 1 month ago)

My suggestion is to ignore the Solipsists entirely. As you pointed out earlier, there is no point arguing with them as they believe your words are generated by themselves -- that they are arguing with themselves and not with a separate entity. I say if they are REALLY Solipsists, then let them provide their own imaginary debating opponents.

Of course, the ones on this board who proclaim themselves Solipsists are not in fact Solipsists -- their every action shouts otherwise. The very fact they engage in these discussions (and perform the rational actions necessary to keep themselves alive long enough to type on a keyboard) blows their protestations out of the water. The reason they give for behaving as non-Solipsists is that it pleases them to behave at all times as if they are non-Solipsists except when backed into a corner in a debate, where they then happily drop the "S" bomb and wander off "vindicated" by essentially proclaiming, "Not only can you not prove existence exists, you can't even prove YOU exist, you figment of my imagination, you!"

It's a waste of keystrokes to engage such posers.




Phred


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Invisibleit stars saddam
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Re: Epistemology and the Primacy of Existence [Re: SkorpivoMusterion]
    #5241374 - 01/30/06 08:01 AM (18 years, 1 month ago)

Quote:

SkorpivoMusterion said:
Well, I was operating under the hypothetical scenario that you still have much of the knowledge of our ocular organs - and the fact that you see other people as well, with such faculties of sight. For argument's sake, lets go back to our brainy discussion so to speak, and say you got a concussion, and suffered some noticeable brain damage - clinically documented and established by medical professionals. Would you still doubt the existence of such an organ, merely because it does not fall within your range of perception?




Not that I would necessarily have to (considering said organ is still outside of my perception, the only medium through which I can validate anything), but say I did admit that my consciousness was a projection of the brain's functions; how does this take solipsism out of the picture? The perceptions which I experience are the product of my brain and my brain only, I still cannot confirm that the creatures similar to myself which I observe have working brains and aren't simply a manifestation of my consciousness constructed in my image. The same could be said about the clinical documents and medical professionals.

Quote:

In order for you to be able to admit that your perception exists, there must be an existence for you to know this.




Yes, but I could argue that the existence through which I am able to know my perception is entirely that of my mind and my mind only.

Quote:

As Rand points out, "A consciousness conscious of nothing but itself is a contradiction in terms: before it could identify itself as consciousness, it had to be conscious of something. If that which you claim to perceive does not exist, what you possess is not consciousness."




Says who, Ayn? What is consciousness conscious of besides itself? Did Ayn Rand ever come into contact with the fabled "ultimate objective reality?" No, I know for a fact that she didn't, because no conscious being on this planet has any mode of perception other than their own singular subjective experience (this is assuming that there is consciousness beyond one's own, which still remains murky at best).

This is a very serious philosophical problem, in my opinion; fascinating as well.

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Re: Epistemology and the Primacy of Existence [Re: Phred]
    #5241407 - 01/30/06 08:14 AM (18 years, 1 month ago)

Quote:

Phred said:
My suggestion is to ignore the Solipsists entirely. As you pointed out earlier, there is no point arguing with them as they believe your words are generated by themselves -- that they are arguing with themselves and not with a separate entity. I say if they are REALLY Solipsists, then let them provide their own imaginary debating opponents.

Of course, the ones on this board who proclaim themselves Solipsists are not in fact Solipsists -- their every action shouts otherwise. The very fact they engage in these discussions (and perform the rational actions necessary to keep themselves alive long enough to type on a keyboard) blows their protestations out of the water. The reason they give for behaving as non-Solipsists is that it pleases them to behave at all times as if they are non-Solipsists except when backed into a corner in a debate, where they then happily drop the "S" bomb and wander off "vindicated" by essentially proclaiming, "Not only can you not prove existence exists, you can't even prove YOU exist, you figment of my imagination, you!"

It's a waste of keystrokes to engage such posers.




Well, somebody's grumpy. I think we're having a very nice (and informative) debate though, personally. You, like many others, make the false assumption that to seriously contemplate the philosophical problem of solipsism, one must immediately afterward withdraw, commit suicide, whatever. You know why the "S-bomb" is so effective in arguments, Phred? It's because it is a GLARING philosophical paradox. Solipsism does not constitute the abandonment of rationality, it is merely the act of probing deeper and exploring into the self-evident and irrefutable truth that our experience of consciousness is limited within the boundaries of our own perception. Why, if the tenets of solipsism were in fact true, why would I want to kill myself or withdraw into despair, rather than doing the things I enjoy (such as discussing philosophical problems with interesting people on an internet message board) and making the most of and unraveling this fleeting, strangely paradoxical existence?

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Re: Epistemology and the Primacy of Existence [Re: it stars saddam]
    #5241548 - 01/30/06 09:25 AM (18 years, 1 month ago)

Quote:

You know why the "S-bomb" is so effective in arguments, Phred? It's because it is a GLARING philosophical paradox.




It is true that the behavior of Solipsists is riddled with contradictions (paradoxes, if you prefer) which is why it is a total waste of time to engage them in "debate".

Solipsism is not a philosophy, it is an anti-philosophy and as such contributes nothing to philosophical discussion. Solipsism is also profoundly anti-spiritual and as such contributes nothing to spiritual discussion either.

You are of course free to indulge in talking to yourself (as a Solipsist any "communication" in which you "partake" is necessarily talking to yourself and not to other entities -- other entities do not exist to a Solipsist) and I am free to point out that there is nothing to be gained by responding to one who is talking to himself.

This has nothing to do with being grumpy and everything to do with being rational. I merely suggest that those who believe their discussion partners exist continue communicating amongst themselves and ignore those who don't believe they are talking to anyone other than themselves.

The individual members of the forum are of course free to follow my advice or discard it.

Having said that, I will now follow my own advice and continue the discussion with those who believe I exist.




Phred


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Invisibleit stars saddam
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Re: Epistemology and the Primacy of Existence [Re: Phred]
    #5241554 - 01/30/06 09:27 AM (18 years, 1 month ago)

I wasn't aware that solipsism included a doctrine of "acceptable" behaviors.

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InvisibleSclorch
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Re: Epistemology and the Primacy of Existence [Re: Sclorch]
    #5241618 - 01/30/06 10:07 AM (18 years, 1 month ago)

Quote:

Sclorch said:
Assume that existence exists independently of yourself, essence takes a hit.
Assume nothing, fall down that solipsistic well.



Is there a third option?
That's what I'd like to find.


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Re: Epistemology and the Primacy of Existence [Re: Sclorch]
    #5241943 - 01/30/06 12:35 PM (18 years, 1 month ago)

Hmm perhaps the third option arises out of the two ? [I can't see it, as I haven't understood both well enough, or focused out far enough :smile:]


--------------------
Though lovers be lost love shall not  And death shall have no dominion
......................................................
"Our scientific power has outrun our spiritual power. We have guided missiles and misguided men."Martin Luther King, Jr.
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Re: Epistemology and the Primacy of Existence [Re: BlueCoyote]
    #5242142 - 01/30/06 01:33 PM (18 years, 1 month ago)

What about 'possibility' ?


--------------------
Though lovers be lost love shall not  And death shall have no dominion
......................................................
"Our scientific power has outrun our spiritual power. We have guided missiles and misguided men."Martin Luther King, Jr.
'Acceptance is the absolute key - at that moment you gain freedom and you gain power and you gain courage'

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Re: Epistemology and the Primacy of Existence [Re: BlueCoyote]
    #5242321 - 01/30/06 02:29 PM (18 years, 1 month ago)

Yessir! Probabilities!

Fall into the nihilistic well of infinite possibilities with me. I'm lonely down here.

Its possible all of this Reality could be entirely a construction of my mind. Nothing actually exists externally; I?m could be living in some sort of dream world. (Not to mention, I could be a butterfly hallucinating I?m a human or something equally as ridiculous.) There is no way to validate whether I am in fantasyland or not. :frown:

I regard Solipsism as a meaningless philosophy. Falling into this belief, even if its true, will lead you nowhere... except maybe to loneliness. Likewise, if its true, disbelieving in it will not harm you in any way. I?ve decided to notice the possibility of this, but behave as if it wasn?t a possibility at all.

I place my faith in empiricism. It only takes a very small leap of faith, and from then on, you're on solid ground. Mystical bogwash, spiritual planes, and similar ilk may all exist, but how could I ever really know? Mysticism is based in some arbitary cloud of thought which I can never comfirm or refute with my own senses. I generally regard anything outside of the human sensory manifold as meaningless. Unlike empiric evidence, which we can check and verify, spirituality, along with much of "rationalism", is something we can only chatter about.

Unfortunately, not all our empiric evidences fits together to form a coherent picture of the universe. I have to decide for myself, based on the evidece I have, which things seem to be most supported and which are least supported. While its possible the least supported thing is the 'truth', its doesn't seem very plausible.

And so on....

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Invisibleit stars saddam
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Re: Epistemology and the Primacy of Existence [Re: MushmanTheManic]
    #5242767 - 01/30/06 04:24 PM (18 years, 1 month ago)

Quote:

MushmanTheManic said:
I?ve decided to notice the possibility of this, but behave as if it wasn?t a possibility at all.

I place my faith in empiricism. It only takes a very small leap of faith, and from then on, you're on solid ground.




Well said.  :thumbup:

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Re: Epistemology and the Primacy of Existence [Re: it stars saddam]
    #5243188 - 01/30/06 05:52 PM (18 years, 1 month ago)

say I did admit that my consciousness was a projection of the brain's functions; how does this take solipsism out of the picture?

This would negate the premise that only your range of perception is reality, along with whatever existents happen to fall within such a range. You would have to admit, that there are things which exist outside of your perception.. and from there, so forth.

What is consciousness conscious of besides itself?

Existence.

Did Ayn Rand ever come into contact with the fabled "ultimate objective reality?"

Ultimately, we are all part of this objective reality, hence we are all in contact with it, one way or another.

because no conscious being on this planet has any mode of perception other than their own singular subjective experience (this is assuming that there is consciousness beyond one's own, which still remains murky at best).

Merely because one has experiences which are particular to that individual, does not negate the fact that, like all existents and existing processes, they are part of an objective system of reality. There is no intrinsic line or border. I covered this in the Are Things Unknowable thread, and that is a subject I'm not interested in discussing, nor am I going to bother with any attempt to rectify your nescience on Ayn Rand and her philosophies, as it would be a waste of time and entirely fruitless.

At last, I, er.. YOU, think I [YOU] will take Phred's advice and leave this as my [or, should I say, YOURS] response to this matter.

In all honesty, it has been a pretty interesting and comical debate. Like Sclorch, I :heart: this thread [and topic, in general].




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Offlineblaze2
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Re: Epistemology and the Primacy of Existence [Re: SkorpivoMusterion]
    #5243797 - 01/30/06 07:55 PM (18 years, 1 month ago)

good stuff guys, I think i'm about out of arguments whats been said is pretty much agree to disagree on things. Peace

blaze2

and thanks for the return apology skorp


--------------------
"Religion without science is blind, Science without religion is lame." Albert Einstein

"peace is not maintained through force it is acheived through intelligence." Albert Einstein

"Those who desire to give up Freedom in order to gain Security, will not have, nor do they deserve, either one."
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