Please register to participate in our discussions with 2 million other members - it's free and quick! Some forums can only be seen by registered members. After you create your account, you'll be able to customize options and access all our 15,000 new posts/day with fewer ads.
If I emphatically state something does not exist, just because I have never experienced it, or known anyone who did, I could still be wrong. Same for the other alternative (that something does exist, when it does not, in fact, exist). So it is preferable for me to remain neutral on the matter.
In this way, I am never wrong, because I never take a stand one way or the other. I am open to every possibility.
I guess some of us are more interested in building a workable world view than saving face from seeming "wrong".
However I am not suggesting "stating emphatically" that something does not exist. Re-read what I wrote and you will see this. I am suggesting dismissing things that are entirely unsubstantiated, in other words operating "as if" they do not exist because there is quite literally no reason to think they do.
To be truly open minded, anything would have to be possible, and considered.
and given all the consideration deserved. A fairy tale is summarily dismissed as it holds zero value, save for providing entertainment for children and those with child like minds.
and given all the consideration deserved. A fairy tale is summarily dismissed as it holds zero value, save for providing entertainment for children and those with child like minds.
Some people claim to have seen ghosts. I can't say that they haven't, only that I have never seen them myself. At times, multiple people have seen the same apparition--but I guess you would put that down to mass hysteria or some other form of mental illness.
I reserve my opinion on the matter until such time as I have PERSONAL experience of the matter. Ghosts may exist, or they may not--I don't have any experience in that area myself, nor do I trust any experience other than my own.
Yes, I learned things were hot by touching them, or that the paint was wet, by touching it. I have to experience things through my senses to perceive "reality"....which is, by its nature, subjective.
and given all the consideration deserved. A fairy tale is summarily dismissed as it holds zero value, save for providing entertainment for children and those with child like minds.
When some scientists will spend their entire lives researching the answer to a problem (and still not solving it), I don't think anything should be summarily dismissed after a mere moment of consideration.
If you really want the answer--if you feel you really need it--then give it all the time in the world. If you don't need it, then don't think of it at all--but admit that it's something you don't think about.
If I emphatically state something does not exist, just because I have never experienced it, or known anyone who did, I could still be wrong. Same for the other alternative (that something does exist, when it does not, in fact, exist). So it is preferable for me to remain neutral on the matter.
In this way, I am never wrong, because I never take a stand one way or the other. I am open to every possibility.
Then you are taking up a non - beliver stance. Thus to say that this or that is such and such, (for example, that feelings you get are particular and validating evidence for 'god') is a 'believer' stance.
There is apparent contradiction in what you say here.
Please register to post and access all features of our very popular forum. It is free and quick. Over $68,000 in prizes has already been given out to active posters on our forum. Additional giveaways are planned.
Detailed information about all U.S. cities, counties, and zip codes on our site: City-data.com.
Please register to participate in our discussions with 2 million other members - it's free and quick! Some forums can only be seen by registered members. After you create your account, you'll be able to customize options and access all our 15,000 new posts/day with fewer ads.
