To the best of human knowledge (at the present time) "God" ,as he is defined by Abrahamic religions, does not exist. Why this is would require a very lengthy discussion which is a bit beyond this thread but if need an explanation I suggest creating another thread to address this issue.To demonstrate, here are some attempts at questions/ observations I think do have substantial interest.
What is generally understood, and what do I specifically understand, by the concept of God, and why? — SatmBopd
"Morality" as well as "good/evil" are just mental projection we create in order to rationalize why we do certain actions instead of others. In a nutshell, it is merely a tool we use in order to help us survive an beyond that it really doesn't have meaning.What phenomena is morality trying to comprehend/ address? Is it possible to comprehend/ address these phenomena in other/ better ways? — SatmBopd
You have your religious beliefs or system of beliefs and other people have theirs. If you can understand other peoples system of beliefs (religious or otherwise) as well as they understand them then they are somewhat reconcilable. How you go about this is a bit up to you.What are the differences between my worldview and others’? Are these differences reconcilable? How or why not? — SatmBopd
One can understand the current limitations of humanity to some degree, but it is pretty much a given that we can not answer what the limitations of humanity either hundreds or thousands of years from now since we don't know what technology or information will be available to human beings at that time. When one is presented with issues which require knowledge that is not available all one can do is simply understand that such questions do not have answers.What is the furthest extent of the capacities/ limitations of humanity? — SatmBopd
I don't know much about Post-Modern philosophy, but I think this is a question that is brought up in such discussions. I can't say that you will find the answers you seek if you study such a subject but it is the only things I can think of at the moment.What are the capacities/ limitations of argumentation/ philosophy? Is there anything else that can exceed these capacities/ limitations? — SatmBopd
Thinking about philosophy in terms of questions with many possible answers, and those answers as ways of thinking and ways of living, may prove more fruitful than focusing on arguments and definitions. — unenlightened
What do you think? — SatmBopd
Anytime you define terms, you are already establishing the goal posts for the argument, most of the consequential discussion probably takes place in that step, which I think is often regarded as merely the opening formalities of a discussion. — SatmBopd
Rather than arguing about classifications and terms, unless it is done with as much precision as to be scientific, (and even then, the utility of the discussion is necessarily limited due to its specificity) I think all (or most) philosophical discussion should revolve around the attempted articulation (and perhaps even creation) of values and experiences. — SatmBopd
When I start a discussion, I want to talk about the specific thing I have in mind. I want other people to be using the terms I use in the same way I am. I don't want long arguments about what words mean, unless that is the specific point of the discussion. — T Clark
If I agree to use the definitions you are using, I already have to just accept (probably without fully understanding) that element of your worldview. — SatmBopd
Clearly, philosophy was a step forward in the right direction; rationality was made the cornerstone of all knowledge. — Agent Smith
we are already taking for granted the substantial claim that these definitions are the best, or most relavent ones. — SatmBopd
This is acceptable if another poster is asking for supporting works.Posting a link to something and saying, read this. — Jackson
And again in the 20th and 21st centuries philosophy takes a step in the right direction, problematizing concepts like rationality and knowledge. — Joshs
1. These are my values/ belifs/ current goals/ current understanding (may be very specific to the topic)
2. Here is my detailed defense of them/ articuation of the problem/ question
3. Invitation for the other party to pick apart 2, and even 1.
4. Respond to 3 only to help 3 more effectively pick apart 2, and even 1, attempting to minimise misunderstanding — SatmBopd
I've found that the most fruitful discussions on TPF circle around one or more of this quartetTo demonstrate, here are some attempts at questions/ observations I think do have substantial interest.
What is generally understood, and what do I specifically understand, by the concept of God, and why?
What phenomena is morality trying to comprehend/ address? Is it possible to comprehend/ address these phenomena in other/ better ways?
What are the differences between my worldview and others’? Are these differences reconcilable? How or why not?
What is the furthest extent of the capacities/ limitations of humanity?
What are the capacities/ limitations of argumentation/ philosophy? Is there anything else that can exceed these capacities/ limitations? — SatmBopd
A. suppose idea X ...
B. presuppositions for idea X ...
C. implications from idea X ...
D. negation of idea X ... — 180 Proof
Yes, I too agree that 180 Proof is a modern day version of Socrates. :grin::fire: You should be a billionaire! — Agent Smith
What else one would try to establish with this action? Although I would use the description "frame of reference" --indicating an area one should move in-- instead of "goal posts" --indicating the edge of a discussion area and the target/point/position one wants to create or achieve, which has nothing to do with defining terms.Anytime you define terms, you are already establishing the goal posts for the argument — SatmBopd
I can't see what does the definition of terms have to do with the creation of an argument, much less "for anything".Any time you ask the question "Is A, B?" and you get to define A or B, then you can probably make a strong argument for… anything! — SatmBopd
Because if you are talking about A, I assume that you are talking about B, our communication will most probably fail. — Alkis Piskas
Right.Defining terms starts at beginning to make sure people are using the words the same way. — Jackson
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