presenting it as a theory doesn't magically turn it a theory. — Akanthinos
f Pattern-chaser can say with any semblance of rectitude that Putnam's brain-in-a-vat "theory" does not provide us any evidence to support either its conclusion or its contradiction, it is exactly because it did not even attempt at becoming an hypothesis. — Akanthinos
Putnam's BIV was never about what Pattern-chaser's want it to be. Not even close. — Akanthinos
...you are doing a serious disservice to philosophy by spreading this misrepresentation. — Akanthinos
Is there any reason to think that we are not brains in vats...? — PossibleAaran
If BIV was a simplifying explanation of the way things are, it would be compelling. In fact, it is radically complexifying. — hypericin
As a general rule any unmotivated question of the form 'is there any reason to think that such-and-such is not the case' can be readily dismissed out of hand. It is the conspiracy theorist's question: "is there any reason to think the Queen is not a lizard?; "is there any reason to think we are not ruled by aliens?"; these are not questions to be taken seriously. They are questions to be laughed at and ridiculed. — StreetlightX
Silly PossiblyAaran doesn't know lizard people can grow human skin and impersonate us perfectly. — Akanthinos
What reason is there to believe that I am in my apartment? — PossibleAaran
I have good reason to believe that I am in my apartment. — PossibleAaran
I'm sure you do. Of course, this has nothing to do with being or not being a BIV and everything to do with having a proper grasp of the English language. — StreetlightX
If I am in my apartment then I am not a BIV. — PossibleAaran
Calling the BIV hypothesis "bullshit" is... well a lot of things. Its irrelevant. Its ad hominem. Its unnecessary. — PossibleAaran
Outside of metaphysics the brain-in-a-vat theory is not as striking. — BrianW
I choose to accept a theory which states that illusion is a part of reality — BrianW
So, how should we treat these speculations? As a critique of our own belief. You do not need to provide evidence to build a critique -- use the other person's evidence if you'd like. — Caldwell
Putnam's BIV was never about what Pattern-chaser's want it to be. Not even close. It's not an earlier version of the Simulation "theory", never was anywhere close to it, and you are doing a serious disservice to philosophy by spreading this misrepresentation. — Akanthinos
In short, It falls to Occam's razor. — hypericin
[My highlighting.]As a general rule any unmotivated question of the form 'is there any reason to think that such-and-such is not the case' can be readily dismissed out of hand. It is the conspiracy theorist's question: "is there any reason to think the Queen is not a lizard?; "is there any reason to think we are not ruled by aliens?";these are not questions to be taken seriously. They are questions to be laughed at and ridiculed. — StreetlightX
Now, if you could just offer a logical justification for dismissing such things...? — Pattern-chaser
I think your question is worth answering directly. As a preliminary venture. Consider:
BIV Hypothesis (BIV): I have lived a normal life on earth for many years. Last week I was, without realizing it, removed from my body. My brain was placed in a vat of chemicals and hooked up to various electrodes which produce in me sensory experiences just like those I would have if I were still in the ordinary world. For example, I have sensory experiences as if I am in my apartment; as if I am in my office; as if I am eating by the lake. But really, I am never in any of the places my sensory experiences show me to be in. I am a brain-in-a-vat, and I have been for a week, but I never noticed it.
Real Life Hypothesis (RL): I am now in my apartment having sensory experiences of my apartment. In general, my sensory experiences as a fairly accurate guide to my present surroundings. I have never been en-vatted. — PossibleAaran
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