It seems like it would be within civil liberty to start a religion. I wouldn't recommend it, but I wouldn't oppose it.

We defined knowledge as perfectly true and then decided we could rationally doubt anything.

It was a deliberate weapons test. They even avoided bombing the city earlier in the war so they could better measure the outcome. The bombs purpose was to demonstrate military supremacy and complete the most expensive weapons program in history with real data. Dropping nuclear bombs is not a part of negotiating a surrender. The question of morality is simple objectively; it's obviously immoral to target civilians and dropping nuclear weapons on cities targets civilians. At the time the US and Japanese had grown quite comfortable with killing each other so I doubt the sanctity of human life was the issue at hand. There's a big difference in thinking you have a super weapon and everyone one knowing you have a super weapon. The power gained from the confirmation and demonstration was the purpose. The war was the plausible context that facilitated it.

Or not.

My entire argument is the entire argument. Please read it. — Philosophim

I did and then you decided this all only applies to the limited context of "places divided by sex". I was trying to clarify your context. You said in public it doesn't matter at all. Seems Ad-hoc.

We are talking about places that are divided by sex. My claim is that gender does not override sex division, because gender and sex are different. — Philosophim

So, your entire argument is regarding the caveat moments such as dressing rooms and bathrooms?

Do you run around tearing wigs off of bald people? Do you refuse to acknowledge that they appear to have hair? Same difference. It's rude to point out that someone's wearing a wig; there's nothing to be gained by "proving" bald people wrong about their false hair. They would like to be accepted as having hair, because they feel more comfortable that way. It's the way they instinctively, naturally, or whatever word for inherent effect you like; find they want to interact with society.

It turns out to be effortless to allow someone to exist.

I'll make a concession that trying to enforce social decency(treating people the way they present themselves) has been poorly handled. Insisting someone is literally a different sex when it's intuitively a contradiction to a lot of the public has just made things worse. I more or less adopted the opinion of a surgeon that performs the procedures. In his words, the result is a feminized man or the inverse. The alteration seems to help but no one thinks they have become a different sex. They feel they moved closer to the sex they identify with and the remaining difference is something they continue to reconcile. So, let them be, I wouldn't wish that burden on anyone. In closing, let women's sports regulate women's sports. They were managing just fine without the public's input.

Oddly enough the last two times I had to comply was to avoid the homeowners association community management company for towing it away from my own home. The administrator elected to interpret the by-laws of the community as stating any vehicle without a current state inspection to be effectively abandoned. So, in my case I was/am paying someone to threaten my possession of my legally owned vehicle with their arbitrary interpretation of what constitutes abandonment. Rules are funny things.

It seems like people will go out of there way to be legally compliant. I have to get the vehicle I drive inspected knowing there's nothing wrong with it once a year. I have decided to ignore it and found the alternative more of a hassle.

Or not.

Do people value truth? In the sense of ideals, certainly. In application it's contextual.

If they are trying to dismantle a bomb then the truth of which wire to cut is very valuable. But, no one wants to sit through a movie listening to someone constantly remark about how it never happened and pointing out these are all just actors. So, evidently we are selective when it comes to whether the truth of things interests us. We like being right, I think. Which means confirmatory truths are pleasing. But I'd hesitate to say that's the same as valuing idealistic truth.

Or not.

The Mona Lisa is just a painting of a girl.

Odds are when I wrote this last year; I had accepted the premise that philosophy needed some sorting out(missing the point). She's making the same point Popper does more or less. Which is to return to a useful state where the proper application of some rational skepticism will take some one a lot further intellectually than all the poetic squabbling.

In other news I did finally get an important looking piece of paper from a degree granting institution, so thanks for the assist.

I never had to reference a Sanskrit dictionary before, so kudos. You run into a bit of a problem with a declaration of we can't distinguish real vs unreal because it's making a statement about a "real" state of affairs if you believe it. I think holding the world as tentatively real acknowledges the corroborating evidence we find.

The arguments I've heard are along the lines of probability that more lives could be simulated than could exist; but that argument still requires at least one real world. There's nothing that requires any simulations to exist. So, in any case (such as this one) the expected value for a real world is 1 and the number of simulations is between 0 and unknown. The reasonable bet is on a known outcome, until we know there exists simulations of real worlds where people exist and can't tell the difference.

It would have to be a pretty lousy simulation if the people in it were constantly pointing out they were in a simulation. Really, at that point it ceases to be a simulation and just is the context. So, any answer is that we simply live in our version of the real world. Which is where we were when we asked in the first place. Why's my cat acting funny? Probably the hurricane.

But what I am trying to get at is this though, is the argument the guy posted right or was I correct in my questioning of it. Philosophy is my weak point but even I could see the rest of his post isn't consistent with solipsism. — TerraHalcyon

He's bending solipsism a bit toward participatory realism. It's right in the sense it's his particular view on the matter. You are correct in saying that he's putting forward solipsism in a novel way. There's a form of solipsism that's fun to think about and a good framework for learning to develop arguments for things. What's more attractive than a seemingly obvious truth that you are surrounded by a world with things and at the same time if some one doubted it you might be pressed to prove it.

However there is also the result of combining 2 things most people poorly understand like the Copenhagen interpretation of QM and the moment of consciousness experience often adding some agreeable assumptions and trying to derive something coherent to say about it. I don't like signing into Quora so I can't comment beyond the initial statement.

It's an interesting question you raise; what is the "right" way to consider the most subjective thing.

To settle the other matter; odds are our technology has outpaced our evolution to the point we are receiving "good" information that surpasses our minds experience of the world. Ergo, it doesn't make sense.

I'm not a theist, but I don't reject free will. — T Clark

I should clarify the point. The belief that free will is historically an affirmative indication of a theist world. Not simply that one implies the other. Suggesting the existence of a historical bias, rather than a logical implication. Si?

I guess we have no choice but to ask what decision should we make in a world where we can not make decisions. — T Clark

If we're content in treating the matter as a deliberately unresolvable philosophical soccer ball, then perhaps. Best I can tell is that free will is rejected solely because at some point it was understood to be a product of a creator God. Post enlightenment rejection of religion seems to be more appealing than dismissing the hollow argument that free will implies random action, so the game goes on.

If there is no free will then we are holding people accountable as a product of determinism(or insert variant x). Really, it's an attempt at reductio ad absurdum of determinism that fails, because of the assumption we could choose to not hold people accountable. When someone does something we are compelled by x to hold them accountable. Or put another way; what sense does it make to ask what decision should we make in a world where we can not make decisions.

So what is one to make of the moral character of folk who hold someone who tortures folk unjustly in the highest esteem? — Banno

They assume God's got a really good reason they can't understand. Probably don't want to get tortured. It's kind of a hostage situation.

Probably mobility. The inability to leave the places suffering the effects of everything mentioned.

If you want to find some ulterior motives for me making this thread, you will be disappointed, since pretty much my only motive for this thread was described in my original text: I don't like how taboo the subject of inequality is in the modern world and how it's being discussed. — Qmeri

I'm trying to find a primary motive. You have some imagined debate between pro and anti "equality". You haven't presented an argument or thesis yet. It's just this oscillation between evasion and vague reference. Would you like to argue that some people are more intrinsically valuable than others based on their genetic composition? Or rather argue that you can't argue the above because people assume it's racist? Once again, if you can decide what you are talking about perhaps someone else will discuss it, because this is a bit tedious.

I’ve read every comment in this thread and I have no idea what the OP actually wants us to discuss. — laura ann

It's an attempt to justify inequality with genetic basis. Instead of saying a minority group is disadvantaged from centuries of oppression OP would prefer to suggest that the present is truly representative of an individual's merit and nothing else. They test drive these racist "dog whistle" arguments periodically. Its quaint.

Well, let's say I want to reproduce with someone, but it turns out that 80% of that persons family has a very serious genetic disorder. That would most certainly be a factor in my value judgment of whether I want to reproduce with that person. — Qmeri

Wouldn't the concern be a function of the genes you carry and your counterparts family history regarding genetic disorders?

And in terms of political value judgments... For example knowing whether or not and how much the differences in school test scores is affected by genetics makes a huge difference on what is the best way to deal with such differences. — Qmeri

This is rather specific. Is this what you have in mind primarily, but are avoiding discussing outright?

Qualia is useful for thinking outside the box while in the box.

Name two different human genetic populations.
— Cheshire

Finns and the swedes, texans and new yorkers, ancient people in britain and ancient people in china, your family and the family next door... Any two different populations are two different genetic populations... And depending on what you study... For example trying to find possible genetic causes for a disease, or using ancient dna to figure out peoples movements and such about history... It is often very useful to compare the genetics of different populations. — Qmeri

And you want to determine their sameness? Or just place arbitrary value judgements on differences that you find appealing? Somewhere in-between perhaps?

You are not talking about the methodologies of discourse on equality — Qmeri

The title says the modern equality movement. A movement is not a methodology of discourse. I'm not sure what a methodology for discourse would be outside of legislative order and process. If you can figure out what your talking about; perhaps we can discuss it.

Quite a large portion of the "equality debate" at least in the internet seems to be about the scientific questions of how genes affect us, our performance and how different are we because of genetics. — Qmeri

In the rare case one compares population genetics such as the outcomes of a cultural tendency toward inter-family marriages the term "equality" still doesn't come up. There's no legitimate reason to compare the perceived value of people for equality.

It seems that in our current culture, you are only allowed to be on one side of that scientific debate: "Genetics do not affect peoples performance or potential. And there absolutely are not even slight differences in the average capabilities of any human populations." Which would simply be an extraordinary and rare observation about a biological species, since evolution pretty much needs variation in capability to work and for many other reasons. — Qmeri

Name two different human genetic populations.

Exactly the point. — tim wood

Glad to be of service then.

I think the false dilemma of people being either completely good or completely bad, with no degrees of goodness in between, should be avoided. — Amalac

I agree, but does "mainstream" vegan doctrine?

Honestly, I need to give the matter more thought, but I have a few first impressions.

If I tell a thief that I think he should stop stealing, am I “imposing” my life style or ethical philosophy to him? (And no, I'm not saying that one person buying a burger is just as bad as one person stealing someone's car, I just want to understand what you mean by “imposing”). — Amalac

Imposing or labeling other people's moral choices with your judgement. A person buying a burger has zero effect on your life and the choices you make. You wouldn't want someone telling you right and wrong would you? I agree, bringing up different examples of moral and immoral actions isn't helpful.

It's taking the position of a false authority over when animal pain is permissible that seems so vexing. It creates of subtext of needing to guilt trip people as if they can't make a decision without your approval. Then, assuming they owe you justification for how they live; it's an unpleasant implicit superiority or simply lacking the willingness to respect others right to make their own mistakes. Oddly, none of my objections are about the idea of being vegan; like others have said it's the attitude; like a dietary fascism where there's an ingroup and outgroup. What if I decide to eat simply less meat? Am I good or bad or a torturing-murderous-guiltless thief. Most people don't want to hurt animals. Not a novel idea.

Or this way. Consider the proposition, "All men are created equal." What do you make of it? Is it true? Does science support it? Do you understand it? Does science even understand it? — tim wood

It's not a scientific statement. It's an a priori for a legal framework. It has an implication that all people are owed a reasonable degree of fairness as a result or implication of personhood. Which is in line with the concept of equitable.

There is no legitimate "equality" movement. It is a sideways attempt to justify ignoring the endemic racism in the society and its effects.

I took those definitions from a dictionary, I didn't make them up. Anyhow, think specifically about physically torturing humans for amusement. I don't think it's unreasonable to be opposed to that in all circumstances. That's an absolutist position, and also a perfectly reasonable one.

But like I said, I think purchasing animal products is not bad in all circumstances, so I don't take an absolutist view there. — Amalac

I commend the reasonableness of your discourse. Some people choose to "double down" on an emotional argument and I can see you're willing to consider both sides, so you have my respect in that regard.

The above represents a couple different directions. To be vegan is to reject animal products as an ideal or a reality. If we're honoring the ideal, then yes you will need prove it's as bad as torturing people for fun. But, that seems untenable. So, the alternative you have presented is the realistic belief that it's 'not bad' in all circumstances. I'd suggest a duality where the ideal moral life is one where nothing is harmed, but understand the reality is one of varying levels of immoral but yet permissible actions. The question remains whether you have the right to judge another person's actions. I think that's the core issue at hand; when a vegan imposes their judgement on others knowing full well they did (and probably still do on occasion) use animals as means to an end.

To oppose to all torture — Amalac

Is "torture" a less loaded word or do you have a novel definition of this as well. Best I can tell is you don't believe you.

Maybe it's just unreasonable to take an absolutist position and then hold everyone else to it. The idea of not using animal products is fine with me. I don't think it is morally necessary, so I reject your judgement of my lack of participation in a largely ceremonial act of not buying meat. If it were a more reasonable position there wouldn't be a need to emotionalize it with "cruelty" and compare the general public to thieves and murders. People can simply understand rational arguments. I wouldn't trust me if I were trying to add shock value.

As for how “appropriate” it is, tell me: is it appropriate to tell a murderer that they should stop murdering other people? Is it appropriate to tell a slave owner that you think what they are doing is wrong and that they should stop doing it? They may not feel like it is, but I think you'll agree with me that that is irrelevant in those cases. So why should it be any different in the case of cruelty to animals? — Amalac

It's dishonest to label every pain felt by animal for the production of food as "cruelty". It merely serves as shock value to gain a false moral position. People have balanced the notion of using animals and respecting their lifeforce for 10s of thousands of years. It wasn't discovered by vegans.

To be precise it’s not eating meat which I think is wrong, it’s purchasing meat, because when many people purchase animal products, they cause more animals to be treated cruelly. I have no problem if someone wants to eat some dead animal struck by lightning which they found on the street, since that doesn’t increase the demand nor cause any cruelty. — Amalac

In our natural state we hunted animals. Pretty sure that process wasn't very pleasant. I do agree that consumer activism has a part to play in society and that part is growing. Do you ensure the fair pay and working conditions of the people picking your vegetables?

Whose equivocation? I already told some other user that the amount of suffering should be significant, which is obviously true in the case of cows, pigs and the like. — Amalac

Right, you have yet to differentiate between pain, significant pain, and animal cruelty. We can't eat them alive and according to you eating them isn't wrong. So, a minimal amount of pain is inflicted. Calling this cruelty ignores the horror that is true animal cruelty. Putting a lobster in the freezer till it falls asleep is not the same as beating an animal for fun. Confusing the two is dishonest and that should be troubling if veganism is truly morally transcendent.

I do not deny that there are some people (a small percentage) who at present need to consume animal products in order to stay healthy, and I don't object to them doing that, but those of us who can stay healthy without consuming them should simply stop purchasing them. — Amalac

I think it's the part where you tell other adults what they should and shouldn't eat that gives veganism a cringe twitch. The constant equivocation between minimal pain and outright cruelty. Which is wrapped in this subtext of all or nothing when it comes to the subject matter. I do make moral assessments when deciding what's acceptable and I do acknowledge veganism as legit moral stance. I question whether it's modified form of OCD; in the way it's practiced.

Or put another way for illustration. Do people constantly hound you for moral guidance in general? Aside from sandwich construction? If they don't need your assistance in making moral decisions most of the time, then why suppose it's appropriate or invited in this regard.

I wouldn't say "hate" vegans. It's just that what one consumes is inescapably ego-centric. So, involving others in a self-important or judgemental way into one's dietary "life-style" is the foundation for a holographic conversation unless someone actually inquires. You don't care what I eat and I'm happy with that situation.

I mean no disrespect, but could you americans (I assume), for once not hijack a thread and make it about america? — Qmeri

Fair enough. We didn't make hate speech laws is that what you referenced in the Op? Our right is convinced being kicked off twitter is a violation of freedom of speech.

Equality movement was racist white people offering to pretend other people weren't different. The present equity movement acknowledges and values differences. Pushing for "equality" now is closer to a racist dog whistle than legitimate sociological activism.

Try harder. That's a cheap shot. — L'éléphant

Thinking a lower interest rate on a marked up vehicle is advantageous exhibits a misunderstanding of the auto market. I'd rather buy a depreciated car for 8k at 6% interest then one that's getting ready to lose 80% of it's value at 2%.

It wasn't intended as a "cheap shot" we've all been under valued at one time or another. But, the chronically underpaid have more to worry about and appreciate a different spectrum of life as to suggest longing for a michelin rated dinner isn't on the radar. It sounds like a poor rich person. Correct me as needed.

1. You can refinance a loan on a used car and get the interest rate pretty close to what you'd see on a new car. If you're paying high interest now I'd look into it.
2. Produce is subsidized in the US, so all the veggies you can eat so long as you don't shop for them in high markup stores.
3. A shirts a shirt. If it's clean and not damaged it's sort of hard to gauge low versus mid income levels.
4. You learn how to make genuine connections with people and overtime they'll look out for you if you look out for them.
5. If this is your number 5 then you ain't been broke.
6. Life does require more planning when you can't just throw money at problems.
7. What? Generally, you don't call them that when you are the one living there.
8. Again, haughty acting isn't really what I'd say defines the struggle. Get one with a solid personality disorder and let me know how that goes.

It comes across as someone offended at making entry level pay and wanting to identify as being oppressed. I'm just stating my impression of how it reads. Been wrong before.