Silicon Investor (SI) -- The First Internet Community

STOCKTALK

We've detected that you're using an ad content blocking browser plug-in or feature. Ads provide a critical source of revenue to the continued operation of Silicon Investor. We ask that you disable ad blocking while on Silicon Investor in the best interests of our community. If you are not using an ad blocker but are still receiving this message, make sure your browser's tracking protection is set to the 'standard' level.

Politics : Sharks in the Septic Tank -- Ignore unavailable to you. Want to Upgrade?

To: Lane3 who wrote (54667)	8/15/2002 11:04:18 AM
From: Neocon	Read Replies (1) \| Respond to of 82486

I have tried many times to explain why it matters. I am taking another run at it now, seeing if one formulation or another makes sense to you. To some of us, at least, it makes a difference if the truth is that our perception of self is delusive, that choice is an illusion, "the self" is radically unstable and largely unconscious, our emotions mainly arbitrary, our sentiments of love merely serving the perpetuation of our genes, and so forth......

To: Lane3 who wrote (54667)	8/15/2002 7:58:34 PM
From: J. C. Dithers	Read Replies (2) \| Respond to of 82486

What's wrong with "it doesn't matter?" I'm not sure the difference is any less important to the humanists than to the religionists. I think it is that old "morality" thing again. The religionists believe in absolute standards of morality that were ordained by God or Nature and are immutable. The humanists believe in relative standards of morality devised by humankind that may change with the times. Each side fears the other. I think the "origins of the universe" question is central here, because a belief in intelligent and purposeful design of the universe is tantamount to acknowledging the existence of a Creator a/k/a God.