Monday, March 30, 2009
Interesting test results...
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Death... Yay?
My Grandmother's funeral was yesterday. She was 94, and a christian, and therefore my family and I have an apparently unusual outlook on death. There were no tears, and while unsaid, perhaps there was almost a hint of jealousy at her escaping the mortal coil.
It makes me a bit reflective. Everyone seems to have different views of death and what it means. Some believe in a heaven/hell afterlife. Some believe in reincarnation. Some believe you simply cease to be.
Perhaps it's the allure of the idea of immortality which draws so many in to the idea that there is an "afterlife". I know it's irrational, but I choose to believe in the concept. 70-120 years at best just doesn't seem like enough somehow. The less rational atheists that I have discussed this with all think that you "move on". As my own belief in such things is irrational I don't step on this idea of theirs, but it does seem interesting that many believe that a "soul" exists but a "God" does not.
Logically? I'm not sure. There is a law of logic I am well known for failing to use, involving the idea that there is no reason to believe in that which cannot be proven, or something like that. I see no solid reason to believe that anything we experience extends past that last electro-chemical reaction in the brain. Yet, I want there to be an afterlife. I want an "immortal soul". If for no other reason than to get to see what happens after I am gone from here.
It makes me a bit reflective. Everyone seems to have different views of death and what it means. Some believe in a heaven/hell afterlife. Some believe in reincarnation. Some believe you simply cease to be.
Perhaps it's the allure of the idea of immortality which draws so many in to the idea that there is an "afterlife". I know it's irrational, but I choose to believe in the concept. 70-120 years at best just doesn't seem like enough somehow. The less rational atheists that I have discussed this with all think that you "move on". As my own belief in such things is irrational I don't step on this idea of theirs, but it does seem interesting that many believe that a "soul" exists but a "God" does not.
Logically? I'm not sure. There is a law of logic I am well known for failing to use, involving the idea that there is no reason to believe in that which cannot be proven, or something like that. I see no solid reason to believe that anything we experience extends past that last electro-chemical reaction in the brain. Yet, I want there to be an afterlife. I want an "immortal soul". If for no other reason than to get to see what happens after I am gone from here.
Monday, March 23, 2009
Fun with relativism
I don't understand, really. I don't hold that relativism is necessarily the "correct" way of doing things, but I admit that I disagree with sending out our "humanitarian" missionaries to other countries with other cultures, and then complaining when they do something illegal is the wisest of ideas.
Consider: You travel to a distant planet. You get there and are thrown into prison because skeletons are banned and considered weapons. You knew this law existed on that planet. Who is wrong?
They must explain this stuff in college or something. To me the idea of "live and let live" is relativism. Is there something objective, something logical, that gives a sense that a is always wrong and b is always right? If not, then on what does anyone base any of their ideas on anything morally?
Or was the Holocaust and American Slavery justified? To Nazi Germany and the Plantation slave owners it was...
Consider: You travel to a distant planet. You get there and are thrown into prison because skeletons are banned and considered weapons. You knew this law existed on that planet. Who is wrong?
They must explain this stuff in college or something. To me the idea of "live and let live" is relativism. Is there something objective, something logical, that gives a sense that a is always wrong and b is always right? If not, then on what does anyone base any of their ideas on anything morally?
Or was the Holocaust and American Slavery justified? To Nazi Germany and the Plantation slave owners it was...
Tuesday, March 17, 2009
Marriage and law.
Why are these things combined? Marriage is a religious rite. "Before God" and whatnot. To me, the legal binding of two people into one unit should be an "incorporation of individuals" ruled by contract law. Marriage should be kept as a ritual, one out of the jurisdiction of law.
Oh look. Homosexual and Heterosexual unions are suddenly equal. Was that too easy?
Oh look. Homosexual and Heterosexual unions are suddenly equal. Was that too easy?
Monday, March 16, 2009
Objective reasoning?
Maybe I should face these seperately.
Objectivity. Someone show me something that is objectively true that does not require a subjective identification as objective. "A triangle has three sides." Who defines what triangle is? You? Me? Who? How are they objective?
Reasoning. How many methods of reasoning are there? Who decides which ones are "proper" and which are not? Where is the precision to logic or anything else that is required to formulate a "truth"? Or is this the best we can do: All dogs have four legs, All dogs bark, A mammal with no ability to bark with any other number than four legs is not a dog?
I know, that was weak, but meant purely as an example. Of course there are non-barking dogs and dogs with fewer than four legs. We are reduced to uncertainty about this and everything else.
Objectivity. Someone show me something that is objectively true that does not require a subjective identification as objective. "A triangle has three sides." Who defines what triangle is? You? Me? Who? How are they objective?
Reasoning. How many methods of reasoning are there? Who decides which ones are "proper" and which are not? Where is the precision to logic or anything else that is required to formulate a "truth"? Or is this the best we can do: All dogs have four legs, All dogs bark, A mammal with no ability to bark with any other number than four legs is not a dog?
I know, that was weak, but meant purely as an example. Of course there are non-barking dogs and dogs with fewer than four legs. We are reduced to uncertainty about this and everything else.
Saturday, March 14, 2009
Logic?
Consider Schrodinger's Cat. A complex thought experiment meant to show how ridiculous our concept of electrons' behavior is. I love this thought experiment, because in truth it really pokes alot of existentialism in the eye. What would ole Descartes do with the concept that things exist and don't exist at the same time until observed?
Wednesday, March 11, 2009
Stephen Law
I have started hanging out on his blog of late. It appears I may be a sociopath so far. I simply don't think or cannot see any sign of an objective morality. I can't see a good reason to not believe in God, although I acknowledge that my belief is irrational and unjustified. Then again, I believe I may not exist as well, so go figure.
What is history?
Is history an ancient writing? Is history fact? Is it just something we choose to believe is true?
I wonder. I suppose some kind of evidence is necessary, but then what is evidence? Can we define "facts"?
I wonder. I suppose some kind of evidence is necessary, but then what is evidence? Can we define "facts"?
Tuesday, March 10, 2009
A political moment...
Our president is so impressive. He brings to mind all the racist thought regarding what would happen if an african-american was elected president. He is partying, alienating old friends, befriending mortal enemies, and generally not leading at all. Can we give Biden a try?
I voted Nader, because I figured if weed was legal I could get high and not care without getting in trouble. McCain was a liberal republican, or trying to be. Now we have a great orator... no wait... he doesn't orate, he reads. A great reader as president.
I feel like I need to go to 10 Downing St and apologize profusely in person. Maybe request asylum from stupidity.
I pray he doesn't get assassinated, however. That's a can of worms nobody wants opened.
I voted Nader, because I figured if weed was legal I could get high and not care without getting in trouble. McCain was a liberal republican, or trying to be. Now we have a great orator... no wait... he doesn't orate, he reads. A great reader as president.
I feel like I need to go to 10 Downing St and apologize profusely in person. Maybe request asylum from stupidity.
I pray he doesn't get assassinated, however. That's a can of worms nobody wants opened.
God, Atheism, and all the various versions of name that tune...
I'm with Pascal-If God exists and I do not believe I lose far more than if God does not exist and I do believe.
"Theism isn't rational, though"
Ha! Rationalism is circular and unprovable. What is rational after all?
"But God does X, Y, and Z that aren't 'good'"
Let me address this two ways. First, your definition of good is different from mine, different from everybody else's. God's definition as an omniscient, omnipotent being that created time itself, is probably even more different from yours.
Second, God labels things as good and they are. Go read the creation story. God defines things God does as good and your opinion is beside the point.
"But wait, I don't believe in the bible's accuracy."
Well, it's a collection of writings and stories across Jewish history. I'd say that it wasn't intended to explain how the universe works. It's an instruction manual on relating to God. If you choose to not believe in God and then go and read the bible, it will have as much meaning for you as using TV remote constructions to figure out how to operate your microwave oven.
"But so many bad things happen. Natural disasters to murders to pedophilia to slavery to genocide... Why doesn't God fix this?"
Ask him. If John was right, God is going to fix everything one day.
"I am an atheist, but just because I'm rational. Is God going to punish me?"
According to the bible, yes. God can do what he wants, so maybe not. I'm just hoping it doesn't turn out the Norse were right all along myself.
"But you're a christian! You can't say that!"
Doubt is not a sin. I doubt you exist, am I hurting you? I doubt everything, but I choose what I am going to act on. God never said we're not allowed to think.
"You are not a normal christian"
I know. Kind of sad. However, I don't fault other christians for not being like me. I am who I am, and maybe it will be a thought provoking experience for both of us.
"What about muslims?"
I have a hard time with Islam, but it doesn't make it wrong.
"Aha! So it could be any religion is correct!"
Yep. Free will means you can choose to believe whatever you want. Doesn't mean you will be right, of course.
"I'm unconvinced. You can't falsify any of this."
Sure you can. If Jesus never comes back you win. If Vishnu shows up, then the Hindus win. And so on.
"Well, religion is bad."
Yep. Religion takes a faith as a label, then turns it to it's own devices. Take christianity-It was fine until Rome took it as a state religion... it's been trying to recover ever since.
"****"
Yep. I've put alot of thought into this. Imagine me talking to a fellow christian about this stuff.
"Theism isn't rational, though"
Ha! Rationalism is circular and unprovable. What is rational after all?
"But God does X, Y, and Z that aren't 'good'"
Let me address this two ways. First, your definition of good is different from mine, different from everybody else's. God's definition as an omniscient, omnipotent being that created time itself, is probably even more different from yours.
Second, God labels things as good and they are. Go read the creation story. God defines things God does as good and your opinion is beside the point.
"But wait, I don't believe in the bible's accuracy."
Well, it's a collection of writings and stories across Jewish history. I'd say that it wasn't intended to explain how the universe works. It's an instruction manual on relating to God. If you choose to not believe in God and then go and read the bible, it will have as much meaning for you as using TV remote constructions to figure out how to operate your microwave oven.
"But so many bad things happen. Natural disasters to murders to pedophilia to slavery to genocide... Why doesn't God fix this?"
Ask him. If John was right, God is going to fix everything one day.
"I am an atheist, but just because I'm rational. Is God going to punish me?"
According to the bible, yes. God can do what he wants, so maybe not. I'm just hoping it doesn't turn out the Norse were right all along myself.
"But you're a christian! You can't say that!"
Doubt is not a sin. I doubt you exist, am I hurting you? I doubt everything, but I choose what I am going to act on. God never said we're not allowed to think.
"You are not a normal christian"
I know. Kind of sad. However, I don't fault other christians for not being like me. I am who I am, and maybe it will be a thought provoking experience for both of us.
"What about muslims?"
I have a hard time with Islam, but it doesn't make it wrong.
"Aha! So it could be any religion is correct!"
Yep. Free will means you can choose to believe whatever you want. Doesn't mean you will be right, of course.
"I'm unconvinced. You can't falsify any of this."
Sure you can. If Jesus never comes back you win. If Vishnu shows up, then the Hindus win. And so on.
"Well, religion is bad."
Yep. Religion takes a faith as a label, then turns it to it's own devices. Take christianity-It was fine until Rome took it as a state religion... it's been trying to recover ever since.
"****"
Yep. I've put alot of thought into this. Imagine me talking to a fellow christian about this stuff.
Tuesday, March 3, 2009
Madness.
No, not another social commentary for now. This one is a bit more personal. I'm crazy.
No really. I'm diagnosed bipolar 2 and borderline. This means crazy. The VCU gunman? Yep, bipolar.
So. I'm nuts, on medications. I am also going through a divorce, a custody settlement about my 5 kids, living in a new place, all but disowned by my parents, in a new relationship, and trying to figure out what the hell is going on.
Overwhelming to many. I look at attempting to move on any of it and I am crippled. My brain literally shuts down. I couldn't fill out some simple paperwork earlier, so literally my brain shuts down. Cognition ceases. The desperate feeling of doing things which are drastic arises.
Who do you tell, if anyone? I don't have time to go to some kind of incarceration... too much to do. I don't really want to face all this either, though.
I hate myself for being unable to cope. I hate myself for allowing this situation to exist. I hate myself for saying I hate myself.
The spiral is where I am, but I can't seem to escape. I'm alive, which seems to be what is most required.
No really. I'm diagnosed bipolar 2 and borderline. This means crazy. The VCU gunman? Yep, bipolar.
So. I'm nuts, on medications. I am also going through a divorce, a custody settlement about my 5 kids, living in a new place, all but disowned by my parents, in a new relationship, and trying to figure out what the hell is going on.
Overwhelming to many. I look at attempting to move on any of it and I am crippled. My brain literally shuts down. I couldn't fill out some simple paperwork earlier, so literally my brain shuts down. Cognition ceases. The desperate feeling of doing things which are drastic arises.
Who do you tell, if anyone? I don't have time to go to some kind of incarceration... too much to do. I don't really want to face all this either, though.
I hate myself for being unable to cope. I hate myself for allowing this situation to exist. I hate myself for saying I hate myself.
The spiral is where I am, but I can't seem to escape. I'm alive, which seems to be what is most required.
Monday, March 2, 2009
To drool or not to drool...
Really.
Do people value thought anymore? I am awestruck at all of the public figures who act like fools.
Consider: Entertainment
It's all about sexuality. Reality TV is the most contrived foolishness possible. Game shows are the exception, but then it's about greed. How tiring.
Music tries to be different. Many a band/singer begins by writing soulful things. But a few years into it... 95 percent of them are pandering to the mindless masses yearning for the newest,"Mmmbop".
Yawn.
Luckily, some few are not doing this. But they are, of course, starving.
"Sell out with me tonight" By somegroup... It's true. Maybe it's human nature. There's nothing to be irritated about, it's just genetics at work...
Ever hear of overcoming yourself? I know... too much work.
Offer me a few million and depraved sexual pleasures on demand... I'll give in too, I'm sure... Perhaps not, though.
If I offered Kurt Cobain a lifetime with his child and a slowly declining musical career... perhaps he'd be here today. I have found a love recently, and it transcends simple sexuality. Maybe this means there really is something more to be had.
May you have the opportunity to make these choices... and may you choose well.
Do people value thought anymore? I am awestruck at all of the public figures who act like fools.
Consider: Entertainment
It's all about sexuality. Reality TV is the most contrived foolishness possible. Game shows are the exception, but then it's about greed. How tiring.
Music tries to be different. Many a band/singer begins by writing soulful things. But a few years into it... 95 percent of them are pandering to the mindless masses yearning for the newest,"Mmmbop".
Yawn.
Luckily, some few are not doing this. But they are, of course, starving.
"Sell out with me tonight" By somegroup... It's true. Maybe it's human nature. There's nothing to be irritated about, it's just genetics at work...
Ever hear of overcoming yourself? I know... too much work.
Offer me a few million and depraved sexual pleasures on demand... I'll give in too, I'm sure... Perhaps not, though.
If I offered Kurt Cobain a lifetime with his child and a slowly declining musical career... perhaps he'd be here today. I have found a love recently, and it transcends simple sexuality. Maybe this means there really is something more to be had.
May you have the opportunity to make these choices... and may you choose well.
Oh the humanity!
What the hell does that mean anyway?
Humans are vile, unpleasant, unintelligent creatures. They dislike others of their own species for random reasons like color of skin, method of speech, or simply choice of outer covering.
Humanity indeed.
I suppose they must be tolerated as the major parasitic beings on this planet, capable of destroying their home and themselves, if for no other reason than the fact that they can be fun to watch, and occasionally act out of character.
"What are you on about?"
Simply this. Let the humans stop the infighting for philosophical reasons. Throw away all the ancient disagreements. I know how we can all finally get along.
Let us keep our hatred, but let it be hatred of our species as a whole. The term "waterbag" was coined as a racial epithet in a novel, and just think, it fits. 70% water, and basically incompetent, we are little more than waterbags.
"But wait," you say,"we must have equality!"
True. We shall labor to be allowed life, not possessions. Without anything, we are all equal.
"You propose an Orwellian dystopia!"
Is that not what is desired? To be controlled in all things and given things we do not earn? To have our lives micromanaged to such a point that we have no time to wonder about silly things like joy and sadness. We can all be parts of the machine, grinding onward toward destruction.
How very nice.
What the hell does that mean anyway?
Humans are vile, unpleasant, unintelligent creatures. They dislike others of their own species for random reasons like color of skin, method of speech, or simply choice of outer covering.
Humanity indeed.
I suppose they must be tolerated as the major parasitic beings on this planet, capable of destroying their home and themselves, if for no other reason than the fact that they can be fun to watch, and occasionally act out of character.
"What are you on about?"
Simply this. Let the humans stop the infighting for philosophical reasons. Throw away all the ancient disagreements. I know how we can all finally get along.
Let us keep our hatred, but let it be hatred of our species as a whole. The term "waterbag" was coined as a racial epithet in a novel, and just think, it fits. 70% water, and basically incompetent, we are little more than waterbags.
"But wait," you say,"we must have equality!"
True. We shall labor to be allowed life, not possessions. Without anything, we are all equal.
"You propose an Orwellian dystopia!"
Is that not what is desired? To be controlled in all things and given things we do not earn? To have our lives micromanaged to such a point that we have no time to wonder about silly things like joy and sadness. We can all be parts of the machine, grinding onward toward destruction.
How very nice.
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