Mohammad Gill April 22, 2007
#15 Posted by paradox on April 23, 2007 8:49:08 am
Mr.Gill
A very good article. All known laws of physics break down at singularity, so it seems as if humans are incapable of knowing anything beyond that. The very concept of existence loses its meaning. I guess for now we should accept it as a brute fact that the universe exist and keep looking for a way to find the ultimate truth.
Introducing God does not solve the problem. It’s like trying to solve a mystery by introducing another mystery.
A very good article. All known laws of physics break down at singularity, so it seems as if humans are incapable of knowing anything beyond that. The very concept of existence loses its meaning. I guess for now we should accept it as a brute fact that the universe exist and keep looking for a way to find the ultimate truth.
Introducing God does not solve the problem. It’s like trying to solve a mystery by introducing another mystery.
#16 Posted by rafi_aamer on April 23, 2007 10:02:22 am
Dear Mr. Gill,
You have written, ``the Roman Catholic Church has abandoned its opposition and now believes that the universe may have come into existence by evolutionary process.``
I think what you are referring to is the emergnece of life forms thru an evolutionary process and not the creation of universe thru evolutionary process.
Please correct me if I`m wrong.
Rafi
You have written, ``the Roman Catholic Church has abandoned its opposition and now believes that the universe may have come into existence by evolutionary process.``
I think what you are referring to is the emergnece of life forms thru an evolutionary process and not the creation of universe thru evolutionary process.
Please correct me if I`m wrong.
Rafi
#17 Posted by freethinker on April 23, 2007 11:09:10 am
rafi-aamer:
Thanks for your feedback. There is Darwin`s biological evolution and there is cosmological evolution. There are other evolutions also because nothing in the world is static. For instance, there is cultural evolution, for another.
I used ``evolutionary process`` in a general but particularly both cosmological and biological sense.
Mohammad Gill
Thanks for your feedback. There is Darwin`s biological evolution and there is cosmological evolution. There are other evolutions also because nothing in the world is static. For instance, there is cultural evolution, for another.
I used ``evolutionary process`` in a general but particularly both cosmological and biological sense.
Mohammad Gill
#18 Posted by mamoon on April 23, 2007 11:40:52 am
Dear mr Gill,
I would refer you and others to watch a movie a documentary by an australian woman. The title is ``The Secret``. It entails interviews from physics professors also. The movie is rgarding a phenomenon, a universal one. Some statistical patterns have confirmed that such phenomenon exists.
I hope it will help you to understand the existence of God though the documentary never implicitly mentions anything like God. But I hope you can then connect some links yourselves.
Best
I would refer you and others to watch a movie a documentary by an australian woman. The title is ``The Secret``. It entails interviews from physics professors also. The movie is rgarding a phenomenon, a universal one. Some statistical patterns have confirmed that such phenomenon exists.
I hope it will help you to understand the existence of God though the documentary never implicitly mentions anything like God. But I hope you can then connect some links yourselves.
Best
#19 Posted by rafi_aamer on April 23, 2007 11:43:07 am
Re: # 17
Gill sahib,
Thanks for the reply. Yes, there are many evolutionary processes but which one the Catholic church has changed its position about?
Rafi
Gill sahib,
Thanks for the reply. Yes, there are many evolutionary processes but which one the Catholic church has changed its position about?
Rafi
#20 Posted by Folio on April 23, 2007 12:19:18 pm
A very good article to read after Dr. Sohail`s attempt;) on God.
Paradox`s post is illuminating as well. I missed the gems of Partha and Masadi.
Paradox`s post is illuminating as well. I missed the gems of Partha and Masadi.
#21 Posted by freethinker on April 23, 2007 12:41:47 pm
rafi-aamer:
Roman Catholic Church has not gone all the way to accept biological and cosmological evolutions but it does not oppose them with the same fierceness and certainty that it used to in the past. I have not done a great deal of research myself as to what it accepts and what it rejects but the situation has changed appreciably. Religion does not give up its stance easily; it changes gradually. That is the reason that my statement was not absolutely definitive. The following extract from an internet article might be of some use.
Mohammad Gill
The Catholic Position
What is the Catholic position concerning belief or unbelief in evolution? The question may never be finally settled, but there are definite parameters to what is acceptable Catholic belief.
``Concerning cosmological evolution, the Church has infallibly defined that the universe was specially created out of nothing. Vatican I solemnly defined that everyone must ``confess the world and all things which are contained in it, both spiritual and material, as regards their whole substance, have been produced by God from nothing`` (Canons on God the Creator of All Things, canon 5).
The Church does not have an official position on whether the stars, nebulae, and planets we see today were created at that time or whether they developed over time (for example, in the aftermath of the Big Bang that modern cosmologists discuss). However, the Church would maintain that, if the stars and planets did develop over time, this still ultimately must be attributed to God and his plan, for Scripture records: ``By the word of the Lord the heavens were made, and all their host [stars, nebulae, planets] by the breath of his mouth`` (Ps. 33:6).
Concerning biological evolution, the Church does not have an official position on whether various life forms developed over the course of time. However, it says that, if they did develop, then they did so under the impetus and guidance of God, and their ultimate creation must be ascribed to him.
Concerning human evolution, the Church has a more definite teaching. It allows for the possibility that man’s body developed from previous biological forms, under God’s guidance, but it insists on the special creation of his soul. Pope Pius XII declared that ``the teaching authority of the Church does not forbid that, in conformity with the present state of human sciences and sacred theology, research and discussions . . . take place with regard to the doctrine of evolution, in as far as it inquires into the origin of the human body as coming from pre-existent and living matter—[but] the Catholic faith obliges us to hold that souls are immediately created by God`` (Pius XII, Humani Generis 36). So whether the human body was specially created or developed, we are required to hold as a matter of Catholic faith that the human soul is specially created; it did not evolve, and it is not inherited from our parents, as our bodies are, `` (Catholic Answers, Adam, Eve, and Evolution).
Mohammad Gill
While the Church permits belief in either special creation or developmental creation on certain questions, it in no circumstances permits belief in atheistic evolution.
Roman Catholic Church has not gone all the way to accept biological and cosmological evolutions but it does not oppose them with the same fierceness and certainty that it used to in the past. I have not done a great deal of research myself as to what it accepts and what it rejects but the situation has changed appreciably. Religion does not give up its stance easily; it changes gradually. That is the reason that my statement was not absolutely definitive. The following extract from an internet article might be of some use.
Mohammad Gill
The Catholic Position
What is the Catholic position concerning belief or unbelief in evolution? The question may never be finally settled, but there are definite parameters to what is acceptable Catholic belief.
``Concerning cosmological evolution, the Church has infallibly defined that the universe was specially created out of nothing. Vatican I solemnly defined that everyone must ``confess the world and all things which are contained in it, both spiritual and material, as regards their whole substance, have been produced by God from nothing`` (Canons on God the Creator of All Things, canon 5).
The Church does not have an official position on whether the stars, nebulae, and planets we see today were created at that time or whether they developed over time (for example, in the aftermath of the Big Bang that modern cosmologists discuss). However, the Church would maintain that, if the stars and planets did develop over time, this still ultimately must be attributed to God and his plan, for Scripture records: ``By the word of the Lord the heavens were made, and all their host [stars, nebulae, planets] by the breath of his mouth`` (Ps. 33:6).
Concerning biological evolution, the Church does not have an official position on whether various life forms developed over the course of time. However, it says that, if they did develop, then they did so under the impetus and guidance of God, and their ultimate creation must be ascribed to him.
Concerning human evolution, the Church has a more definite teaching. It allows for the possibility that man’s body developed from previous biological forms, under God’s guidance, but it insists on the special creation of his soul. Pope Pius XII declared that ``the teaching authority of the Church does not forbid that, in conformity with the present state of human sciences and sacred theology, research and discussions . . . take place with regard to the doctrine of evolution, in as far as it inquires into the origin of the human body as coming from pre-existent and living matter—[but] the Catholic faith obliges us to hold that souls are immediately created by God`` (Pius XII, Humani Generis 36). So whether the human body was specially created or developed, we are required to hold as a matter of Catholic faith that the human soul is specially created; it did not evolve, and it is not inherited from our parents, as our bodies are, `` (Catholic Answers, Adam, Eve, and Evolution).
Mohammad Gill
While the Church permits belief in either special creation or developmental creation on certain questions, it in no circumstances permits belief in atheistic evolution.
#22 Posted by rafi_aamer on April 23, 2007 1:02:48 pm
Re: # 21
``it in no circumstances permits belief in atheistic evolution.``
I wonder why. :-)
``it in no circumstances permits belief in atheistic evolution.``
I wonder why. :-)
#23 Posted by malikjahanzeb on April 23, 2007 5:55:01 pm
I think the idea that `God is not the same as he used to be` is very true. I personally think that God`s role in the life of poeple is fanning out slowly as life is becoming more and more understandable. In older times, a person would have thought that there must be an invisible hand pushing Sun from behind to take it from one side of the horizon to the other. Coming of customers to one`s shop would have also required invoking God. Hopefully, with education increasing day by day, man would have to some day lay off God of its job responsibilities, for economy of thought, if for no other reason.
#24 Posted by Tehsinabbasi on April 23, 2007 8:45:04 pm
Nature of God
If God is truly unknowable why does humanity spend its entire existence trying to decipher him? Isn’t that what religion is, trying to explain the nature of God? I think the best explanation for me of this paradox is Rafael’s painting of the Academy where he shows Plato and Aristotle. Plato is pointing up towards the Gods. Pointing out that it is all about striving for the ideals, the form of the perfect, the Good (God – is the plural for the good).
Aristotle on the other hand is pointing straight out - saying yes that is the ultimate perfection but man has to live in this world, which is imperfect and has to live by totally different rules then those needed to understand or be God like. We live in imperfection, life is a balancing act between imperfect, competing and misty alternatives. More over this is the life of flux, of change, a fleeting wrinkle in time, how can we capture even a glimpse of the eternal when we are completely consumed by the transitory.
Plato makes a tremendous case for the pursuit of the Good, he talks about the forms his dialogues are methodically constructed all the time raising man towards the ultimate good. Till you come to his dialogue called Parmenedes, and here every thing falls apart. Beyond a certain point every thing becomes a unity or gibberish. Just like Paradox suggested in his #15 at the singularity it means nothing you are just revolving around looking at your naval because that is the perfect state. Similarly at ultimate plurality everything becomes meaningless because you cannot understand any thing. So again we come back to the fundamental dilemma of human existence.
So! What is a good life? The best life is the one which is lived at the middle. Aristotle called it the Golden mean. Islam refers to it as the Sirat e Mustaqeem. This is where we live in a body which is fully engaged. Our construct is such that what we do not use - we loose. So the best body is the one which exercises each and every portion of it. The exercise in sports, the mind in rational discourse, the heart in appreciating beauty, art, music, indulging in good food, good drink are all parts of what adds to a good life. But the most important of all is virtue, being virtuous, always trying to lift our self to the highest level we can. It is the journey, never actually achieving perfection but always striving for it that is the pursuit of God - that is Love. Once in a great while actually getting a glimpse of perfection a moment of clarity, he refers to as an Aha moment. We mere mortals experience such moments a couple of times in our lives. But if you can stay in that state, you have achieved Nirvana, that is what Buddha found under the Banyan tree. I don’t know – this just blows my mind.
If God is truly unknowable why does humanity spend its entire existence trying to decipher him? Isn’t that what religion is, trying to explain the nature of God? I think the best explanation for me of this paradox is Rafael’s painting of the Academy where he shows Plato and Aristotle. Plato is pointing up towards the Gods. Pointing out that it is all about striving for the ideals, the form of the perfect, the Good (God – is the plural for the good).
Aristotle on the other hand is pointing straight out - saying yes that is the ultimate perfection but man has to live in this world, which is imperfect and has to live by totally different rules then those needed to understand or be God like. We live in imperfection, life is a balancing act between imperfect, competing and misty alternatives. More over this is the life of flux, of change, a fleeting wrinkle in time, how can we capture even a glimpse of the eternal when we are completely consumed by the transitory.
Plato makes a tremendous case for the pursuit of the Good, he talks about the forms his dialogues are methodically constructed all the time raising man towards the ultimate good. Till you come to his dialogue called Parmenedes, and here every thing falls apart. Beyond a certain point every thing becomes a unity or gibberish. Just like Paradox suggested in his #15 at the singularity it means nothing you are just revolving around looking at your naval because that is the perfect state. Similarly at ultimate plurality everything becomes meaningless because you cannot understand any thing. So again we come back to the fundamental dilemma of human existence.
So! What is a good life? The best life is the one which is lived at the middle. Aristotle called it the Golden mean. Islam refers to it as the Sirat e Mustaqeem. This is where we live in a body which is fully engaged. Our construct is such that what we do not use - we loose. So the best body is the one which exercises each and every portion of it. The exercise in sports, the mind in rational discourse, the heart in appreciating beauty, art, music, indulging in good food, good drink are all parts of what adds to a good life. But the most important of all is virtue, being virtuous, always trying to lift our self to the highest level we can. It is the journey, never actually achieving perfection but always striving for it that is the pursuit of God - that is Love. Once in a great while actually getting a glimpse of perfection a moment of clarity, he refers to as an Aha moment. We mere mortals experience such moments a couple of times in our lives. But if you can stay in that state, you have achieved Nirvana, that is what Buddha found under the Banyan tree. I don’t know – this just blows my mind.
#25 Posted by masadi on April 23, 2007 9:27:18 pm
Since due to some software error on Chowk, this didn`t get posted earlier, I am posting it again:
Another foolishly written, pseudo plaigirised article by Mr. Gill. The facts are
1. The universe originated out of nothing
2. The Big Bang event does not have any physical cause effect explanation.
3. In order to collapse the waves of the quantum potentialities of the early universe, consciousness was needed, nothing except the GOD concept can explain this.
Timothy Ferris states in his book, The Whole Shebang :
``...the Copenhagen interpretation of quantum mechanics treats as real only observed phenomena, raising the riddle how the EARLY universe could have evolved in the absence of observers. The riddle may be ``solved`` by invoking God as the supreme observer, who by scrutinizing all particles converts their quantum potentials into actual states (Ferris, page 308).``
4. The cosmic constants necessary for the universe to evolve in a certain way and for life to subsequently form were set with extreme precision, nothing except conscious setting can account for them
5. There is no reason why laws like the law of evolution should operate, in other words these laws themselves do not explain the origin of the laws, they signify intelligence, they require a pre-existing order and pre-existing entities governed by that order.
Why there is just one God and not gods given the organization and the uniformity in the universe. The fundamental postulate of Einstien`s Special Theory of Relativity state this unity of law phenomena in nature. Consider what the Koran says in 21:22.
If there were more than one God then different parts of the universe would not have worked with such uniformity as they did and as is always the case (when two or more equals create something), parts of the matter in the universe would have originated at different times. Yet scientists and laws are agreed on that the big bang was when all energy and matter originated in the universe. Koran 29:31 should throw light on this.
By the way, creation refers to the event that led to the origin of the universe, all matter and energy originated at the time of the big bang, evolution on the other hand refers to something quite different and not the creation event. You seem to be oblivious of the laws of thermodynamics. Genesis is not the end word on creation, neither is your deceptive ``last nail`` bit about the six periods (not days). Things that are merely theoretical as is most of early cosmology, cannot be the ``last nail`` on anything.
CHOWK EDITORS WHY ARE YOU CENSORING MY SUBMITTED ARTICLES? I SUBMITTED ONE ON THE VT MASSACRE AND ITS CAUSES AND HOW THE MEDIA COVERED IT. WHY HAVE YOU CENSORED IT?
Another foolishly written, pseudo plaigirised article by Mr. Gill. The facts are
1. The universe originated out of nothing
2. The Big Bang event does not have any physical cause effect explanation.
3. In order to collapse the waves of the quantum potentialities of the early universe, consciousness was needed, nothing except the GOD concept can explain this.
Timothy Ferris states in his book, The Whole Shebang :
``...the Copenhagen interpretation of quantum mechanics treats as real only observed phenomena, raising the riddle how the EARLY universe could have evolved in the absence of observers. The riddle may be ``solved`` by invoking God as the supreme observer, who by scrutinizing all particles converts their quantum potentials into actual states (Ferris, page 308).``
4. The cosmic constants necessary for the universe to evolve in a certain way and for life to subsequently form were set with extreme precision, nothing except conscious setting can account for them
5. There is no reason why laws like the law of evolution should operate, in other words these laws themselves do not explain the origin of the laws, they signify intelligence, they require a pre-existing order and pre-existing entities governed by that order.
Why there is just one God and not gods given the organization and the uniformity in the universe. The fundamental postulate of Einstien`s Special Theory of Relativity state this unity of law phenomena in nature. Consider what the Koran says in 21:22.
If there were more than one God then different parts of the universe would not have worked with such uniformity as they did and as is always the case (when two or more equals create something), parts of the matter in the universe would have originated at different times. Yet scientists and laws are agreed on that the big bang was when all energy and matter originated in the universe. Koran 29:31 should throw light on this.
By the way, creation refers to the event that led to the origin of the universe, all matter and energy originated at the time of the big bang, evolution on the other hand refers to something quite different and not the creation event. You seem to be oblivious of the laws of thermodynamics. Genesis is not the end word on creation, neither is your deceptive ``last nail`` bit about the six periods (not days). Things that are merely theoretical as is most of early cosmology, cannot be the ``last nail`` on anything.
CHOWK EDITORS WHY ARE YOU CENSORING MY SUBMITTED ARTICLES? I SUBMITTED ONE ON THE VT MASSACRE AND ITS CAUSES AND HOW THE MEDIA COVERED IT. WHY HAVE YOU CENSORED IT?
#26 Posted by Ranjit on April 23, 2007 9:40:49 pm
Re:Tehsinabbasi
[...But the most important of all is virtue, being virtuous, always trying to lift our self to the highest level we can.....]
Why is virtue most important? Who says that being virtuous is the ultimate goal and for what? Who defines virtue? Hitler thought he was being supremely virtuous by his act of eliminating the inferior races. He genuinely felt that he was improving mankind by purifying it racially. The suicide bomber is an equally virtuous being. Typically suicide bombers spend the last few months of their lives praying all the time. They shave their entire bodies to purify themselves before the act. They do not want any contact with women in order to maintain their purity and so on.
In my opinion, an ordinary person leading a simple life who is kind and helpful to others, who works hard for a living and who raises a family, is the most spiritual person. This person, the ordinary man, really embodies spiritualism. An ordinary person, who overcomes all of life`s problems and tirelessly takes care of his family, is truly in line with God`s intentions for mankind.
[...But the most important of all is virtue, being virtuous, always trying to lift our self to the highest level we can.....]
Why is virtue most important? Who says that being virtuous is the ultimate goal and for what? Who defines virtue? Hitler thought he was being supremely virtuous by his act of eliminating the inferior races. He genuinely felt that he was improving mankind by purifying it racially. The suicide bomber is an equally virtuous being. Typically suicide bombers spend the last few months of their lives praying all the time. They shave their entire bodies to purify themselves before the act. They do not want any contact with women in order to maintain their purity and so on.
In my opinion, an ordinary person leading a simple life who is kind and helpful to others, who works hard for a living and who raises a family, is the most spiritual person. This person, the ordinary man, really embodies spiritualism. An ordinary person, who overcomes all of life`s problems and tirelessly takes care of his family, is truly in line with God`s intentions for mankind.
#27 Posted by Zeena on April 23, 2007 10:24:28 pm
Another retarded article...
God(Almighty) was/is/will always be one super supreme power and the whole Universe is revolving around this super power. Period!!!
No ifs, No buts.
God(Almighty) is here , there ,everywhere and closer to our souls...No doubt about it.
God(Almighty) was/is/will always be one super supreme power and the whole Universe is revolving around this super power. Period!!!
No ifs, No buts.
God(Almighty) is here , there ,everywhere and closer to our souls...No doubt about it.
#29 Posted by AikThought on April 24, 2007 12:47:28 am
Dear Gill Sahib
Nice article.
All gods appeared within the last 6,000 years or so. Theologians have a very difficult job on their hands of extrapolating this period to 13,000,000,000 years. But then the human imagination has immense power!
Many logical minded religious people perhaps have already updated their concept of god to as you say `not known at a given time and is considered ‘unknowable’ `. This kind of god will of course always exist.
The timeline of our history at the following link may be interesting to some.
http://www.timesearch.info/timesearch/default.asp?tree_selection1=AREA_World&tree_selection2=&sort2=&bottomsort=&topsort=&direction=&viewtext=&timelineid=&getyear=&searchfor=&wordsite=&trees_selections=&conid=2
Loving regards
Khalid Javed
Nice article.
All gods appeared within the last 6,000 years or so. Theologians have a very difficult job on their hands of extrapolating this period to 13,000,000,000 years. But then the human imagination has immense power!
Many logical minded religious people perhaps have already updated their concept of god to as you say `not known at a given time and is considered ‘unknowable’ `. This kind of god will of course always exist.
The timeline of our history at the following link may be interesting to some.
http://www.timesearch.info/timesearch/default.asp?tree_selection1=AREA_World&tree_selection2=&sort2=&bottomsort=&topsort=&direction=&viewtext=&timelineid=&getyear=&searchfor=&wordsite=&trees_selections=&conid=2
Loving regards
Khalid Javed
#30 Posted by MantoLives on April 24, 2007 2:42:13 am
`` If any data showed that it failed to make predictions about certain phenomenon accurately, it would be falsified and needed to be revised and updated. Scientific theories are falsifiable while religion, in theory, is not. As a matter of fact, a theory which is not falsifiable is not a scientific theory.
If religion is to follow the scientific lead, it then becomes falsifiable like science. When a religion becomes falsifiable, it loses its divine base and its God ceases to be as mighty as we conventionally believe It is. ``
Well said. This is essentially Karl Popper`s analysis... and kind of what the ``Camerlengo`s`` gripe was in ``Angels and Demons``.
If religion is to follow the scientific lead, it then becomes falsifiable like science. When a religion becomes falsifiable, it loses its divine base and its God ceases to be as mighty as we conventionally believe It is. ``
Well said. This is essentially Karl Popper`s analysis... and kind of what the ``Camerlengo`s`` gripe was in ``Angels and Demons``.
#31 Posted by samar1982 on April 24, 2007 3:14:24 am
A good academic article on God which only shows that Christians have allowed science to explore God/Creator and have time and again accommodated their findings, though within the limits created by God Himself. Now, we again see a paradox here and the Church knows that neither the physical proof of Gods existence nor His non-existence can ever be found. So, what is the harm in allowing this exploration to continue forever.
In my opinion, it is impossible to know whether God exists or not because of limited sensory organs given to human beings and their limited capacity to feel. This is the best position one can assume on his way to understand God. At the same time it is just foolish to think that God created Himself from nothing as if Nothing is something more powerful than God Himself. Another paradox!
Samar
In my opinion, it is impossible to know whether God exists or not because of limited sensory organs given to human beings and their limited capacity to feel. This is the best position one can assume on his way to understand God. At the same time it is just foolish to think that God created Himself from nothing as if Nothing is something more powerful than God Himself. Another paradox!
Samar
#32 Posted by hamidm2 on April 24, 2007 4:53:28 am
Re: # 25
masadi,
.......... the chowk does not publish your ranting and raving because even though you are a self-proclaimed `scholar` they see you for what you really are - a blubbering lunatic ! ............ now shoo ! ........ you can publish your stuff on any one of the hundreds of jihadist sites out there - if not, send them to lulu ............
masadi,
.......... the chowk does not publish your ranting and raving because even though you are a self-proclaimed `scholar` they see you for what you really are - a blubbering lunatic ! ............ now shoo ! ........ you can publish your stuff on any one of the hundreds of jihadist sites out there - if not, send them to lulu ............
#33 Posted by khuram on April 24, 2007 5:10:47 am
Gill Sahib,,,
Theory of relativity is the theory of the ‘large’ and quantum mechanics is the theory of the ‘small’ and the ‘twain do not seem to meet’ each other seamlessly.
This statement is talking about two versions of science i.e. one for large phenomenon and second for small phenomenon. Actually there are three or four this type of versions of science. I list them below:
(i) Science for large phenomenon = Relativity Theory
(ii) Science for small phenomenon = Quantum Theory
(iii) Science for ordinary size phenomenon = Classical Physics
I shall discuss the fourth version of science later on. Let me first ask you where is that ``logical consistency`` between various theories of science which you often claim to be existing...??? There are three or four versions of science at our disposal. All are different from one another and there may be just little logical connection, if any, between them. Where are your claims...???
Now I tell you about fourth version of science. Science officially accepts that small phenomenon is ``discrete`` in nature whereas ordinary phenomenon is ``continuous`` in nature. The same science also officially accepts that out of ordinary phenomenon, only the spin motion of spherical objects or the rotational motion such as motion of wheel etc. is ``discrete`` in nature whereas all other ordinary phenomenon is ``continuous`` is nature. (Reference: Lectures of Dr. Abdul Salam -- perhaps published by Pakistan Atomic Commission).
Now I again mention the complete list of versions of science below:
(i) Science for large phenomenon = Relativity Theory
(ii) Science for small phenomenon = Quantum Theory
(iii) Science for ordinary size phenomenon = Classical Physics
(iv) Science for ordinary size phenomenon but applicable to only spin or rotational motion = Neo-Classical Physics.
Apparently, science might have reached to the result that only spin or rotational motion could be discrete in nature through the application of Mathematics. In rotational motion like the motion of a wheel, some (inner) parts of wheel are closer to the center of wheel whereas obviously the outer parts of wheel are far away from center. This fact raises a mathematical problem that inner parts of wheel cover far less distence than outer parts in one complete rotation. Motion of let`s say minimum possible distance of inner parts does not corresponds to the motion of outer parts. In other words, minimum possible motion of outer parts of wheel has to be greater than the minimum possible motion of inner parts. This ``quantitative`` issue might have led scientists to believe that spin or rotational motion is ``discrete`` in nature.
Science is unfortunate because it believes only in mathematics and avoids to apply Logic in its procedures. It is due to this reason that various theories of science are really logically inconsistent.
Now I try to show that Logically, ordinary sized straight line motion also should be ``discrete`` in nature. Consider the ``rotational`` motion of wheels of Toyota car. (You can consider Suzuki or Mercedeze etc. i.e. whichever you can afford to consider). What science doesn`t know is that straight motion of body of car is perfectly logically connected with the rotational motion of its wheels. So if wheels are moving in discrete steps, then body of car just cannot move in any continuous fashion. Logically and actually, straight line motion is also discrete in nature.
So third and fourth versions of science can be ``unified`` in this way.
And if ordinary motion is also discrete in nature then there is no essential difference between Classical Physics and Quantum Physics. You can say that Quantum phenomenon still remains ``probabilistic`` which is not the case with Classical Physics. Although I am having doubts in this ``probabilistic`` aspect of Quantum Physics but for the time being, I can confidently say that Quantum Physics and Classical Physics can be unified at least in the aspect of continuous vs discrete nature of motion because actually both are discrete in nature.
Note: You can consider this ``unification`` of 3rd and fourth versions of science, and the partial ``unification`` of Classical Physics and Quantum Physics as a gift to science by philosophy. In one of your previous interacts you had quoted the statement of a so-called scientist that perhaps philosophy could never help science in finding out the so-called ``unification`` theory.
So after having excluded the 4th version of science, and after correcting the third version of science, and after removing a wrong and inaccurate difference of second version with remaining two, I am listing down the current list below:
(i) Science for large phenomenon = Relativity Theory
(ii & iii with minor difference of ``probabilistic`` aspect in ii) Science for small phenomenon (probabilistic) plus Science for ordinary size phenomenon (non-probabilistic)
I think there should be many similar mistakes in Special Reletivity Theory which might have led scientists to believe is some different kind of science for ``large`` phenomenon. Don`t worry. At some time philosophy shall resolve this confusion also.
You may say that actual meaning of ``unification`` is not which I have taken here because ``unification`` theory has to do with weak and strong forces of nature etc. etc. You may say like this. But you did need above nature of ``unification`` as well. Philosophy has given you many gifts in past and shall continue to do so in future as well. Don`t worry! Philosophy shall help you out in future as well.
Regards!
Theory of relativity is the theory of the ‘large’ and quantum mechanics is the theory of the ‘small’ and the ‘twain do not seem to meet’ each other seamlessly.
This statement is talking about two versions of science i.e. one for large phenomenon and second for small phenomenon. Actually there are three or four this type of versions of science. I list them below:
(i) Science for large phenomenon = Relativity Theory
(ii) Science for small phenomenon = Quantum Theory
(iii) Science for ordinary size phenomenon = Classical Physics
I shall discuss the fourth version of science later on. Let me first ask you where is that ``logical consistency`` between various theories of science which you often claim to be existing...??? There are three or four versions of science at our disposal. All are different from one another and there may be just little logical connection, if any, between them. Where are your claims...???
Now I tell you about fourth version of science. Science officially accepts that small phenomenon is ``discrete`` in nature whereas ordinary phenomenon is ``continuous`` in nature. The same science also officially accepts that out of ordinary phenomenon, only the spin motion of spherical objects or the rotational motion such as motion of wheel etc. is ``discrete`` in nature whereas all other ordinary phenomenon is ``continuous`` is nature. (Reference: Lectures of Dr. Abdul Salam -- perhaps published by Pakistan Atomic Commission).
Now I again mention the complete list of versions of science below:
(i) Science for large phenomenon = Relativity Theory
(ii) Science for small phenomenon = Quantum Theory
(iii) Science for ordinary size phenomenon = Classical Physics
(iv) Science for ordinary size phenomenon but applicable to only spin or rotational motion = Neo-Classical Physics.
Apparently, science might have reached to the result that only spin or rotational motion could be discrete in nature through the application of Mathematics. In rotational motion like the motion of a wheel, some (inner) parts of wheel are closer to the center of wheel whereas obviously the outer parts of wheel are far away from center. This fact raises a mathematical problem that inner parts of wheel cover far less distence than outer parts in one complete rotation. Motion of let`s say minimum possible distance of inner parts does not corresponds to the motion of outer parts. In other words, minimum possible motion of outer parts of wheel has to be greater than the minimum possible motion of inner parts. This ``quantitative`` issue might have led scientists to believe that spin or rotational motion is ``discrete`` in nature.
Science is unfortunate because it believes only in mathematics and avoids to apply Logic in its procedures. It is due to this reason that various theories of science are really logically inconsistent.
Now I try to show that Logically, ordinary sized straight line motion also should be ``discrete`` in nature. Consider the ``rotational`` motion of wheels of Toyota car. (You can consider Suzuki or Mercedeze etc. i.e. whichever you can afford to consider). What science doesn`t know is that straight motion of body of car is perfectly logically connected with the rotational motion of its wheels. So if wheels are moving in discrete steps, then body of car just cannot move in any continuous fashion. Logically and actually, straight line motion is also discrete in nature.
So third and fourth versions of science can be ``unified`` in this way.
And if ordinary motion is also discrete in nature then there is no essential difference between Classical Physics and Quantum Physics. You can say that Quantum phenomenon still remains ``probabilistic`` which is not the case with Classical Physics. Although I am having doubts in this ``probabilistic`` aspect of Quantum Physics but for the time being, I can confidently say that Quantum Physics and Classical Physics can be unified at least in the aspect of continuous vs discrete nature of motion because actually both are discrete in nature.
Note: You can consider this ``unification`` of 3rd and fourth versions of science, and the partial ``unification`` of Classical Physics and Quantum Physics as a gift to science by philosophy. In one of your previous interacts you had quoted the statement of a so-called scientist that perhaps philosophy could never help science in finding out the so-called ``unification`` theory.
So after having excluded the 4th version of science, and after correcting the third version of science, and after removing a wrong and inaccurate difference of second version with remaining two, I am listing down the current list below:
(i) Science for large phenomenon = Relativity Theory
(ii & iii with minor difference of ``probabilistic`` aspect in ii) Science for small phenomenon (probabilistic) plus Science for ordinary size phenomenon (non-probabilistic)
I think there should be many similar mistakes in Special Reletivity Theory which might have led scientists to believe is some different kind of science for ``large`` phenomenon. Don`t worry. At some time philosophy shall resolve this confusion also.
You may say that actual meaning of ``unification`` is not which I have taken here because ``unification`` theory has to do with weak and strong forces of nature etc. etc. You may say like this. But you did need above nature of ``unification`` as well. Philosophy has given you many gifts in past and shall continue to do so in future as well. Don`t worry! Philosophy shall help you out in future as well.
Regards!
#34 Posted by freethinker on April 24, 2007 6:05:17 am
khuram:
Your obsession with philosophy is irksome. Listen, try to understand. Science does not exclude philosophy but it is different from philosophy. If scientific theories could be determined by philosophical conjectures only, the philosophers would be doing science. You might conjure up all kinds of theories using your philosophical arguments but none of them would be scientific until they are supported and verified by empirical evidence. Science without empiricism reduces to philosophy. Science is logical although it is distinctly different from logic, in the same way as it is distinctly different from philosphy. Science does not have a quarrel with philosophy (or logic), it is philosophy (as you`re using it) that seems to have a quarrel with science.
You probably do not sufficiently comprehend what the physicists mean by unification. Relativeity and quantum mechanics are different from each other at the present time but they will be linked together and made one by the unified theory. Even if they are not unified, both of them are good science in their own respective spheres. Unification is needed to go beyond our present state of knowledge. We`ll understand the physics of big bang and the beginning of our universe better when both theories are unified. Unification is thus a step forward; it doesn`t belie relativity or quantum mechanics, per se.
Progress in science is slow and it`s not just a leap of faith or for that matter a philosophical conjecture; sometime it takes a long time, a very long time, before a difficulty is overcome.
Let me give you an example. The proof of Fermat`s Last Theorem was found after three hundred years. There was a gap of nearly three hundred years between Newton`s theory of gravitation and Einstein`s theory of relativity. So don`t rush yet to pass judgement on science. People are working day and night to unify physics. Likewise, medical scientists are working hard to find cures for cancer and other incurable diseases. Many of these scientists don`t give two hoots to philosophy.
Be well,
Mohammad Gill
Your obsession with philosophy is irksome. Listen, try to understand. Science does not exclude philosophy but it is different from philosophy. If scientific theories could be determined by philosophical conjectures only, the philosophers would be doing science. You might conjure up all kinds of theories using your philosophical arguments but none of them would be scientific until they are supported and verified by empirical evidence. Science without empiricism reduces to philosophy. Science is logical although it is distinctly different from logic, in the same way as it is distinctly different from philosphy. Science does not have a quarrel with philosophy (or logic), it is philosophy (as you`re using it) that seems to have a quarrel with science.
You probably do not sufficiently comprehend what the physicists mean by unification. Relativeity and quantum mechanics are different from each other at the present time but they will be linked together and made one by the unified theory. Even if they are not unified, both of them are good science in their own respective spheres. Unification is needed to go beyond our present state of knowledge. We`ll understand the physics of big bang and the beginning of our universe better when both theories are unified. Unification is thus a step forward; it doesn`t belie relativity or quantum mechanics, per se.
Progress in science is slow and it`s not just a leap of faith or for that matter a philosophical conjecture; sometime it takes a long time, a very long time, before a difficulty is overcome.
Let me give you an example. The proof of Fermat`s Last Theorem was found after three hundred years. There was a gap of nearly three hundred years between Newton`s theory of gravitation and Einstein`s theory of relativity. So don`t rush yet to pass judgement on science. People are working day and night to unify physics. Likewise, medical scientists are working hard to find cures for cancer and other incurable diseases. Many of these scientists don`t give two hoots to philosophy.
Be well,
Mohammad Gill
#35 Posted by khurram on April 24, 2007 6:14:37 am
``...the bigger issue with which the scientists are concerned is whether He created the universe as a matter of fact. Or, whether He indeed is the First Cause. Will they ever be able to answer the question: “Who created God” convincingly? ...``
I don`t think it is the scientists who are concerned with these questions.
I don`t think it is the scientists who are concerned with these questions.
#36 Posted by Kulharee on April 24, 2007 6:33:49 am
Re: # 34
Dear Gill Sahib, That’s what I think also to be true, because the highest degree one can attain in Science is Doctor of Philosophy. Both go hand in hand. Philosophy is as much based on logic as science, or even more. What science does is it authenticates Philosophy, it has yet to invalidate any philosophical thought. Philosophy is based upon reason, and Science is about testing those reasons in a controlled environment. Very nice article. Thanks.
Dear Gill Sahib, That’s what I think also to be true, because the highest degree one can attain in Science is Doctor of Philosophy. Both go hand in hand. Philosophy is as much based on logic as science, or even more. What science does is it authenticates Philosophy, it has yet to invalidate any philosophical thought. Philosophy is based upon reason, and Science is about testing those reasons in a controlled environment. Very nice article. Thanks.
#37 Posted by khuram on April 24, 2007 6:50:31 am
Your obsession with philosophy is irksome.
ok
Listen, try to understand. Science does not exclude philosophy but it is different from philosophy. If scientific theories could be determined by philosophical conjectures only, the philosophers would be doing science.
I know – science is a minor part of Philosophy. And remember that philosophers had and have been doing science forever, along with other important things as well. Your Einstien was also a philosopher, basically. The modern name “theoretical scientist” has no meaning other than a philosopher who is doing science
You might conjure up all kinds of theories using your philosophical arguments but none of them would be scientific until they are supported and verified by empirical evidence.
I have given you empirical evidence. Wait for next raining. When it will start, go on long drive on your land cruiser. You will find the empirical proof on the windscreen before you.
Secondly you are wrong that theory is “scientific” if it is supported by empirical evidence. Real fact is that theory is “scientific” if it is published by any so-called (stupid) peer reviewed journal. I challenge you on this thing. I can give you many empirical evidences for various things. But believe me, you will never accept my views as scientific. But also believe me. If I get some of my works published by peer-reviewed journal, only than you will consider my work scientific. Actually you have no confidence at all. That’s why you cannot decide matters at your own.
And third thing. I do not need to get my work published by those journals. Philosophies do not need external certifications. But they do affect the minds of readers. I know I am able enough that I can affect other’s minds. I can convince other people. People may not openly accept it however.
Science without empiricism reduces to philosophy. Science is logical although it is distinctly different from logic, in the same way as it is distinctly different from philosphy. Science does not have a quarrel with philosophy (or logic), it is philosophy (as you`re using it) that seems to have a quarrel with science.
I myself am supporter of empiricism. But unlike science, I don’t mistakenly disregard rational inquiry. Philosophy is the name of rational inquiry. If science is disregarding rational inquiry, it means that science is in state of quarrel with philosophy. I only want to restore the true status of philosophy. I think I will have to fight with science for this purpose.
You probably do not sufficiently comprehend what the physicists mean by unification. Relativeity and quantum mechanics are different from each other at the present time but they will be linked together and made one by the unified theory. Even if they are not unified, both of them are good science in their own respective spheres. Unification is needed to go beyond our present state of knowledge. We`ll understand the physics of big bang and the beginning of our universe better when both theories are unified. Unification is thus a step forward; it doesn`t belie relativity or quantum mechanics, per se.
Obviously scientists have made so many sciences which are not consistent with one another. Ok, lets see how will they “unify” different things. By the way, what is the empirical evidence of big bang…???
Progress in science is slow and it`s not just a leap of faith or for that matter a philosophical conjecture; sometime it takes a long time, a very long time, before a difficulty is overcome.
Agree. But I am only telling one important reason for such delays. You should include logical inquiry into the procedures of science. Things shall become more transparent and clear than before.
Let me give you an example. The proof of Fermat`s Last Theorem was found after three hundred years. There was a gap of nearly three hundred years between Newton`s theory of gravitation and Einstein`s theory of relativity. So don`t rush yet to pass judgement on science. People are working day and night to unify physics. Likewise, medical scientists are working hard to find cures for cancer and other incurable diseases. Many of these scientists don`t give two hoots to philosophy.
I have all respect for practical scientists. I do appreciate their achievements and contributions. But philosophy is also important. It is another thing that only a few people can really understand this fact.
Regards!
ok
Listen, try to understand. Science does not exclude philosophy but it is different from philosophy. If scientific theories could be determined by philosophical conjectures only, the philosophers would be doing science.
I know – science is a minor part of Philosophy. And remember that philosophers had and have been doing science forever, along with other important things as well. Your Einstien was also a philosopher, basically. The modern name “theoretical scientist” has no meaning other than a philosopher who is doing science
You might conjure up all kinds of theories using your philosophical arguments but none of them would be scientific until they are supported and verified by empirical evidence.
I have given you empirical evidence. Wait for next raining. When it will start, go on long drive on your land cruiser. You will find the empirical proof on the windscreen before you.
Secondly you are wrong that theory is “scientific” if it is supported by empirical evidence. Real fact is that theory is “scientific” if it is published by any so-called (stupid) peer reviewed journal. I challenge you on this thing. I can give you many empirical evidences for various things. But believe me, you will never accept my views as scientific. But also believe me. If I get some of my works published by peer-reviewed journal, only than you will consider my work scientific. Actually you have no confidence at all. That’s why you cannot decide matters at your own.
And third thing. I do not need to get my work published by those journals. Philosophies do not need external certifications. But they do affect the minds of readers. I know I am able enough that I can affect other’s minds. I can convince other people. People may not openly accept it however.
Science without empiricism reduces to philosophy. Science is logical although it is distinctly different from logic, in the same way as it is distinctly different from philosphy. Science does not have a quarrel with philosophy (or logic), it is philosophy (as you`re using it) that seems to have a quarrel with science.
I myself am supporter of empiricism. But unlike science, I don’t mistakenly disregard rational inquiry. Philosophy is the name of rational inquiry. If science is disregarding rational inquiry, it means that science is in state of quarrel with philosophy. I only want to restore the true status of philosophy. I think I will have to fight with science for this purpose.
You probably do not sufficiently comprehend what the physicists mean by unification. Relativeity and quantum mechanics are different from each other at the present time but they will be linked together and made one by the unified theory. Even if they are not unified, both of them are good science in their own respective spheres. Unification is needed to go beyond our present state of knowledge. We`ll understand the physics of big bang and the beginning of our universe better when both theories are unified. Unification is thus a step forward; it doesn`t belie relativity or quantum mechanics, per se.
Obviously scientists have made so many sciences which are not consistent with one another. Ok, lets see how will they “unify” different things. By the way, what is the empirical evidence of big bang…???
Progress in science is slow and it`s not just a leap of faith or for that matter a philosophical conjecture; sometime it takes a long time, a very long time, before a difficulty is overcome.
Agree. But I am only telling one important reason for such delays. You should include logical inquiry into the procedures of science. Things shall become more transparent and clear than before.
Let me give you an example. The proof of Fermat`s Last Theorem was found after three hundred years. There was a gap of nearly three hundred years between Newton`s theory of gravitation and Einstein`s theory of relativity. So don`t rush yet to pass judgement on science. People are working day and night to unify physics. Likewise, medical scientists are working hard to find cures for cancer and other incurable diseases. Many of these scientists don`t give two hoots to philosophy.
I have all respect for practical scientists. I do appreciate their achievements and contributions. But philosophy is also important. It is another thing that only a few people can really understand this fact.
Regards!
#38 Posted by khuram on April 24, 2007 6:58:23 am
Re: # 36
Very rightly said: ``Science authenticates Philosophy``....
If there were no philosophy, science would be having NOTHING to authenticate. Purpose of philosophy is to GENERATE right or wrong NEW IDEAS.
Then science segregates right ideas from wrong ones through empirical process.
Science itself doesn`t generate any new ideas. Philosophy has the primary role towards the progress of over-all knowledge of humanity. Role of science is secondary. Because it only validates and applies already existing ideas.
Regards!
Very rightly said: ``Science authenticates Philosophy``....
If there were no philosophy, science would be having NOTHING to authenticate. Purpose of philosophy is to GENERATE right or wrong NEW IDEAS.
Then science segregates right ideas from wrong ones through empirical process.
Science itself doesn`t generate any new ideas. Philosophy has the primary role towards the progress of over-all knowledge of humanity. Role of science is secondary. Because it only validates and applies already existing ideas.
Regards!
#39 Posted by FarzanaVersey on April 24, 2007 7:11:23 am
Dear Gill saab:
A few `non-scientific` points due to my limitations...
1. If philosophy is to be seen as an ideological position then theologians would qualify as much as rational thinkers.
2. ``Who created god?`` cannot be a scientific query, for if one believes in an imaginary creation then questioning it is itself proving it. Who creates a fantasy? However, when you talk about going beyond Time and Space, then you in fact take the leap into a non-rational endeavour. It can be satisfying for the basis of all knowledge is seeking - whether it is the galaxy or god.
3. I shall turn your question around: Does not science take the `religious` lead when it comes up with a `eureka` moment?
Let me share something I wrote elsewhere:
Religion itself cannot be placed in an isolated groove; it must be seen for its role in determining the course of a society, its input in helping us cull an individual/group identity, and its political motivation...Faith, by its very nature, is an excluding institution. One is not faithful to or devout in one’s own faith if one admits other faiths as real and possible alternatives. A religion provides for conformity in judgment. It cannot survive if it provides choices, for in doing so it will threaten its own credibility.
Regards,
F
A few `non-scientific` points due to my limitations...
1. If philosophy is to be seen as an ideological position then theologians would qualify as much as rational thinkers.
2. ``Who created god?`` cannot be a scientific query, for if one believes in an imaginary creation then questioning it is itself proving it. Who creates a fantasy? However, when you talk about going beyond Time and Space, then you in fact take the leap into a non-rational endeavour. It can be satisfying for the basis of all knowledge is seeking - whether it is the galaxy or god.
3. I shall turn your question around: Does not science take the `religious` lead when it comes up with a `eureka` moment?
Let me share something I wrote elsewhere:
Religion itself cannot be placed in an isolated groove; it must be seen for its role in determining the course of a society, its input in helping us cull an individual/group identity, and its political motivation...Faith, by its very nature, is an excluding institution. One is not faithful to or devout in one’s own faith if one admits other faiths as real and possible alternatives. A religion provides for conformity in judgment. It cannot survive if it provides choices, for in doing so it will threaten its own credibility.
Regards,
F
#40 Posted by FarzanaVersey on April 24, 2007 7:25:42 am
#36 by Kulharee on April 24, 2007 6:33am PT
[Re: # 34
Dear Gill Sahib, That’s what I think also to be true, because the highest degree one can attain in Science is Doctor of Philosophy. Both go hand in hand. Philosophy is as much based on logic as science, or even more. What science does is it authenticates Philosophy, it has yet to invalidate any philosophical thought. Philosophy is based upon reason, and Science is about testing those reasons in a controlled environment. Very nice article. Thanks. ]
When has science tested philosophical thoughts in a controlled environment? If it has been audacious enough, then it negates the purpose of philosophy to be able to take leaps of ideas. That is its prerogative, its very essence.
Yet, I would like to be enlightened with some examples, if that is possible. Thanks.
- - -
And Dr. Gill I do think you bring in a great deal of stimuli to challenge thought processes.
[Re: # 34
Dear Gill Sahib, That’s what I think also to be true, because the highest degree one can attain in Science is Doctor of Philosophy. Both go hand in hand. Philosophy is as much based on logic as science, or even more. What science does is it authenticates Philosophy, it has yet to invalidate any philosophical thought. Philosophy is based upon reason, and Science is about testing those reasons in a controlled environment. Very nice article. Thanks. ]
When has science tested philosophical thoughts in a controlled environment? If it has been audacious enough, then it negates the purpose of philosophy to be able to take leaps of ideas. That is its prerogative, its very essence.
Yet, I would like to be enlightened with some examples, if that is possible. Thanks.
- - -
And Dr. Gill I do think you bring in a great deal of stimuli to challenge thought processes.
#41 Posted by rafi_aamer on April 24, 2007 7:31:14 am
Khurram,
Your thoughts are interesting.
I agree with you on #35. But on other points, I tend to agree with Mr. Gill. I don’t think science is in the business of authenticating philosophy. Science follows the data and it can take it to places where no philosophy had gone before. This, by no means, demeans philosophy but to say that science authenticates philosophy is a leap in my opinion. I mean which philosophy Galileo had in mind when he deviated from geocentric model?
You are right that philosophies do not need external certifications and still influence minds. Well, good for philosophy but, once again, it’s the evidentiary nature of science that requires it to have external certification and for good reasons. After all, when you get sick, you go to a doctor and what makes him/her qualified to prescribe you medicines is his/her knowledge coupled with an external certification.
Rafi
Your thoughts are interesting.
I agree with you on #35. But on other points, I tend to agree with Mr. Gill. I don’t think science is in the business of authenticating philosophy. Science follows the data and it can take it to places where no philosophy had gone before. This, by no means, demeans philosophy but to say that science authenticates philosophy is a leap in my opinion. I mean which philosophy Galileo had in mind when he deviated from geocentric model?
You are right that philosophies do not need external certifications and still influence minds. Well, good for philosophy but, once again, it’s the evidentiary nature of science that requires it to have external certification and for good reasons. After all, when you get sick, you go to a doctor and what makes him/her qualified to prescribe you medicines is his/her knowledge coupled with an external certification.
Rafi
#42 Posted by Kulharee on April 24, 2007 7:43:36 am
Re: # 40
Farzana Ji, in classical sense, Philosophy is about ethics, governance, etc, but metaphysics is all about reasoning and logic. I took very elementary level courses in my undergrad and there is no universally agreed upon definition of even what Philosophy means, except that everyone agrees that it about ideas shared among a group (or Philo – friends). Before it was known that earth was round, it was merely an idea, later proven. There are even disagreements over the nature of what constitutes reason. That in itself should be a notion to think of certain branches of Philosophy are more based on Logic and less about conventional wisdom. I believe that the foundation of physical science is Philosophy.
Farzana Ji, in classical sense, Philosophy is about ethics, governance, etc, but metaphysics is all about reasoning and logic. I took very elementary level courses in my undergrad and there is no universally agreed upon definition of even what Philosophy means, except that everyone agrees that it about ideas shared among a group (or Philo – friends). Before it was known that earth was round, it was merely an idea, later proven. There are even disagreements over the nature of what constitutes reason. That in itself should be a notion to think of certain branches of Philosophy are more based on Logic and less about conventional wisdom. I believe that the foundation of physical science is Philosophy.
#43 Posted by khurram on April 24, 2007 7:52:43 am
Re #41, rafi_aamer,
``I agree with you on #35. But on other points, I tend to agree with Mr. Gill...``
rafi shaib,
#35 has been my only contribution on this board. The others are from another fine gentleman who spells his name with a single `r`
``I agree with you on #35. But on other points, I tend to agree with Mr. Gill...``
rafi shaib,
#35 has been my only contribution on this board. The others are from another fine gentleman who spells his name with a single `r`
#44 Posted by khurram on April 24, 2007 8:01:26 am
Re: kulharee & khuram,
``Science authenticates philosophy..``
Who tells science how to authenticate?
``Science authenticates philosophy..``
Who tells science how to authenticate?
#45 Posted by Kulharee on April 24, 2007 8:19:41 am
Re: # 44
If you look at Philosophy is an external form of the answer, not a whole, then everything begins to make sense. Scientific proof can be seen as an answer – to whether prove something or invalidate. The reason that it generates so much debate in itself is an indication that there is ‘something’ to argue about.
If you look at Philosophy is an external form of the answer, not a whole, then everything begins to make sense. Scientific proof can be seen as an answer – to whether prove something or invalidate. The reason that it generates so much debate in itself is an indication that there is ‘something’ to argue about.
#46 Posted by GT on April 24, 2007 8:25:26 am
Re: # 44 by khurram:
``Who tells science how to authenticate?``
Nobody. The discipline stresses on `replicable` experiments. If A can send a rocket to a certain location in the moon using method P, then B should be able to do the same using method P. Some degree of `error` is allowed for.
I am told the `kundalini yoga` is all about trying to replicate the `God experience` .... I do not believe this though. Brought it up because the discussion is deviating toward `philosophy` :)
Regards.
``Who tells science how to authenticate?``
Nobody. The discipline stresses on `replicable` experiments. If A can send a rocket to a certain location in the moon using method P, then B should be able to do the same using method P. Some degree of `error` is allowed for.
I am told the `kundalini yoga` is all about trying to replicate the `God experience` .... I do not believe this though. Brought it up because the discussion is deviating toward `philosophy` :)
Regards.
#49 Posted by Urstruly on April 24, 2007 9:55:28 am
Unless, scientists have verifiable quantative data to backup their claim that there exists no God, shouldn`t they keep their mouths shut. Isn`t it the scientific rational method? But fact of the matter is that it is not science that denies the existence of God but it is the athesits who use the crutches of science to rationalize their own religion and dogma. That is quite pathetic because while they have not a shred of evidence to prove their religion to be true the evidence to prove that God exists lies in every subatomic particle to the vast exapanse of universe. Their existence is the proof that God exists. Perhaps the most pathetic and irrational absurdity is the claim that the universe came into existence by itself.
Macdonald Corp. claims that over 16 billion of their burgers have been eaten by human beings but there has not been a single reporting of a burger eating a human being. If the whole universe can come into existence by itself then sometimes a burger should eat a man too for a change. And if Darwin`s theory is true then shouldn`t burger evolve defense mechanism by now to prevent being eaten up? If atomic dust can turn into humanity and living beings by itsef then why this rule doen`t apply to burgers. By the way food poisoning is not a defence mechanism of burgers, ok?
#50 Posted by Kulharee on April 24, 2007 9:57:13 am
To help move the discussion further along, here are some quotes. First few from Philosophers about Scientists, then the other way around:
Part 1.
“The true function of philosophy is to educate us in the principles of reasoning and not to put an end to further reasoning by the introduction of fixed conclusions.” (Gorge Lewes)
“Science is what you know. Philosophy is what you don`t know.” (Bertrand Russell)
“It requires a very unusual mind to undertake the analysis of the obvious.” (Alfred Whitehead).
Part 2.
“I would not think that philosophy and reason themselves will be man`s guide in the foreseeable future; however, they will remain the most beautiful sanctuary they have always been for the select few.” (Einstein)
“Science is practical Philosophy” (René Descartes)
“Science is a series of judgments, revised without ceasing.” Pierre Emile Duclaux
and my favorite one:
“The man of science is a poor philosopher”. (Einstein)
Part 1.
“The true function of philosophy is to educate us in the principles of reasoning and not to put an end to further reasoning by the introduction of fixed conclusions.” (Gorge Lewes)
“Science is what you know. Philosophy is what you don`t know.” (Bertrand Russell)
“It requires a very unusual mind to undertake the analysis of the obvious.” (Alfred Whitehead).
Part 2.
“I would not think that philosophy and reason themselves will be man`s guide in the foreseeable future; however, they will remain the most beautiful sanctuary they have always been for the select few.” (Einstein)
“Science is practical Philosophy” (René Descartes)
“Science is a series of judgments, revised without ceasing.” Pierre Emile Duclaux
and my favorite one:
“The man of science is a poor philosopher”. (Einstein)
#51 Posted by Tehsinabbasi on April 24, 2007 10:00:07 am
#26 by ranjit
Virtue is only important if you want a good life. The best life you can have – get the most out of the brief existence you have on this planet. This goes back to basically the question – why the heck am I here? You can define it differently as our rationality would allow it, you can live a life on a different basis then being virtuous. But it would be unnatural, because every species no matter what, wishes to propagate itself and it does so by doing the best it can for itself. It is an effort towards betterment. So, virtue is driving towards the ideal, the ultimate good.
Interwoven with this is the concept of Love. Which my guru (Plato) defines as the path that connects the temporal with the eternal. Right from when a young man like yourself carves out his name with his beloved’s on a tree trunk “Ranjit and Aishwarya” for ever, it is the expression - the longing for eternity. He is looking for permanence.
In this quest we are always trying to seek the highest level of relative truth that we can achieve. Truth being the top, numero uno of all virtues. Hitler, my friend! Violated this principle and paid the price for it. He lied and lied continuously to the point of delusion and self delusion. The trouble with myth and myth based societies is that although within the myth there are grains of truth which tend to help a society but are no match to a systematic methodical system based upon verifiable truths, of concepts and predictable results, which order the truth to a much higher level and the results are obvious. The societies become much more virtuous then those still wrestling with their mythical demons.
Virtue is only important if you want a good life. The best life you can have – get the most out of the brief existence you have on this planet. This goes back to basically the question – why the heck am I here? You can define it differently as our rationality would allow it, you can live a life on a different basis then being virtuous. But it would be unnatural, because every species no matter what, wishes to propagate itself and it does so by doing the best it can for itself. It is an effort towards betterment. So, virtue is driving towards the ideal, the ultimate good.
Interwoven with this is the concept of Love. Which my guru (Plato) defines as the path that connects the temporal with the eternal. Right from when a young man like yourself carves out his name with his beloved’s on a tree trunk “Ranjit and Aishwarya” for ever, it is the expression - the longing for eternity. He is looking for permanence.
In this quest we are always trying to seek the highest level of relative truth that we can achieve. Truth being the top, numero uno of all virtues. Hitler, my friend! Violated this principle and paid the price for it. He lied and lied continuously to the point of delusion and self delusion. The trouble with myth and myth based societies is that although within the myth there are grains of truth which tend to help a society but are no match to a systematic methodical system based upon verifiable truths, of concepts and predictable results, which order the truth to a much higher level and the results are obvious. The societies become much more virtuous then those still wrestling with their mythical demons.
#52 Posted by hamidm2 on April 24, 2007 10:10:19 am
Re: # 49
urstruly;
let me turn this around : Unless, theologians have verifiable data (of any kind) to backup their claim that God exists, shouldn`t they keep their mouths shut``
urstruly;
let me turn this around : Unless, theologians have verifiable data (of any kind) to backup their claim that God exists, shouldn`t they keep their mouths shut``
#53 Posted by delhiwala on April 24, 2007 10:13:56 am
I just cant believe that some people in this day and age believe in this Adam and Eve Nonsense. I am glad that you are coming out of the closet in that respect.
It also exposes the notion that the basis of people who believe in this logic have lied upon for the last 3000 yrs or so.
Eastern Religion`s philosphy, though not perfect at least accepts that the Nature is God.
Those who say that they know when was World created; consider them foolish.
-Guru Nanak
It also exposes the notion that the basis of people who believe in this logic have lied upon for the last 3000 yrs or so.
Eastern Religion`s philosphy, though not perfect at least accepts that the Nature is God.
Those who say that they know when was World created; consider them foolish.
-Guru Nanak
#54 Posted by rafi_aamer on April 24, 2007 10:14:14 am
Re: # 50
[and my favorite one:
“The man of science is a poor philosopher”. (Einstein)]
Kulharee,
You are misquoting here. To the best of my recollection, the quote is taken from an article by Einstein titled “Physics and Reality”. He didn’t claim that the man of science was a poor philosopher. He was actually examining the claim and the entire sentence went something like “it is usually said that the man of science is a poor philosopher”. I think in the same passage, Einstein actually maintained that the physicists cannot surrender to the philosopher the foundations of a new theory because the physicist is the one, not the philosopher, who fully knows the problems of the existing theory.
I can get you the exact quote later.
Rafi
[and my favorite one:
“The man of science is a poor philosopher”. (Einstein)]
Kulharee,
You are misquoting here. To the best of my recollection, the quote is taken from an article by Einstein titled “Physics and Reality”. He didn’t claim that the man of science was a poor philosopher. He was actually examining the claim and the entire sentence went something like “it is usually said that the man of science is a poor philosopher”. I think in the same passage, Einstein actually maintained that the physicists cannot surrender to the philosopher the foundations of a new theory because the physicist is the one, not the philosopher, who fully knows the problems of the existing theory.
I can get you the exact quote later.
Rafi
#55 Posted by rafi_aamer on April 24, 2007 10:18:38 am
Re: # 49
[Macdonald Corp. claims that over 16 billion of their burgers have been eaten by human beings but there has not been a single reporting of a burger eating a human being. If the whole universe can come into existence by itself then sometimes a burger should eat a man too for a change. And if Darwin`s theory is true then shouldn`t burger evolve defense mechanism by now to prevent being eaten up?]
Urstruly,
You are demonstrating very poor understanding of Darwin’s theory. Atomic dust turning into anything living has nothing to do with Darwin. A very friendly suggestion: read Darwin and then you can mount an informed campaign against his theory.
Take care,
Rafi
[Macdonald Corp. claims that over 16 billion of their burgers have been eaten by human beings but there has not been a single reporting of a burger eating a human being. If the whole universe can come into existence by itself then sometimes a burger should eat a man too for a change. And if Darwin`s theory is true then shouldn`t burger evolve defense mechanism by now to prevent being eaten up?]
Urstruly,
You are demonstrating very poor understanding of Darwin’s theory. Atomic dust turning into anything living has nothing to do with Darwin. A very friendly suggestion: read Darwin and then you can mount an informed campaign against his theory.
Take care,
Rafi
#56 Posted by Kulharee on April 24, 2007 10:27:14 am
Re: # 54
Thanks Rafi for clarifying, I just like the quote irregardless of his position on Physics or Philosophy.. he also said, he wished he was a Plumber..
Thanks Rafi for clarifying, I just like the quote irregardless of his position on Physics or Philosophy.. he also said, he wished he was a Plumber..
#57 Posted by GT on April 24, 2007 10:29:34 am
Re: # 52 by hamidm2:
Hamid:
``Unless, theologians have verifiable data.....``
I am sorry to say this but Urstruly has provided enough verifiable data. I add one more:
``hamidm2 exists and therefore God exists.``
Yes, you have my permission to use this on Mrs. hamidm2.
Hamid:
``Unless, theologians have verifiable data.....``
I am sorry to say this but Urstruly has provided enough verifiable data. I add one more:
``hamidm2 exists and therefore God exists.``
Yes, you have my permission to use this on Mrs. hamidm2.
#58 Posted by rafi_aamer on April 24, 2007 10:45:34 am
Re: # 57
``hamidm2 exists and therefore God exists.``
And God exists therefore a super-God exists and super-God exists therefore a super-duper God exists .... and so on and so forth.
``hamidm2 exists and therefore God exists.``
And God exists therefore a super-God exists and super-God exists therefore a super-duper God exists .... and so on and so forth.
#59 Posted by GT on April 24, 2007 10:50:36 am
Re: # 58 by rafi_aamer
Rafi sahib,
Please do not get excited. Believe me, Hamid will thank me for the line. The Mrs. and his liver has restrained him from many of God`s good creations.
Regards.
Rafi sahib,
Please do not get excited. Believe me, Hamid will thank me for the line. The Mrs. and his liver has restrained him from many of God`s good creations.
Regards.
#60 Posted by Urstruly on April 24, 2007 10:55:55 am
Re: # 55
Au contraire, I subscribe to the theory of evolution and so does millions of Muslims. The theory is taught in every Muslim country in every school, college, and university and no where it is an issue as much as it is in the Bible belt of USA. The epitome of conservatism in Pakistan, Dr. Israr Ahmad (a medical Dr. by profession) subscribes to it and delivers lecture.
The issue is not with the theory of evolution; the issue is with the atheists who use it to `prove`` that first the universe came into existence by itself and then it started evolving by itself. So my question was, why don`t burgers evolve into growing teeth by themselves and start eating people.
Au contraire, I subscribe to the theory of evolution and so does millions of Muslims. The theory is taught in every Muslim country in every school, college, and university and no where it is an issue as much as it is in the Bible belt of USA. The epitome of conservatism in Pakistan, Dr. Israr Ahmad (a medical Dr. by profession) subscribes to it and delivers lecture.
The issue is not with the theory of evolution; the issue is with the atheists who use it to `prove`` that first the universe came into existence by itself and then it started evolving by itself. So my question was, why don`t burgers evolve into growing teeth by themselves and start eating people.
#61 Posted by hamidm2 on April 24, 2007 10:58:45 am
Re: # 59
GT,
.......... actually mrs hamidm is convinced that i am living proof of satan`s existence ........ i like satan and if i was a religious man i would worship Him .........
GT,
.......... actually mrs hamidm is convinced that i am living proof of satan`s existence ........ i like satan and if i was a religious man i would worship Him .........
#62 Posted by drsohail on April 24, 2007 11:08:45 am
Re: # 58
dear rafi....someone sent me a quotation today that i thought you might like
`acceptance without proof is the fundamental characteristic of religion, rejection without
proof is the fundamental characteristic of science` gary zukav
affectionately sohail
dear rafi....someone sent me a quotation today that i thought you might like
`acceptance without proof is the fundamental characteristic of religion, rejection without
proof is the fundamental characteristic of science` gary zukav
affectionately sohail
#63 Posted by GT on April 24, 2007 11:09:25 am
Re: # 61 by hamidm2
Hamid:
That too, that too.....
Urstruly sahib,
Why bother about those atheists? I tell you it is the Hindus that matter. Dr. Gill`s board is a nice place to bash those Hindus. Their religion is said to have many Gods - where one God creates another and so on and so forth. I like your bit about the `evolving burgers` though.
Hamid:
That too, that too.....
Urstruly sahib,
Why bother about those atheists? I tell you it is the Hindus that matter. Dr. Gill`s board is a nice place to bash those Hindus. Their religion is said to have many Gods - where one God creates another and so on and so forth. I like your bit about the `evolving burgers` though.
#64 Posted by sattar2 on April 24, 2007 11:17:08 am
Urstruly (#60),
Do explain how … Issa-ibne-Marriam residing above clouds … fits in with this theory of evolution that millions of Muslims subscribe to. What does your ``Dr. Israr Ahmad (a medical Dr. by profession)`` think?
And then there was Solomon talking to ants. Did the ants evolve overnight to facilitate this conversation?
Hmmmm ...
#65 Posted by Urstruly on April 24, 2007 11:21:09 am
Re: # 64
Thanks for chiming in; probably you should ask these questions from your Mirza; starting with the question `where did he get his wahi from? baywqoof munafiq
Thanks for chiming in; probably you should ask these questions from your Mirza; starting with the question `where did he get his wahi from? baywqoof munafiq
#66 Posted by sattar2 on April 24, 2007 11:47:59 am
#65 ... I could guess. But from where do you think a prophet gets wahi?
No word on Issa? C`mon ... tell us more about millions of Muslims who believe in evolution. What does good doctor Israr, a high and mighty medical doctor, think?
#67 Posted by echoboom on April 24, 2007 11:59:01 am
*Abu-Jehl Un-ParhH kahaaN thhaa,
ParRhhaa-ey huay agar naheeN thhay toa upnay Nabi(sww)
Aur Abu-Jehl?Voh toa upnay qabeelay ka sardaar thha
subb sey ziadaa aqalmund samjhha jaata thha
subb sey ziada muazziz thha, Mumtaaz thha,
Mgar bil-aakhir Abu-Jehl hee tehraya gaya
aur humeshaa humesh kay liyay Abu-Jehl ho gaya
KyooN kay Uss nay ``Laa`` ko tamaasha janaa
aur upnay ``scientific`` ilm hee ko ilm-e-kul samajhhtaa raha
aur upnay dimaagh pey Qufl chrRhhaa diyay
``Allah Hummaa salay-Alah Muhammad, va Alayhe Muhammed``
*Amjad-Islam-Amjad sey mua`zarat kay saath.
Khole aankh zameeN daikh falak daikh fizaa daikh
Mashrique sey ubhhartay huay sooraj ko zara daikh.
HarunYahya
The Atlas of Creation and Fossil Exhibitions Cause Panic in France and Turkey >>
“The Atlas of Creation” Panic in France, the Cradle of Materialist Ideas
Warning: Atheists, liberaloons, Munaafiquoons, and secularoons! Click on above at your own peril.
ParRhhaa-ey huay agar naheeN thhay toa upnay Nabi(sww)
Aur Abu-Jehl?Voh toa upnay qabeelay ka sardaar thha
subb sey ziadaa aqalmund samjhha jaata thha
subb sey ziada muazziz thha, Mumtaaz thha,
Mgar bil-aakhir Abu-Jehl hee tehraya gaya
aur humeshaa humesh kay liyay Abu-Jehl ho gaya
KyooN kay Uss nay ``Laa`` ko tamaasha janaa
aur upnay ``scientific`` ilm hee ko ilm-e-kul samajhhtaa raha
aur upnay dimaagh pey Qufl chrRhhaa diyay
``Allah Hummaa salay-Alah Muhammad, va Alayhe Muhammed``
*Amjad-Islam-Amjad sey mua`zarat kay saath.
Khole aankh zameeN daikh falak daikh fizaa daikh
Mashrique sey ubhhartay huay sooraj ko zara daikh.
HarunYahya
The Atlas of Creation and Fossil Exhibitions Cause Panic in France and Turkey >>
“The Atlas of Creation” Panic in France, the Cradle of Materialist Ideas
Warning: Atheists, liberaloons, Munaafiquoons, and secularoons! Click on above at your own peril.
#68 Posted by Urstruly on April 24, 2007 12:03:14 pm
Re: # 63 GT
I do not bash anyone. However, it is my wish that people recognize their one Creator - The Creator Who is Absolute in every conceivable sense. This is the only purpose of intelligent lifeform.
All the material evidence in this universe points to One Creator and not to two or many. Even the human DNA suggests that all humanity or even every living specie was created by One Entity. But for sake of argument lets assume that there are many gods; then in order to remain absolute each god must have his own closed self-contained universe. If another god interferes in his universe, it will render both gods non-absolute. And henece they cannot be gods. But if each god preserves the integrity of his own universe and does not violate others then with in his own universe he is the only known god i.e. One God. And since with in a universe the existence of other gods will never be known because of an inter-god treaty, it is akin to having only One God.
I do not bash anyone. However, it is my wish that people recognize their one Creator - The Creator Who is Absolute in every conceivable sense. This is the only purpose of intelligent lifeform.
All the material evidence in this universe points to One Creator and not to two or many. Even the human DNA suggests that all humanity or even every living specie was created by One Entity. But for sake of argument lets assume that there are many gods; then in order to remain absolute each god must have his own closed self-contained universe. If another god interferes in his universe, it will render both gods non-absolute. And henece they cannot be gods. But if each god preserves the integrity of his own universe and does not violate others then with in his own universe he is the only known god i.e. One God. And since with in a universe the existence of other gods will never be known because of an inter-god treaty, it is akin to having only One God.
#69 Posted by GT on April 24, 2007 12:12:31 pm
Re: # 68 by urstruly
Urstruly sahib:
Was that you in #68? You sound like a philosopher, actually come to think of it: you sound like a Hindu and smell like heeng.
But full marks to a point well made. And therefore, with God as my witness, I increase the probability of Her existance.
Urstruly sahib:
Was that you in #68? You sound like a philosopher, actually come to think of it: you sound like a Hindu and smell like heeng.
But full marks to a point well made. And therefore, with God as my witness, I increase the probability of Her existance.
#70 Posted by GT on April 24, 2007 12:24:27 pm
Re: # 67 by echoboom:
Boom sahib:
What have you done? With a brilliant one page analysis you have shown that the Turks and the French haven`t evolved at all! Now a paragraph is needed to show the same for the Arabs and us desis.
Boom sahib:
What have you done? With a brilliant one page analysis you have shown that the Turks and the French haven`t evolved at all! Now a paragraph is needed to show the same for the Arabs and us desis.
#71 Posted by paradox on April 24, 2007 12:27:21 pm
Dear friends
What`s the big deal in Hindus believing in gods. How different is it from the belief in one God. From my perspective, the point you leave reason and go for the realm of superstition, it really does not matter if you believe in one or thousand gods.
After scanning through few of the posts, I realized that a lot of people are missing the point. They are implying, in different ways, the first cause argument which read something like`` Nothing happens by itself, every thing needs a cause and God is the final cause``. The first problem is that the ``premise`` ``everything has a cause`` contradicts the ``conclusion`` ``God is the final cause`. If everything has a cause then God must have a cause or the argument is not valid.
Secondly, if we apply this argument, we should take it to its logical conclusion and not use it as a taxi to get to our desired destination and do not care what happens to the taxi afterwards. Logical conclusion binds us to ask the question, ``Whets caused God``. If God can be without a cause then why go so far, why not accept the universe to have it own cause. If God can have its own cause, why not the universe.
What`s the big deal in Hindus believing in gods. How different is it from the belief in one God. From my perspective, the point you leave reason and go for the realm of superstition, it really does not matter if you believe in one or thousand gods.
After scanning through few of the posts, I realized that a lot of people are missing the point. They are implying, in different ways, the first cause argument which read something like`` Nothing happens by itself, every thing needs a cause and God is the final cause``. The first problem is that the ``premise`` ``everything has a cause`` contradicts the ``conclusion`` ``God is the final cause`. If everything has a cause then God must have a cause or the argument is not valid.
Secondly, if we apply this argument, we should take it to its logical conclusion and not use it as a taxi to get to our desired destination and do not care what happens to the taxi afterwards. Logical conclusion binds us to ask the question, ``Whets caused God``. If God can be without a cause then why go so far, why not accept the universe to have it own cause. If God can have its own cause, why not the universe.
#72 Posted by sattar2 on April 24, 2007 12:27:27 pm
Hindu wins!!!
Ustruly, apparently there are multiple gods … and they take turns running this universe.
One god makes water flow, leaves dead people dead, does not let humans talk to ants, does not let humans fly. Most of the time this god is in charge.
Every now and then other gods take over. Then oceans part when a man waves his hand, dead are revived out of their graves, humans and ants converse (even bushes talk!), people are flown at night to meet god.
This explains why Issa has not yet reappeared. The god currently in charge refuses to give up his seat (power trip? May be) … while Issa is waiting for other gods to take over. What do you think?
#73 Posted by rafi_aamer on April 24, 2007 12:27:39 pm
Re: # 60
“The issue is not with the theory of evolution; the issue is with the atheists who use it to `prove`` that first the universe came into existence by itself and then it started evolving by itself. So my question was, why don`t burgers evolve into growing teeth by themselves and start eating people.”
Urstruly,
I have never come across an atheist who fits the bill you described above, who proves universe coming into existence on the strength of Darwin’s theory. I trust that you must have. If I do come across such a person ever, I would also give that person the same very friendly suggestion that I gave you: read Darwin first.
Take care,
Rafi
“The issue is not with the theory of evolution; the issue is with the atheists who use it to `prove`` that first the universe came into existence by itself and then it started evolving by itself. So my question was, why don`t burgers evolve into growing teeth by themselves and start eating people.”
Urstruly,
I have never come across an atheist who fits the bill you described above, who proves universe coming into existence on the strength of Darwin’s theory. I trust that you must have. If I do come across such a person ever, I would also give that person the same very friendly suggestion that I gave you: read Darwin first.
Take care,
Rafi
#74 Posted by rafi_aamer on April 24, 2007 12:48:27 pm
Re: # 62
Dear Sohail,
Good to hear from you and thanks for the quote. But please pardon me for not being a big fan of Gary Zukav. I also have reservations about the later part of the quote that you have sent. I do feel that science requires proof for rejection as well as acceptance of anything.
Thanks,
Rafi Aamer
Dear Sohail,
Good to hear from you and thanks for the quote. But please pardon me for not being a big fan of Gary Zukav. I also have reservations about the later part of the quote that you have sent. I do feel that science requires proof for rejection as well as acceptance of anything.
Thanks,
Rafi Aamer
#75 Posted by Folio on April 24, 2007 1:00:22 pm
Very nice to see many rationalists from Pakistan. I miss nasah here:)
Dear Hamid, why dont u counter Urstruly on intellectual plane?
Dear Hamid, why dont u counter Urstruly on intellectual plane?
#76 Posted by Urstruly on April 24, 2007 1:04:30 pm
Re: # 71
I suggest you read Aristotle`s Theory of Prime Mover, where he discusses how final cause has to be Absolute in the Cause & Effect relationship. His discourse is not based on religion but only rationality and common sense. There have been many attempts to rebut his theory but no one has succeeded in 4000 years.
I do not know whether Aristotle was a beliver or not but Abraham (pbuh) was the first beliver who found God only through his reason and logic. No revelation was made to him until he believed first. Allama Iqbal has paid tribute to his faith in these immortal words:
Be`khatar kood paRa aatish-e-Namrood maiN ishq
Aql mehv-e-tamasha hay lab-e-baam abhi.
I suggest you read Aristotle`s Theory of Prime Mover, where he discusses how final cause has to be Absolute in the Cause & Effect relationship. His discourse is not based on religion but only rationality and common sense. There have been many attempts to rebut his theory but no one has succeeded in 4000 years.
I do not know whether Aristotle was a beliver or not but Abraham (pbuh) was the first beliver who found God only through his reason and logic. No revelation was made to him until he believed first. Allama Iqbal has paid tribute to his faith in these immortal words:
Be`khatar kood paRa aatish-e-Namrood maiN ishq
Aql mehv-e-tamasha hay lab-e-baam abhi.
#77 Posted by GT on April 24, 2007 1:05:06 pm
Re: # 75 by Folio,
Sir:
``Very nice to see many rationalists from Pakistan.``
If this is not patronizing, I do not know what is!
Sir:
``Very nice to see many rationalists from Pakistan.``
If this is not patronizing, I do not know what is!
#78 Posted by Folio on April 24, 2007 1:12:44 pm
Dear GT,
Many Muslims as we know them in India or elsewhere are rabble-rousers, loud-mouths, narrow-minded (I mean closed minds) bigots (something similar to our own sanatani) BUT what we see here is different.
My ONLY worry is that we dont write/discuss the `confusion/passion` of men abt God from our own pov i.e Hindu and Islamic views of origin and that of the contemporary scientific views on God. It`s always the case that we take views of Christendom on the vital question/mimaamsa of God. Mever mind, it`s a great debate here.
Best.
Many Muslims as we know them in India or elsewhere are rabble-rousers, loud-mouths, narrow-minded (I mean closed minds) bigots (something similar to our own sanatani) BUT what we see here is different.
My ONLY worry is that we dont write/discuss the `confusion/passion` of men abt God from our own pov i.e Hindu and Islamic views of origin and that of the contemporary scientific views on God. It`s always the case that we take views of Christendom on the vital question/mimaamsa of God. Mever mind, it`s a great debate here.
Best.
#79 Posted by GT on April 24, 2007 1:37:14 pm
Re: # 78 by Folio,
This:
``Many Muslims as we know them in India or elsewhere are rabble-rousers, loud-mouths, narrow-minded (I mean closed minds) bigots (something similar to our own sanatani) BUT what we see here is different. ``
added to #75, rounds up about everything you have to say about Muslims.
I have no problem with what you say and think. After all, the great kaal thinks that you are a genius. Who am I to think differently? But I have one small quibble, if by a ``different Muslim`` you mean hamidm2 then I have a serious problem. I haven`t seen a bigger rabble-rousing loud-mouth. Given his narrow minded obsession on Gandhi`s loin cloth, I cannot call him anything but a bigot.
This:
``Many Muslims as we know them in India or elsewhere are rabble-rousers, loud-mouths, narrow-minded (I mean closed minds) bigots (something similar to our own sanatani) BUT what we see here is different. ``
added to #75, rounds up about everything you have to say about Muslims.
I have no problem with what you say and think. After all, the great kaal thinks that you are a genius. Who am I to think differently? But I have one small quibble, if by a ``different Muslim`` you mean hamidm2 then I have a serious problem. I haven`t seen a bigger rabble-rousing loud-mouth. Given his narrow minded obsession on Gandhi`s loin cloth, I cannot call him anything but a bigot.
#80 Posted by dost_mittar on April 24, 2007 1:53:48 pm
Gill saheb:
We agnostics and atheists have it easy. We do not have to tie ourselves in knots in order to reconcile our rational being with our faithful one. I suggest you can also liberate yourself from your ``duvidha`` (dilemma to the non-hindi-wallahs) by getting rid of your ``sanskaras`` and let go of your faith.
``If God is the name of an entity which is not known at a given time and is considered ‘unknowable’ at that time by many, man will never know His essence or even if He exists or not.``
True. Then, why bother?
We agnostics and atheists have it easy. We do not have to tie ourselves in knots in order to reconcile our rational being with our faithful one. I suggest you can also liberate yourself from your ``duvidha`` (dilemma to the non-hindi-wallahs) by getting rid of your ``sanskaras`` and let go of your faith.
``If God is the name of an entity which is not known at a given time and is considered ‘unknowable’ at that time by many, man will never know His essence or even if He exists or not.``
True. Then, why bother?
#81 Posted by KaalChakra on April 24, 2007 2:00:51 pm
ha! Please GT, don`t burden the kid with my stupidities. Samar and Folio will make their own individual ways, and you and I will agree and disagree with them as much as we need to and want. That`s how it should be :)
#82 Posted by paradox on April 24, 2007 2:13:06 pm
Dear Urstruly
It would be very kind of you to elaborate your understanding of the ``Prime mover``. I have not specially read Aristotle but I read few of his writing in different places. The notion of absolute mover is ``unintelligible`` which in other words is inherently flawed.
God`` a necessary being`` cannot be a creator of `contingent`` world. According to laws of reason, from necessary proposition only necessary proposition follows. A necessary being could only create necessary being not a contingent being. So if by definition God is a necessary being that he cannot be a creator of contingent beings like us.
According to the logical positivists like A.J.Ayer and Russell all metaphysical statements are ``meaningless`` because there is no way of proving them right OR wrong.
Occam`s principle states that the explanation of any phenomenon should make as few assumptions as possible, eliminating, or ``shaving off,`` those that make no difference in the observable predictions of the explanatory hypothesis. In other words`` ``All things being equal, the simplest solution tends to be the best one.``
Putting God at the end of chain does not provide any more understanding. Its like trying to solve a problem by another problem which again needs to explained.
It would be very kind of you to elaborate your understanding of the ``Prime mover``. I have not specially read Aristotle but I read few of his writing in different places. The notion of absolute mover is ``unintelligible`` which in other words is inherently flawed.
God`` a necessary being`` cannot be a creator of `contingent`` world. According to laws of reason, from necessary proposition only necessary proposition follows. A necessary being could only create necessary being not a contingent being. So if by definition God is a necessary being that he cannot be a creator of contingent beings like us.
According to the logical positivists like A.J.Ayer and Russell all metaphysical statements are ``meaningless`` because there is no way of proving them right OR wrong.
Occam`s principle states that the explanation of any phenomenon should make as few assumptions as possible, eliminating, or ``shaving off,`` those that make no difference in the observable predictions of the explanatory hypothesis. In other words`` ``All things being equal, the simplest solution tends to be the best one.``
Putting God at the end of chain does not provide any more understanding. Its like trying to solve a problem by another problem which again needs to explained.
#83 Posted by echoboom on April 24, 2007 2:25:56 pm
GOD`S GENTLE ARTISTRY
This book documents the tenderness that creatures have for their
young and the conscious acts of self-sacrifice performed throughout
the animal world. You will read about the great care taken by animal
parents to build comfortable nests for their young. You will learn
how they clean their offspring, how hard they work to feed them,
protect them from cold, and even how they place their own lives
in danger when an enemy is nearby.


To read and download the book is freely FULL TEXT AVAILABLE.
#84 Posted by rafi_aamer on April 24, 2007 2:38:33 pm
Re: # 83
``This book documents the tenderness that creatures have for their
young and the conscious acts of self-sacrifice performed throughout
the animal world. You will read about the great care taken by animal
parents to build comfortable nests for their young. You will learn
how they clean their offspring, how hard they work to feed them,
protect them from cold, and even how they place their own lives
in dnger when an enemy is nearby. ``
And this book explains why.

``This book documents the tenderness that creatures have for their
young and the conscious acts of self-sacrifice performed throughout
the animal world. You will read about the great care taken by animal
parents to build comfortable nests for their young. You will learn
how they clean their offspring, how hard they work to feed them,
protect them from cold, and even how they place their own lives
in dnger when an enemy is nearby. ``
And this book explains why.

#85 Posted by GT on April 24, 2007 2:50:13 pm
Re: # 83 by echoboom:
Boom sahib:
Thank you for bringing ``God`s Gentle Artistry`` to our notice. I shall read the book when I am not wasting time on chowk. My decision to do so is based on the clear proofs provided for the existance of God in the summary provided in the page you direct us to. In school we were taught how to prove theorems by: (a) construction; (b) contradiction, and (c) intimidation. School was boring because most of the stuff was based on (a) and (b). Life was fun because in most discoures, (c) was used. Using (c) is an art actually (or science if you may). And the book whose link you provide uses (c) beutifully. And hence, I shall recommend this book to young aspiring mathematicians. Here is a great example:
Theorem: God exists.
Proof (based on the method of intimidation): An animal cannot possess feelings of tenderness and compassion on its own. The plain FACT is that God has inspired in these creatures a wondrous sense of tenderness and parental love. Therefore God exists. Q.E.D.
I hope Mr. Gill is taking notes. Furthermore, I hope that in future his articles for chowk are refereed by khuram, masadi and your kind self.
Thanks once again.
Boom sahib:
Thank you for bringing ``God`s Gentle Artistry`` to our notice. I shall read the book when I am not wasting time on chowk. My decision to do so is based on the clear proofs provided for the existance of God in the summary provided in the page you direct us to. In school we were taught how to prove theorems by: (a) construction; (b) contradiction, and (c) intimidation. School was boring because most of the stuff was based on (a) and (b). Life was fun because in most discoures, (c) was used. Using (c) is an art actually (or science if you may). And the book whose link you provide uses (c) beutifully. And hence, I shall recommend this book to young aspiring mathematicians. Here is a great example:
Theorem: God exists.
Proof (based on the method of intimidation): An animal cannot possess feelings of tenderness and compassion on its own. The plain FACT is that God has inspired in these creatures a wondrous sense of tenderness and parental love. Therefore God exists. Q.E.D.
I hope Mr. Gill is taking notes. Furthermore, I hope that in future his articles for chowk are refereed by khuram, masadi and your kind self.
Thanks once again.
#86 Posted by asfand on April 24, 2007 2:52:51 pm
Why is it that Darwins` theory is still a theory and not made a law like Ohms` law?
#87 Posted by malikjahanzeb on April 24, 2007 2:55:44 pm
My `drawing room taliban` type brother-in-law gave to me this book by Haroon Yahya that was supposed to drag me back to the world of religion but I couldn`t tolerate reading it beyond a few pages. The guy criticizes evolution without even knowing the basic arguments of evolution. I am sure this guy Haroon Yahya is a man with a screwed up personality. I couldn`t find any single reasonable argument in his book. Only faith-alcoholics can find something in his books.
#88 Posted by GT on April 24, 2007 2:58:45 pm
Re: # 85
Boom sahib:
Along with ``God`s Gentle Artistry``, I shall also recommend Dawkin`s ``The selfish gene``. Both books use the art of ``Proof by intimidation`` quite well. However, the proofs of the latter are kind of long and confusing. They actually confuse you to death, .... I mean to Q.E.D. I shall advise students to stick mostly with ``God`s Gentle Artistry``, unless they are lecturing to Harvard undergrads., in which case I shall advise them to use the techniques in ``The Selfish Gene``.
Boom sahib:
Along with ``God`s Gentle Artistry``, I shall also recommend Dawkin`s ``The selfish gene``. Both books use the art of ``Proof by intimidation`` quite well. However, the proofs of the latter are kind of long and confusing. They actually confuse you to death, .... I mean to Q.E.D. I shall advise students to stick mostly with ``God`s Gentle Artistry``, unless they are lecturing to Harvard undergrads., in which case I shall advise them to use the techniques in ``The Selfish Gene``.
#89 Posted by DrDr on April 24, 2007 3:05:20 pm
science by & large is confined 2 the investigation of microscopic fenomena. filosofy is concerned w/ the macroscopic. where the 2 intersect of course is cosmology. most of science is untouched by filosofy. religion of course touches everything:/
#90 Posted by sattar2 on April 24, 2007 3:42:31 pm
MJ (#87),
I have glanced through some of Haroon Yahya’s articles. His approach is “sensationalistic” and designed to appeal to folks who are shallow and, at best, semi-literate.
He’s sorta like Tony Robbins of Islam, the TV motivational guy with big claims and an overly simplistic view of the world. I am not surprised that echo is recommending Yahya. Soon Urstruly would start googling him as well … once he has memorized key points of Aristotle’s theory of prime mover …
#91 Posted by malikjahanzeb on April 24, 2007 3:57:28 pm
Re: # 86 asfand,
Because there are people out there who want to be called `created` no matter what. As if god is running an assembly line somewhere up there.
Because there are people out there who want to be called `created` no matter what. As if god is running an assembly line somewhere up there.
#92 Posted by dullabhatti on April 24, 2007 5:31:24 pm
``why don`t burgers evolve into growing teeth by themselves and start eating people.``
leave a billion burgers in a pile for about a billion years..provide enough water and sun light to the pile and then we will see if (something grows out of ) burgers (that) have teeth or not.:)
you gave God billions of years but want burgers to eat man in Mr Mcdonald`s life time?:-)
BTW one could agrue than many a man have been eaten by burgers already....remember that...
botlay sharab diye dass ni kameeniye,
main tainupeena aaN ke toon mainu peeni aiN?;)
leave a billion burgers in a pile for about a billion years..provide enough water and sun light to the pile and then we will see if (something grows out of ) burgers (that) have teeth or not.:)
you gave God billions of years but want burgers to eat man in Mr Mcdonald`s life time?:-)
BTW one could agrue than many a man have been eaten by burgers already....remember that...
botlay sharab diye dass ni kameeniye,
main tainupeena aaN ke toon mainu peeni aiN?;)
#93 Posted by teshah on April 24, 2007 6:35:21 pm
I wonder why are you so obsessed with the god of Abrahamic faiths? There are other great religions like Hinduism, Buddhism, etc., which have no problem with the god but focus more on the man and the nature, which they consider to be part and parcel of god and as eternal as he is. The latter in fact has no place for god in its theology.
Of all the religious books it is perhaps the Quran which dilates so much on proving the existence of god even to the Mushrikin Mecca when they already believed in this. Keeping up Quranic tradition the so called Ullema and scholars of Islam are also doing the same even today when the existence of god is no longer an issue today at least among the Muslims - vide serial discussion by Javed Ghamidi in this respect going on these days on GEO TV .
Of all the religious books it is perhaps the Quran which dilates so much on proving the existence of god even to the Mushrikin Mecca when they already believed in this. Keeping up Quranic tradition the so called Ullema and scholars of Islam are also doing the same even today when the existence of god is no longer an issue today at least among the Muslims - vide serial discussion by Javed Ghamidi in this respect going on these days on GEO TV .
#94 Posted by rahul_capri on April 24, 2007 6:45:41 pm
echoboom,
Why have you stopped visiting UP and dabbling in sher-o-shairi with us ``Atheists, liberaloons, Munaafiquoons, and secularoons``?
Why have you stopped visiting UP and dabbling in sher-o-shairi with us ``Atheists, liberaloons, Munaafiquoons, and secularoons``?
#95 Posted by malikjahanzeb on April 24, 2007 6:58:26 pm
yes echoboom,
kuch to perhiye ke loug kehte hein,
aaj ghalib ghazal saraa naa hua
kuch to perhiye ke loug kehte hein,
aaj ghalib ghazal saraa naa hua
#96 Posted by Tehsinabbasi on April 24, 2007 8:47:20 pm
#80 by dost-mittar
“Then why bother?”
I wish it were that simple. Here you have an agnostic writing about God, why? The fact of the matter is agnostics and atheists are obsessed with God much more so as compared to the general community of believers. On the other hand, despite a widely held belief that God is unknowable does not prevent the believer to spend his lifetime trying to decipher the nature of God and develop his own conception of the Supreme Being. Some conceive God in their own image – Christ, or a vast human like form with unlimited powers, but essentially with human qualities. “Man is a measure of all things”, said Protagoras – because we cannot escape our own dimension.
Given this limitation – in the final analysis each one of us develops our own individual unique conception of God. This can be called also as our own unique path to God. Perhaps here, Islam is at its finest. There is no clergy, no hierarchy, nobody to tell you really what your relationship to God is – you can make it any way you like.
For myself – I define God as the Supreme Good. The perfect point of every endeavor, every product, every quality, in short everything. A continuum of progress, of stages, of levels, moving up and up till there is none, but that is elusive. It is like Beethoven’s 5th symphony can it propel you to that eternal truth, that perfection? Yes, sometimes, in the right circumstance, at a moment when you may get that clarity that you feel touched by the Ultimate Truth. But it doesn’t have to be just through music, in every one of our endeavors as we propel our arete (Greek for excellence) we move closer to God and this is what the purpose of life is. To continuously strive towards God, towards the Good, steadfast in seeking the truth, always doing the right thing, with temperance and fortitude
“Then why bother?”
I wish it were that simple. Here you have an agnostic writing about God, why? The fact of the matter is agnostics and atheists are obsessed with God much more so as compared to the general community of believers. On the other hand, despite a widely held belief that God is unknowable does not prevent the believer to spend his lifetime trying to decipher the nature of God and develop his own conception of the Supreme Being. Some conceive God in their own image – Christ, or a vast human like form with unlimited powers, but essentially with human qualities. “Man is a measure of all things”, said Protagoras – because we cannot escape our own dimension.
Given this limitation – in the final analysis each one of us develops our own individual unique conception of God. This can be called also as our own unique path to God. Perhaps here, Islam is at its finest. There is no clergy, no hierarchy, nobody to tell you really what your relationship to God is – you can make it any way you like.
For myself – I define God as the Supreme Good. The perfect point of every endeavor, every product, every quality, in short everything. A continuum of progress, of stages, of levels, moving up and up till there is none, but that is elusive. It is like Beethoven’s 5th symphony can it propel you to that eternal truth, that perfection? Yes, sometimes, in the right circumstance, at a moment when you may get that clarity that you feel touched by the Ultimate Truth. But it doesn’t have to be just through music, in every one of our endeavors as we propel our arete (Greek for excellence) we move closer to God and this is what the purpose of life is. To continuously strive towards God, towards the Good, steadfast in seeking the truth, always doing the right thing, with temperance and fortitude
#97 Posted by masadi on April 24, 2007 9:47:40 pm
I noticed an illogical question, ``Who created God``? floating around on this forum. Let me quote you something from my article written almost a decade back http://god.rationalreality.com
After exhausting all the other alternatives, the only hypothesis that is logically deduced and survives the empirical evidence provided by nature, is that an intelligent being created the heavens and the earth. This being cannot be ``human`` or like anything in the natural world, so to speak. The attributes of the universe that ``necessitate`` design (discussed above) as well as the attributes in us that ``necessitate`` design (discussed below) cannot be the attributes of a creator otherwise ``it`` would need a creator as well.
Thus, if the creator is ``different`` than creation, in the attributes that ``it`` possesses, the question ``Who created God?`` becomes logically meaningless. Intelligent design would apply only to things that were non-existent and then came into being and contain specific attributes that necessitate design. Thus God has to be eternal, unchanging and unlike creation. (end quote)
After exhausting all the other alternatives, the only hypothesis that is logically deduced and survives the empirical evidence provided by nature, is that an intelligent being created the heavens and the earth. This being cannot be ``human`` or like anything in the natural world, so to speak. The attributes of the universe that ``necessitate`` design (discussed above) as well as the attributes in us that ``necessitate`` design (discussed below) cannot be the attributes of a creator otherwise ``it`` would need a creator as well.
Thus, if the creator is ``different`` than creation, in the attributes that ``it`` possesses, the question ``Who created God?`` becomes logically meaningless. Intelligent design would apply only to things that were non-existent and then came into being and contain specific attributes that necessitate design. Thus God has to be eternal, unchanging and unlike creation. (end quote)
#98 Posted by khuram on April 24, 2007 10:01:03 pm
@ FarzanVersey
When has science tested philosophical thoughts in a controlled environment? If it has been audacious enough, then it negates the purpose of philosophy to be able to take leaps of ideas. That is its prerogative, its very essence. Yet, I would like to be enlightened with some examples, if that is possible. Thanks.
@ Rafi Aamer
I agree with you on #35. But on other points, I tend to agree with Mr. Gill. I don`t think science is in the business of authenticating philosophy. Science follows the data and it can take it to places where no philosophy had gone before. This, by no means, demeans philosophy but to say that science authenticates philosophy is a leap in my opinion. I mean which philosophy Galileo had in mind when he deviated from geocentric model?
@ Khurram
Re: kulharee & khuram, ``Science authenticates philosophy..``
Who tells science how to authenticate?
@ GT
``Who tells science how to authenticate?``
Nobody. The discipline stresses on `replicable` experiments. If A can send a rocket to a certain location in the moon using method P, then B should be able to do the same using method P. Some degree of `error` is allowed for.
My Comments:
Well, starting point can be following words of rafi aamer:
I mean which philosophy Galileo had in mind when he deviated from geocentric model?
Galileo is famous for his experiments that showed that all objects fall on ground at same rate of pace irrespective of their mass. Secondly for his experiments on projectile motion and inclined plane etc and thirdly for his contention with contemporary church about geocentric model vs solar centric model.
The idea that objects fall on ground with different rate of pace depending on their respective weights, was a Greek PHILOSOPHICAL idea basically. This idea was very popular in the time of Galileo. Actually it was a kind of ``established truth`` in his time.
What was the role of experiments of Galileo...???
Obviously, the role of Galileo`s experiments was to try to conform, or authenticate, or validate that already existing idea.
As a result of his experiments, that Greek Philosophical idea proved to be wrong as it was empirically proved that objects do fall on ground with same rate of pace irrespective of their weights.
Now suppose there were no any philosophical idea about this issue at all ... then...???
Obviously, then Galileo would be having nothing to conform, or authenticate or validate. Primary thing is NOT Empirical proof. Primary thing is an idea. That idea can be true or false. Purpose of science is to only check whether that idea is true or not. By itself, science cannot produce any new idea. Ideas are produced inside human mind. Ideas are produced as a result of ``thinking process`` of human mind. Act of ``thinking`` is a Philosophical activity. Science is confined to only empirical procedures. Empirical procedures work on a given hypothesis. You can study whole of established scientific research method. You will find that scientific research method is just ignorant of this fact that where that ``hypothesis`` originates. Fact is that hypothesis is originated or produced inside of human mind. The product of mind is the product of philosophy because after all it has to be the result of ``thinking process``. Any new idea is the product of mind and therefore the product of philosophy. Science only applies its empirical procedures on already known ideas or hypothesises.
What was the purpose of Galileo`s experiments on projectile motion...??? Again, he was just trying to experimentally check already existing Greek philosophical ideas. Those ancient ideas were something like perfect type of motion was only ``circular``. As a result of experiments, Galileo only had confirmed that motion may not be perfectly circular but it could be projectile as well. Despite the fact that those ancient ideas were wrong, but still they after all had the PRIMARY role towards the advancement in knowledge up to our present stage.
In order to do experiment, you need to have an idea first. You actually try to check the validity or authenticity of that idea through your experiment. ``Idea`` is an abstract and invisible thing. So people can remember only result of experiments and often forget the underlying idea. For general people (i.e. scientists), philosophy remains non-existing just because they cannot see it.
Now come to main issue of why Galileo deviated from famous geo-centric model...???
Here again, Galileo had not come up with any original idea of his own. He made a telescope and then tried to experimentally check an already existing hot issue of his time. Befor
When has science tested philosophical thoughts in a controlled environment? If it has been audacious enough, then it negates the purpose of philosophy to be able to take leaps of ideas. That is its prerogative, its very essence. Yet, I would like to be enlightened with some examples, if that is possible. Thanks.
@ Rafi Aamer
I agree with you on #35. But on other points, I tend to agree with Mr. Gill. I don`t think science is in the business of authenticating philosophy. Science follows the data and it can take it to places where no philosophy had gone before. This, by no means, demeans philosophy but to say that science authenticates philosophy is a leap in my opinion. I mean which philosophy Galileo had in mind when he deviated from geocentric model?
@ Khurram
Re: kulharee & khuram, ``Science authenticates philosophy..``
Who tells science how to authenticate?
@ GT
``Who tells science how to authenticate?``
Nobody. The discipline stresses on `replicable` experiments. If A can send a rocket to a certain location in the moon using method P, then B should be able to do the same using method P. Some degree of `error` is allowed for.
My Comments:
Well, starting point can be following words of rafi aamer:
I mean which philosophy Galileo had in mind when he deviated from geocentric model?
Galileo is famous for his experiments that showed that all objects fall on ground at same rate of pace irrespective of their mass. Secondly for his experiments on projectile motion and inclined plane etc and thirdly for his contention with contemporary church about geocentric model vs solar centric model.
The idea that objects fall on ground with different rate of pace depending on their respective weights, was a Greek PHILOSOPHICAL idea basically. This idea was very popular in the time of Galileo. Actually it was a kind of ``established truth`` in his time.
What was the role of experiments of Galileo...???
Obviously, the role of Galileo`s experiments was to try to conform, or authenticate, or validate that already existing idea.
As a result of his experiments, that Greek Philosophical idea proved to be wrong as it was empirically proved that objects do fall on ground with same rate of pace irrespective of their weights.
Now suppose there were no any philosophical idea about this issue at all ... then...???
Obviously, then Galileo would be having nothing to conform, or authenticate or validate. Primary thing is NOT Empirical proof. Primary thing is an idea. That idea can be true or false. Purpose of science is to only check whether that idea is true or not. By itself, science cannot produce any new idea. Ideas are produced inside human mind. Ideas are produced as a result of ``thinking process`` of human mind. Act of ``thinking`` is a Philosophical activity. Science is confined to only empirical procedures. Empirical procedures work on a given hypothesis. You can study whole of established scientific research method. You will find that scientific research method is just ignorant of this fact that where that ``hypothesis`` originates. Fact is that hypothesis is originated or produced inside of human mind. The product of mind is the product of philosophy because after all it has to be the result of ``thinking process``. Any new idea is the product of mind and therefore the product of philosophy. Science only applies its empirical procedures on already known ideas or hypothesises.
What was the purpose of Galileo`s experiments on projectile motion...??? Again, he was just trying to experimentally check already existing Greek philosophical ideas. Those ancient ideas were something like perfect type of motion was only ``circular``. As a result of experiments, Galileo only had confirmed that motion may not be perfectly circular but it could be projectile as well. Despite the fact that those ancient ideas were wrong, but still they after all had the PRIMARY role towards the advancement in knowledge up to our present stage.
In order to do experiment, you need to have an idea first. You actually try to check the validity or authenticity of that idea through your experiment. ``Idea`` is an abstract and invisible thing. So people can remember only result of experiments and often forget the underlying idea. For general people (i.e. scientists), philosophy remains non-existing just because they cannot see it.
Now come to main issue of why Galileo deviated from famous geo-centric model...???
Here again, Galileo had not come up with any original idea of his own. He made a telescope and then tried to experimentally check an already existing hot issue of his time. Befor








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