[js1138]

t does seem that occasionally there is some assumed point of agreement that provides a basis to start a discussion, only to find after much time spent what originally appeared to be agreement was only accidental by way of misunderstanding, and the whole exercise was for naught.

This kind of "philosophy" is just public mental masturbation. Toss out an unsolvable problem and invent an imaginary friend who just happens to have the magic caulk that fills the holes in the argument. Then declare victory.

If every "thing" requires a cause, then presto, by decree, God isn't a "thing." We can all have IQs above room temperature if we just close our eyes and believe.

[cornelis]

Why so grumpy, js1138? As they often say around here, don't let the bastards way you down.

You hold that existence has no prior cause, that existence is a first cause. These are both viable positions to consider and no different from those who hold existence distinct from matter. Do the work.

[tacticalogic]

Toss out an unsolvable problem and invent an imaginary friend who just happens to have the magic caulk that fills the holes in the argument. Then declare victory.

A fistful of clay in the hands of a tinker being of considerably more value and utility.

[narby]

You might like the article linked in 325. It’s from a layman's perspective, but it mentioned some evolution experiments I had not heard of.