Extension of Objectivism discussion regarding the soul

Various | Various | Various

[Kudsman]

There's people that do all sorts of things and then deny doing them. sinners such as myself. And the denial is to stroke the ego and ease the pain of sin recognition. But for me it can only last so long before I am compelled to atone.

I wonder what the point would be for the person that has a thought and then denies having had it. The only thing that comes to mind would be either fear of the unknown or masochistic tendencies.

Thank you. You didn't disappoint in firing up my thinker. Until next time, goodnight and take care.

[Aric2000]

These questions and others have forced evolutionists to deceive themselves, contending that souls do not exist. However, since the declaration that souls don't exist (or basically that anything non- observable is non-existent) is an illogical claim (and at the very least an unsubstantiated one) some scientists who believe in the theory of evolution have taken recourse in various outlandish, even humorous, assertions

I disagree with this entire notion that evolutionists disregard the fact that there is a soul, I will admit that some do, but not all, not by a long shot.

It is not scientifically verifiable or falsifiable, so therefore the discussion of the existence of the soul has no place within the halls of science.

It is a philisophical question, and to say that it has a place in the hard sciences, I believe, is a dead letter.

Evolution SHOULD NOT discuss the soul, it should discuss what it discusses, the continuing and past evolution of life and how it came to be the way it is.

Now, if you wish to discuss it on other levels, hunky doory, but do not discuss it in terms of hard science, because it does not belong there.

But it is fun to discuss, and as PH says, we love you A-Girl.

[Aric2000]

And why wasn't I pinged to such an interesting endeavor?

[Doctor Stochastic]

Das Vermissen ist die Unterscheidung zwischen Geist und Seele.

For another point of view: link.

[Aric2000]

Boy, and I thought Christianity was confusing.

[Doctor Stochastic]

The Great God Ra, whose shrine once covered acres;
Now serves as filler for crossword puzzle makers.

-Keith Preston

[Doctor Stochastic]

Ah, make the most of what we yet may spend,
Before we too into the Dust Descend;
Dust into Dust, and under Dust, to lie,
Sans Wine, sans Song, sans Singer and--sans End!

- Omar Khayyám

[Alamo-Girl]

Thank you so much for your post, Aric2000! I love y’all too!!!

And why wasn't I pinged to such an interesting endeavor?

I apologize. When I pinged the article I wasn’t thinking beyond those who had recently engaged in the root debate.

Now, if you wish to discuss it on other levels, hunky doory, but do not discuss it in terms of hard science, because it does not belong there.

This has not turned into a crevo debate. I included that excerpt first in order to put the discussion in perspective, i.e. origins. And as I mentioned to PatrickHenry, yours is the reaction I would expect from all who are epistemologically materialist, even if they are not metaphysically materialist.

I’m looking forward to your “take” on the other aspects of the collection of articles! Hugs!

[Alamo-Girl]

Thank you for the Egyptology link and all the witty quotes! I don't however speak the language of post 44 (is it German?) That one was lost on me.

[betty boop]

I think that the main motivation that keeps people believing in religion is fear of death.

Gee, I thought it was the joy of Life. (One needs a way to express one's gratitude for unearned blessings. JMHO.) Do you really believe that technology is going to solve the death problem anytime soon, aynrandfreak?

[betty boop]

Wonderful post, A-G!!! Looks like I've got my work cut out for me here.... Thank you so much for the links.

[Alamo-Girl]

Thank you for the kudos! I'm so glad you came by and am very much looking forward to your "take" on the subject!!!

BTW, Freeper eastsider expressed an interest in the subject if it should wander into Aristotle. If you have any observations or comparisons like that, I'd like to ping him/her back to the thread.

Hugs!

[betty boop]

Sorry I haven't been around much lately, A-G. I've just been buried in work this past week or so. Perhaps over the weekend I'll post something from the "classics" -- but it would be Plato, not Aristotle, that would be my topic.

[Phaedrus]

Thanks for the ping. If you wrote it, I will most definitely read it. Back in a while -- I've been doing hand-to-hand combat with the Evolutionists ... ;-}

[Alamo-Girl]

No problem! Work must come first. I do hope you'll have some time to ponder the subject; I'd love to hear what you have to say about Plato! Hugs!!!

[Alamo-Girl]

I'm so glad you could drop by, Phaedrus!

I didn't compose an article, it's a collection of excerpts on the subject of the soul from the Hebrew language and Jewish tradition. I do hope you'll find time to read it over and share your views on the subject; meanwhile, best wishes to you on your hand-to-hand combat with the evolutionists!

Hugs!!!

[aynrandfreak]

Great question! The rate of technological progress increases when we have more freedom & capitalism. That's why we need to fight for freedom today. I agree that joy of life should be what motivates people, but is that really the message of John 3:16? It promises immortality in exchange for belief. That's why I say that religion uses the fear/uncertainty of death to promote itself.

[unspun]

I agree that joy of life should be what motivates people, but is that really the message of John 3:16?

I suggest reading John 3:16 not only in its immediate context, but in light of John 17, especially as it gets to the end of the chapter. -- Suggest that we read the whole Bible and life itself in light of this.

BTW, I really really will read this article!

[Alamo-Girl]

Er, I was eavesdropping and have a comment for your discussion, namely that it seems to me religion primarily answers two questions:

What is the meaning of life?
Why am I here?

The Ilil Arbel article of the above excerpts, notes that Judaism did not dwell on an afterlife:

From its inception, Judaism did not dwell on the afterlife. The Jew followed the will of God for its own sake, not for reward in Heaven or for fear of punishment in Hell. It is inevitable, though, that a religion as old as Judaism would develop some thoughts regarding the afterlife, particularly since association with people of other religions exposed the Jews to many theories. However, the disinclination to stress the afterlife resulted in diverse opinions that were never combined into one dominant theory. Some of these thoughts even contradict one another, and they served as a base to fascinating myth and folklore.

In Acts 23, verses 6 through 8, we read Paul using that very disagreement to create a stir at trial:

But when Paul perceived that the one part were Sadducees, and the other Pharisees, he cried out in the council, Men [and] brethren, I am a Pharisee, the son of a Pharisee: of the hope and resurrection of the dead I am called in question.

And when he had so said, there arose a dissension between the Pharisees and the Sadducees: and the multitude was divided. For the Sadducees say that there is no resurrection, neither angel, nor spirit: but the Pharisees confess both.

[aynrandfreak]

I grew up Jewish, and when I went to temple, they would always "Praise G-d, giver of eternal life". They also taught about the Yom Kippur book of Life where G-d checked out our sins every year to decide who would die in the coming year (at least that's what they taught me as a kid)