[MD] The difference between a Monet and a finger painting

[Louise Pryor]

>
> [Krimel]
> I don't think that "satisfaction" is a criterion for truth. It is a happy
> coincidence when knowledge makes us happy but I fear that often it is just
> a
> sign that we are on the wrong path. I think it is true that I will die one
> day but I don't find that terribly satisfying. If all you want is beliefs
> that make you happy why not drop the pretext and take up painting?
>

Lu (uncharacteristically jumping into the middle of a conversation...)

Satisfaction is KEY to finding truth. It is the lack of satisfaction that
keeps us seeking, and questioning!

A sign that we're on the wrong path?! So what? If one is happy, satisfied,
content, what makes that the wrong path? Wrong in who's mind - ultimate
Quality? But in your take on it, Krimel, there is on UQ, and even if there
were, it would have no mind... While I am at peace with the truth, as I
currently perceive it,  my life is worth living. When I become dissatisfied,
I can then seek further truth, and my life continues to be worth living.
Chaos, chance, etc, as you describe it, makes it all seem futile and
depressing. And when I die, if I'm wrong - so what? But if I'm right,
ahhh....

I love painting, does that mean I don't also need beliefs that make me
happy?


> Science may not be the only path to truth or knowledge but I do think that
> other paths are in many ways subservient to science. One can't seriously
> advance a philosophy that claims that the earth is only 10,000 years old.
> Although that is the position advanced by the ICR and taught to students at
> private Christian schools. I for one think inflicting these ideas on
> children is a form of child abuse.
>

Child abuse? That's just plain silly. In Christian schools, at least the
ones I've had experience with, theories are taught - They teach creation -
as a theory, they teach evolution - as a theory (true, they might slant it
strongly towards their own theory, but both are presented as theory).

Were you present for the Big Bang, or whatever it is you BELIEVE in? NO, you
were not. Science can postulate, and theorize, and come pretty close,
perhaps, but it is ALL theory, it can NOT be ultimately proved.

You seem to have a greater religious faith in science than many I know have
in their God.

Lu