Is Science Non-sense?
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Re: Is Science Non-sense?
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Re: Is Science Non-sense?
Fooloso4 wrote:Synthesis:
Actually, no. One could not make technological improvements if one did not have the slightest idea of how that thing really works. Scientists could not send a man to the moon if they did not have the slightest idea of how things work.Has not mankind consistently engaged in technological improvement without having the slightest idea how things really work?
Would you not agree that 99.999...% of everything that has ever been thought true has been dis-proven over time? If this is the case, what do you believe are the odds that anything that is thought to be true today, actually is? About zero, I would say.
This is like saying a fish is math because it can be divided or a barrel of monkeys is math because they can be counted.Of course time is math. Sixty seconds, sixty minutes, 24 hours, etc. Since time is dependent on distance, there must be an infinite number of time references going on simultaneously. How does that work?
Math is the language of science. If it can be quantified [and what can't], it is math. All these things are illusory. You simply can not accept this notion which is why you can not accept the existence [or non-existence, if you please] of a non-intellectual sphere.
This is a mass of confusion of concepts and semantics that I am not going to even bother to disentangle.I am not a fan of math because it really doesn't exist in any material way. The simplest way to show this is the following. Since all coordinates in space are subject unique forces, there can be no similar objects. Therefore, everything is de facto unique. Technically, two [of anything] does not exist.
Seems pretty straight-forward to me.
Again, in order to participate in the human intellectual sphere, you must engage the relative. This is not dualistic.
Claiming that there are two “truths” one in flux and knowable and one absolute unknowable and constant is dualism. Curiously, you claim that the Absolute cannot be accessed due to temporal limitations. That can only mean that we cannot access the real truth because of limitations that do not actually exist. Further you say that impermanence lacks true existence. And so, the world we life in, the world in flux, the world in which we and everything else changes, is not the real world which is unknowable and constant.
Two truths exist in the relative world. In the Absolute, only void. Reality can not be accessed because of temporal limitations. In the Absolute there is nothing to access. The world we live in is knowable and impermanent, but the impermanence acts from moment to moment and this exists outside of our ability to know. Moments are not time. The Absolute is only a name given to a sphere that can not be understood. There is no such thing as "The Absolute."
The problem here is not that you cannot convey what you have experienced but rather that since you have not experienced “Absolute Reality” you only confuse yourself by talking about it.Unless we have full attainment, we all have impediments. The non-intellectual can not be conveyed, it can only be experienced.
I am not confused. I think that you worry too much about what I have or have not done. The key is to believe in yourself 100%. What is it that you believe?
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Re: Is Science Non-sense?
Absolutely not. You are just making stuff up. I know that you think that this is the equivalence to doing science but it is not. 99.999…%? If that were the case we would not be here.Would you not agree that 99.999...% of everything that has ever been thought true has been dis-proven over time?
The quantification of something is not the thing quantified. Although you can be regarded as just a number you are not. Are you?Math is the language of science. If it can be quantified [and what can't], it is math.
You have been told they are illusory and accept that. You provide flawed arguments in an attempt to show that. Your claim itself is illusory since you have not seen the ‘suchness’ of things as they are. You have no experience other than that of what you call illusion.All these things are illusory.
I cannot accept it is illusory because I have evidence or no experience to support the claim. Our being in the world is limited to what you call the intellectual sphere. Is feeling the heat of the sun on my skin an illusion? Is enjoying the sunset illusion?You simply can not accept this notion which is why you can not accept the existence [or non-existence, if you please] of a non-intellectual sphere.
If it is knowable then what we know is not delusion. If it was there would be no difference between true and false, it is all just made up stuff and anything you make up no more true or false than anything else.The world we live in is knowable …
If it exists outside our ability to know then how is the world we live in knowable? Does knowledge mean delusion?… and impermanent, but the impermanence acts from moment to moment and this exists outside of our ability to know.
Moments are an arbitrary division of time. They are conceptual constructs. Intellectualization. You are trying to think your way out of thinking.Moments are not time.
Two spheres = dualism. How do you know that there is this sphere you have given a name to?The Absolute is only a name given to a sphere that can not be understood. There is no such thing as "The Absolute."
This is a philosophy forum. If you make claims on the forum other members will examine those claims. If you make claims on one hand about the distinction between intellectual and experiential knowledge and on the other claims about Absolute Reality but reject the possibility of intellectual knowledge of Absolute Reality, then any credible claims you make about Absolute Reality must be based on your own experience. But you do not have such experience, do you? And so your Absolute Reality is only delusion.I think that you worry too much about what I have or have not done.
What does this mean in the context of this discussion?The key is to believe in yourself 100%.
I think I have made myself clear as to what I believe with regard to your claims. What else do you want to know?What is it that you believe?
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Re: Is Science Non-sense?
Could be. Clarity is an often uncommon quality.Synthesis wrote:Could it possibly be that you just do not understand what I am saying?LuckyR wrote: (Nested quote removed.)
Well, when you propose a particular outlook in a thread of your own creation, yet provide no examples or proof in the OP, then blow off Fooloso4 when he asks you for them... you get, what you get.
What question would you like answered?
Here's a roundabout question. In my experience knowledge or understanding is proven by the ability of using such knowledge to predict future events. If the knowledge or understanding is absent then the ability to predict the future should be no better than what statistics would assign to randomness. Similarly if one can forecast future events better than statistical randomness, that proves some level of knowledge/understanding.
The weather service predicts the weather 5 days out with 77% accuracy. Obviously even this well known and appreciated inaccuracy is way, way better than random prediction. Thus meteorology has a partial knowledge and understanding about the weather.
Question: do you dispute this scientific knowledge and understanding? If so what do you propose as your alternative to science?
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Re: Is Science Non-sense?
How do you account for the fact that other species are so good at what they do? Do they understand the science behind any of these things?LuckyR wrote:Could be. Clarity is an often uncommon quality.Synthesis wrote:
(Nested quote removed.)
Could it possibly be that you just do not understand what I am saying?
What question would you like answered?
Here's a roundabout question. In my experience knowledge or understanding is proven by the ability of using such knowledge to predict future events. If the knowledge or understanding is absent then the ability to predict the future should be no better than what statistics would assign to randomness. Similarly if one can forecast future events better than statistical randomness, that proves some level of knowledge/understanding.
The weather service predicts the weather 5 days out with 77% accuracy. Obviously even this well known and appreciated inaccuracy is way, way better than random prediction. Thus meteorology has a partial knowledge and understanding about the weather.
Question: do you dispute this scientific knowledge and understanding? If so what do you propose as your alternative to science?
There are ways of "accomplishing things" that do not involve understanding. I would suggest that using the intellect is probably a lower order process.
As far as weather prediction is concerned, I am sure you can observe that there is a confluence of factors that cause such and such outcome. If it happens 77% of the time, that's what it is. This doesn't mean anybody understands why. Imagine the variables ["known" and unknown] involved in weather prediction.
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Re: Is Science Non-sense?
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Re: Is Science Non-sense?
He or she is about the impossibility of knowing anything empirical. He or she denies knowledge of the empirical world exists. He denies even that time exists. He denies everything.Steve3007 wrote:It's difficult to tell whether the OP is about the scientific method or about the US healthcare system. Which is it?
As a police captain, I always investigate those first, who deny everything. Nobody does nothing. Everybody does something. If you deny everything, then you don't be, and that's suspicious when you do be right in front of my eyes.
For the record, I am not a police captain.
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Re: Is Science Non-sense?
Fooloso4 wrote:Synthesis:
Absolutely not. You are just making stuff up. I know that you think that this is the equivalence to doing science but it is not. 99.999…%? If that were the case we would not be here.Would you not agree that 99.999...% of everything that has ever been thought true has been dis-proven over time?
Have you studied science from a historical context?
The quantification of something is not the thing quantified. Although you can be regarded as just a number you are not. Are you?Math is the language of science. If it can be quantified [and what can't], it is math.
My point exactly!
You have been told they are illusory and accept that. You provide flawed arguments in an attempt to show that. Your claim itself is illusory since you have not seen the ‘suchness’ of things as they are. You have no experience other than that of what you call illusion.All these things are illusory.
And you know all of this because...
I cannot accept it is illusory because I have evidence or no experience to support the claim. Our being in the world is limited to what you call the intellectual sphere. Is feeling the heat of the sun on my skin an illusion? Is enjoying the sunset illusion?You simply can not accept this notion which is why you can not accept the existence [or non-existence, if you please] of a non-intellectual sphere.
Are your dreams real or an illusion?
If it is knowable then what we What is knowable is not theknow is not delusion. If it was there would be no difference between true and false, it is all just made up stuff and anything you make up no more true or false than anything else.The world we live in is knowable …
What is knowable is not the truth.
If it exists outside our ability to know then how is the world we live in knowable? Does knowledge mean delusion?… and impermanent, but the impermanence acts from moment to moment and this exists outside of our ability to know.
Yes, all knowledge is delusion.
Moments are an arbitrary division of time. They are conceptual constructs. Intellectualization. You are trying to think your way out of thinking.Moments are not time.
Moments exist outside of time.
Two spheres = dualism. How do you know that there is this sphere you have given a name to?The Absolute is only a name given to a sphere that can not be understood. There is no such thing as "The Absolute."
There isn't.
This is a philosophy forum. If you make claims on the forum other members will examine those claims. If you make claims on one hand about the distinction between intellectual and experiential knowledge and on the other claims about Absolute Reality but reject the possibility of intellectual knowledge of Absolute Reality, then any credible claims you make about Absolute Reality must be based on your own experience. But you do not have such experience, do you? And so your Absolute Reality is only delusion.I think that you worry too much about what I have or have not done.
I do have experience.
What does this mean in the context of this discussion?The key is to believe in yourself 100%.
Believing in yourself 100% means following your heart and understanding your true nature.
I think I have made myself clear as to what I believe with regard to your claims. What else do you want to know?What is it that you believe?
I would like to know if you have answered the question, "Who I am?"
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Re: Is Science Non-sense?
Yes, I have. I might ask you the same question but I doubt you will answer because a) you have a habit of refusing to address such questions, and b) it is obvious that you have not. I doubt you can cite a single credible source on the history of science that claims as you do that 99.999...% of science has been dis-proven over time.Have you studied science from a historical context?
Your claim is that what can be quantified is math. If you can be quantified but deny that you are just a number then you are not math and therefore the fact that something can be quantified does not mean that it is math. Recall you claim that time is math because it can be quantified.Math is the language of science. If it can be quantified [and what can't], it is math.
My point exactly!The quantification of something is not the thing quantified. Although you can be regarded as just a number you are not. Are you?
You talk yourself in circles. You claim that the Absolute cannot be accessed, that in the the Absolute there is nothing to access, that the Absolute is a sphere that cannot be understood, that there is no such thing as the Absolute. So, tell us about your experience of the Absolute. Tell us of your enlightenment. Tell us about the dharma of transmission and your inheritance, and document of succession. Without those your experience is of this world as it is here and now in all its flux and glory.And you know all of this because…You have no experience other than that of what you call illusion.
Do you mean in the same way that you claim all knowledge is delusion or some other sense of illusion?Are your dreams real or an illusion?
And you know this because …What is knowable is not the truth.
If you know this then since what is knowable is false then it is false that what is knowable is not the truth. If, on the other hand, you do not know this then we can just dismiss it because it is something you do not know. And, if you do not know it you cannot say that it is either true or false.
Do not, however, dismiss this as an example of the futility of thought. It just demonstrates the futility of what you are thinking.
This raises what is an ancient debate between different schools of Ch’an Buddhism regarding the logic of koans. It has been years since I read about this and I do not remember enough to identify specific schools, but some claim the point of the koan is simply to bring the mind to the recognition of the limits of logic, and others that the koans are eminently logical provided one understands the logic that informs them. This logic, however, is not disclosed through the use of standard logic.
Well if time does not exist and moments do then they must exist outside of what does not exist. So, what is a moment and how does it relate to nonexistent time? How are moments related to temporal limitations? How can there be temporal limitations without time?Moments exist outside of time.
There isn’t what? Two spheres? You distinguished between two spheres. Do you mean there isn’t the sphere you have given a name to, that you said cannot be understood or accessed? If there is only the sphere of the “relative world” then there cannot be, as you claimed “two truths” but only the truth of the relative world, only the truth of the temporal, impermanent, knowable world. But if what is knowable is not true then there cannot be two truths, there can only be an unknowable truth about the knowable world. And yet somehow you know that there is this unknowable truth. And you know this because …There isn't.Two spheres = dualism. How do you know that there is this sphere you have given a name to?
Tell us of your experience of the unknowable truth.I do have experience.
Well that’s nice, but do you really think that your defence of the claim that all knowledge is delusion helps you understand your true nature? Is your true nature to be disputative?Believing in yourself 100% means following your heart and understanding your true nature.
I suspect that any honest answer I give will be at odds with how you have been instructed to answer in terms of what you are told is not your true nature.I would like to know if you have answered the question, "Who I am?"
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Re: Is Science Non-sense?
Fooloso4 wrote:Synthesis:
Yes, I have. I might ask you the same question but I doubt you will answer because a) you have a habit of refusing to address such questions, and b) it is obvious that you have not. I doubt you can cite a single credible source on the history of science that claims as you do that 99.999...% of science has been dis-proven over time.Have you studied science from a historical context?
I have already stated that I am a physician. What do you believe will always thought to be true?
Your claim is that what can be quantified is math. If you can be quantified but deny that you are just a number then you are not math and therefore the fact that something can be quantified does not mean that it is math. Recall you claim that time is math because it can be quantified.Math is the language of science. If it can be quantified [and what can't], it is math.
(Nested quote removed.)
My point exactly!
Math is the way people think, especially in science. In terms of spacial existence, time is critical. So, math and time are intimately inter-related in science. Unfortunately [or fortunately], neither exist.
You talk yourself in circles. You claim that the Absolute cannot be accessed, that in the the Absolute there is nothing to access, that the Absolute is a sphere that cannot be understood, that there is no such thing as the Absolute. So, tell us about your experience of the Absolute. Tell us of your enlightenment. Tell us about the dharma of transmission and your inheritance, and document of succession. Without those your experience is of this world as it is here and now in all its flux and glory.(Nested quote removed.)
And you know all of this because…
I am not a teacher, so I am not in a position to "enlighten" you. If you are familiar with Dogen, he has a great deal to say on the subject, and after all, he is Dogen.
What I will tell you is that speaking of the Absolute is confusing to everybody. How does one describe something non-intellectual?
Do you mean in the same way that you claim all knowledge is delusion or some other sense of illusion?Are your dreams real or an illusion?
All knowledge is delusion because we can not know the real truth. I would think this would make sense to you.
And you know this because …What is knowable is not the truth.
If you know this then since what is knowable is false then it is false that what is knowable is not the truth. If, on the other hand, you do not know this then we can just dismiss it because it is something you do not know. And, if you do not know it you cannot say that it is either true or false.
Do not, however, dismiss this as an example of the futility of thought. It just demonstrates the futility of what you are thinking.
Again, what is knowable is subject to the errors of perception and intellection.
This raises what is an ancient debate between different schools of Ch’an Buddhism regarding the logic of koans. It has been years since I read about this and I do not remember enough to identify specific schools, but some claim the point of the koan is simply to bring the mind to the recognition of the limits of logic, and others that the koans are eminently logical provided one understands the logic that informs them. This logic, however, is not disclosed through the use of standard logic.
You may know more about this than I.
Well if time does not exist and moments do then they must exist outside of what does not exist. So, what is a moment and how does it relate to nonexistent time? How are moments related to temporal limitations? How can there be temporal limitations without time?Moments exist outside of time.
Moments do not exist. When you speak of the non-intellectual, you are using words that point towards realizations than can only be experienced [e.g., in meditation]. Do you understand?
There isn’t what? Two spheres? You distinguished between two spheres. Do you mean there isn’t the sphere you have given a name to, that you said cannot be understood or accessed? If there is only the sphere of the “relative world” then there cannot be, as you claimed “two truths” but only the truth of the relative world, only the truth of the temporal, impermanent, knowable world. But if what is knowable is not true then there cannot be two truths, there can only be an unknowable truth about the knowable world. And yet somehow you know that there is this unknowable truth. And you know this because …(Nested quote removed.)
There isn't.
Dualism only exists in the knowable [relative]. Up/down, hot/cold, etc. Relative/Absolute do not share this. Remember, the Absolute is simply a word that points to a deeper meaning.
Tell us of your experience of the unknowable truth.I do have experience.
I believe you realize that this is not possible. Meditate with a clear mind and you will know it too.
I suspect that any honest answer I give will be at odds with how you have been instructed to answer in terms of what you are told is not your true nature.I would like to know if you have answered the question, "Who I am?"
Give it a shot!
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Re: Is Science Non-sense?
Whom are you quoting with your red phrase? I did not address accomplishing things, I commented on the ability to predict future events. Please share which other species predict the future.Synthesis wrote:How do you account for the fact that other species are so good at what they do? Do they understand the science behind any of these things?LuckyR wrote: (Nested quote removed.)
Could be. Clarity is an often uncommon quality.
Here's a roundabout question. In my experience knowledge or understanding is proven by the ability of using such knowledge to predict future events. If the knowledge or understanding is absent then the ability to predict the future should be no better than what statistics would assign to randomness. Similarly if one can forecast future events better than statistical randomness, that proves some level of knowledge/understanding.
The weather service predicts the weather 5 days out with 77% accuracy. Obviously even this well known and appreciated inaccuracy is way, way better than random prediction. Thus meteorology has a partial knowledge and understanding about the weather.
Question: do you dispute this scientific knowledge and understanding? If so what do you propose as your alternative to science?
There are ways of "accomplishing things" that do not involve understanding. I would suggest that using the intellect is probably a lower order process.
As far as weather prediction is concerned, I am sure you can observe that there is a confluence of factors that cause such and such outcome. If it happens 77% of the time, that's what it is. This doesn't mean anybody understands why. Imagine the variables ["known" and unknown] involved in weather prediction.
As to my gift of a softball target of weather prediction (a notoriously INaccurate prediction), it all depends on your meaning of the word "understands". If you mean at the granular (or quantum) level, you are right that a system as complex as the weather (again a softball target) has too many variables to ever get to 100% accuracy, however there is reasonable and growing understanding of the big picture of meteorology, thus there is a level of knowledge.
Your argument reminds me of a small child asking: "why?" to a statement from their parent, for example: "Rover likes his dog food." Then repeating the "why?" query endlessly regardless of the answer they just received until the parent doesn't know why anymore or just tires of the conversation (such as it is) then the kid declares triumphantly that his father doesn't know why things happen.
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Re: Is Science Non-sense?
This raises a whole bunch of eyebrows how a patient visit may play out in your office.Synthesis wrote:
I have already stated that I am a physician.
"What seems to be the problem?"
"I have a cough and a headache."
"Fine. Do you exist?"
"Pardon me?"
"I am asking because nothing exists in reality that we can know of. So am asking you, to tell me whether you exist, so I can be sure of that."
"Yes, doctor, I exist."
"Fine. Now say Aaaaaa... right. Can you tell me how old you are, without any reference to units of time?"
"Pardon me?"
"Well, you and I both know (and physician looks around suspiciously, to see if anyone is listening) that time does not exist. But I have to fill out this insurance form if I want to get paid."
"I'm twice as old as half of my age."
"Great. So you are 59 years of age. And what is your number?"
"My number?"
"Yes. Your number. If you are not a number, you don't belong to the realm of science, and in my practice I like to stick to scientific methods. So what's your number."
"Erm... square root of seventy-two."
"How do you spell that?"
(Patient stands up and starts to murmur as he slowly backs out of the room, his eyes constantly on the physician:) "eight... point... four... two... three... seven... five... zero... zero... six... four... (etc.)"
(Curtain)
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Re: Is Science Non-sense?
Have you? All that I have seen is that you said you were in the medical profession but would not provide any details and questioned my motives for asking.I have already stated that I am a physician.
Do you treat patients or ever give treatment advice? Do you tell patients that they are delusional and send them on their way? Do you tell them that you are delusional and send them on their way? Are the textbooks you used in medical school 99.999 % different than contemporary texts? Is almost everything that was in the books on anatomy, physiology, respiration, circulation, neurology, pharmacology, biochemistry, organic chemistry, etc. wrong and replaced by newer books that are also almost completely wrong?
Some things that have been thought to be true for thousands of years: We will die. If we lose enough blood we will die. If we can’t breath for an extended period of time we will. If we go without nutrition and fluids for too long we will die. We cannot fly.What do you believe will always thought to be true?
True (or if I follow your logic, not true), but epistemology is not ontology, although they are not always completely separate. I may think my wife is a math equation but she insists she is not. I told her that she is delusional.Math is the way people think, especially in science.
How can time be critical for spatial existence if time does not exist? Does this mean that spatial existence does not exist? Does anything exist? What does it mean to exist?In terms of spacial existence, time is critical.
He does, but when I pointed out that he does not say that time is math your response was that it is fortune that you need not defer to anybody else. And yet, now you to defer to him.If you are familiar with Dogen, he has a great deal to say on the subject, and after all, he is Dogen.
Is the problem that you have no experiential knowledge of the Absolute or that you cannot describe your enlightenment? Is the Absolute confusing to those who are enlightened?What I will tell you is that speaking of the Absolute is confusing to everybody. How does one describe something non-intellectual?
In that case dreams are no more an illusion then waking reality. If all knowledge is delusion then what is the difference between knowing something and thinking you know something you do not? Thinking I can fly is a delusion but according to you, knowing that I cannot fly is also a delusion. Do I know the “real truth” if I jump off a tall building or is what happens also a delusion?All knowledge is delusion because we can not know the real truth. I would think this would make sense to you.
If there is error of perception and intellection then there must be a distinction between delusion and clarity. Is there a difference between seeing a pink elephant sitting next to me and not seeing a pink elephant sitting next to me, or are both perceptions equally delusional? Do you drive a car? Do you think it is only an illusion that you are driving and that you are deluded if you see a car coming right at you or someone crossing the road in front of you?Again, what is knowable is subject to the errors of perception and intellection.
Okay, I’ve got it now, moments exist outside of time but time does not exist and moments do not exist.Moments do not exist.
How do you distinguish "realizations" from delusion?When you speak of the non-intellectual, you are using words that point towards realizations than can only be experienced [e.g., in meditation]. Do you understand?
How can it point to a deeper meaning that cannot be known? And how can you know what cannot be known?Remember, the Absolute is simply a word that points to a deeper meaning.
I see no reason why you cannot tell us of your experience of enlightenment. Many of the Buddhas have shared their experience. In addition, Dogen talks extensively about the importance of authentication, the dharma of transmission, inheritance, and document of succession. So, even if you are reluctant to discuss your own experience of enlightenment, if you are in the Soto lineage you have a document of succession. Perhaps it is on the wall of your office in a frame next to you medical school diploma?I believe you realize that this is not possible.
It is not clear to me that I have a “true nature” or what that even means. It might mean a nature that is unique to me or human nature or as some claim that the “I” is an illusion (what a surprise!). I follow the Socratic path of heeding the injunction to “know thyself” and its connection to living the examined life. It is, as I understand it, a matter of zetetic skepticism. It is rooted in a recognition of the limits of knowledge and reason, attends to what I do and say, and resisting idle talk about Absolutes and metaphysical claims that are beyond my knowledge and experience. If someone else claims to have knowledge or experience of these things I may question them. True to Socrates' own experience, I have never come across someone who seems to possess more than what he calls "human wisdom", that is, knowledge of our ignorance. And this includes claims of transcendent experience.Give it a shot!
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Re: Is Science Non-sense?
Despite apparently believing that they don't exist, have you ever found them useful? Do you believe that it is possible for something to be useful whilst also not existing? What, in your view, does it mean for something to "exist"?Math is the way people think, especially in science. In terms of spacial existence, time is critical. So, math and time are intimately inter-related in science. Unfortunately [or fortunately], neither exist.
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Re: Is Science Non-sense?
Fooloso4 wrote:Synthesis:
Have you? All that I have seen is that you said you were in the medical profession but would not provide any details and questioned my motives for asking.I have already stated that I am a physician.
Do you treat patients or ever give treatment advice? Do you tell patients that they are delusional and send them on their way? Do you tell them that you are delusional and send them on their way? Are the textbooks you used in medical school 99.999 % different than contemporary texts? Is almost everything that was in the books on anatomy, physiology, respiration, circulation, neurology, pharmacology, biochemistry, organic chemistry, etc. wrong and replaced by newer books that are also almost completely wrong?
Fooloso4, you need a little perspective. Knowable things change every moment. Because of our limited intellects, we can only perceive the greatest of changes. Perhaps you might wish to compare contemporary knowledge with that of cultures a millennium or two ago. And, I was giving you the benefit of the doubt at 99.999...%. It's really 100% [every moment].
Some things that have been thought to be true for thousands of years: We will die. If we lose enough blood we will die. If we can’t breath for an extended period of time we will. If we go without nutrition and fluids for too long we will die. We cannot fly.What do you believe will always thought to be true?
Perhaps, in the not too distance future, we will not have to die.
True (or if I follow your logic, not true), but epistemology is not ontology, although they are not always completely separate. I may think my wife is a math equation but she insists she is not. I told her that she is delusional.Math is the way people think, especially in science.
One must carefully pick their battles!
How can time be critical for spatial existence if time does not exist? Does this mean that spatial existence does not exist? Does anything exist? What does it mean to exist?In terms of spacial existence, time is critical.
Ah, the philosopher re-emerges.
He does, but when I pointed out that he does not say that time is math your response was that it is fortune that you need not defer to anybody else. And yet, now you to defer to him.If you are familiar with Dogen, he has a great deal to say on the subject, and after all, he is Dogen.
If you want teaching, read one of the masters or seek out a qualified teacher.
Is the problem that you have no experiential knowledge of the Absolute or that you cannot describe your enlightenment? Is the Absolute confusing to those who are enlightened?What I will tell you is that speaking of the Absolute is confusing to everybody. How does one describe something non-intellectual?
All things non-intellectual are experiential. Can you tell me what its like to be in love?
In that case dreams are no more an illusion then waking reality. If all knowledge is delusion then what is the difference between knowing something and thinking you know something you do not? Thinking I can fly is a delusion but according to you, knowing that I cannot fly is also a delusion. Do I know the “real truth” if I jump off a tall building or is what happens also a delusion?All knowledge is delusion because we can not know the real truth. I would think this would make sense to you.
The delusion is the idea that we can not access Reality, therefore our perception is delusional. If you decide to jump off a building, then you are not only delusional, but ignorant, as well. There are degrees of delusion, like everything else. Again, everything changes, every moment. How can we possibly understand even the most simple things?
If there is error of perception and intellection then there must be a distinction between delusion and clarity. Is there a difference between seeing a pink elephant sitting next to me and not seeing a pink elephant sitting next to me, or are both perceptions equally delusional? Do you drive a car? Do you think it is only an illusion that you are driving and that you are deluded if you see a car coming right at you or someone crossing the road in front of you?Again, what is knowable is subject to the errors of perception and intellection.
You can look out into the heavens on a super clear night and see all kinds of things that we know little about. Everything is just the same way. We just believe we know when we can not. There is a difference between acting prudently and not so much. Acting ignorantly or without consideration is an altogether different matter. Within our delusion, you can still make better/worse decisions.
Okay, I’ve got it now, moments exist outside of time but time does not exist and moments do not exist.Moments do not exist.
This is the difficulty of attempting to intellectual the non-intellectual. Think about it.
How do you distinguish "realizations" from delusion?When you speak of the non-intellectual, you are using words that point towards realizations than can only be experienced [e.g., in meditation]. Do you understand?
You are in 7th grade and the girl you've had a crush on for the last six months gives you a killer smile. Realization.
You sit down and believe you have finally figured out why your wife is the way she is. Delusion.
How can it point to a deeper meaning that cannot be known? And how can you know what cannot be known?Remember, the Absolute is simply a word that points to a deeper meaning.
You can not know it, only realize it. Are you a parent? If so, and if you were present at the birth of your child[ren], you know realization.
I see no reason why you cannot tell us of your experience of enlightenment. Many of the Buddhas have shared their experience. In addition, Dogen talks extensively about the importance of authentication, the dharma of transmission, inheritance, and document of succession. So, even if you are reluctant to discuss your own experience of enlightenment, if you are in the Soto lineage you have a document of succession. Perhaps it is on the wall of your office in a frame next to you medical school diploma?I believe you realize that this is not possible.
Enlightenment is not what you think it is and is certainly not a subject any serious Zen student speaks of.
It is not clear to me that I have a “true nature” or what that even means. It might mean a nature that is unique to me or human nature or as some claim that the “I” is an illusion (what a surprise!). I follow the Socratic path of heeding the injunction to “know thyself” and its connection to living the examined life. It is, as I understand it, a matter of zetetic skepticism. It is rooted in a recognition of the limits of knowledge and reason, attends to what I do and say, and resisting idle talk about Absolutes and metaphysical claims that are beyond my knowledge and experience. If someone else claims to have knowledge or experience of these things I may question them. True to Socrates' own experience, I have never come across someone who seems to possess more than what he calls "human wisdom", that is, knowledge of our ignorance. And this includes claims of transcendent experience.Give it a shot!
I wish you all the best on your search. Keep in mind that the historical Buddha proclaimed that he achieved absolutely nothing from his enlightenment experience. As Dogen said, the meditative state is enlightenment. There is nothing else.
-- Updated August 25th, 2017, 8:36 pm to add the following --
We must all "exist" in the human sphere, i.e., the intellectual world. The key is in understanding it's limitation [like everything else]. When we drive, we must understand the limitations, otherwise, we perish. The same applies in the intellectual world. If we understand the limitations, then we can go with the flow [or the change] and not get hung up on our attachments [whatever they may be].Steve3007 wrote:Synthesis:Despite apparently believing that they don't exist, have you ever found them useful? Do you believe that it is possible for something to be useful whilst also not existing? What, in your view, does it mean for something to "exist"?Math is the way people think, especially in science. In terms of spacial existence, time is critical. So, math and time are intimately inter-related in science. Unfortunately [or fortunately], neither exist.
In driving, we may see a gorgeous woman walking down the street and find ourselves wrapped around a telephone pole two seconds later. Every other distraction [e.g., thought] works the same way. The key is to remain present at all times.
Existence is anything you want it to be, but if we can not access the present [because of the perceptual time-lag], then what could existence mean? If everything is changing moment to moment, what could existence mean?
Existence is something people made-up [like time].
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