My question for this hypothetical person is, why does the state of the universe have to be explained with a conscience?
This person is anthropomorphizing (or whatever their equivalent is) their universe.
I'd suggest that their explanation for the state of their universe is one of myriad possible explanations, the correctness of which they can probably never know.
IMO, it's perfectly valid to use this explanation as a placeholder in a larger structure that allows them to understand their universe and their place in it, with the proviso that they do not make any extrapolations from this placeholder. I.e., no understanding should be derived from this placeholder belief that would come crashing to the ground were it to be replaced with any other possible explanation.
Therein, I feel lies both the greatest strength and weakness of belief as a tool for understanding.
That's my opinion on the matter. I know nothing about philosophy, so of course, it's probably wrong.
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timeasmymeasure
Re: Intelligent Design
Date: 2009-10-07 12:29 pm (UTC)This person is anthropomorphizing (or whatever their equivalent is) their universe.
I'd suggest that their explanation for the state of their universe is one of myriad possible explanations, the correctness of which they can probably never know.
IMO, it's perfectly valid to use this explanation as a placeholder in a larger structure that allows them to understand their universe and their place in it, with the proviso that they do not make any extrapolations from this placeholder. I.e., no understanding should be derived from this placeholder belief that would come crashing to the ground were it to be replaced with any other possible explanation.
Therein, I feel lies both the greatest strength and weakness of belief as a tool for understanding.
That's my opinion on the matter. I know nothing about philosophy, so of course, it's probably wrong.