Re: virus: Nateman vs. Prof Tim

Tim Rhodes (proftim@speakeasy.org)
Tue, 16 Sep 1997 10:31:38 -0700 (PDT)


On Tue, 16 Sep 1997, Nathaniel Hall wrote:

> Are you saying objectivism splits up mind from reality?

A good question. What is Objectivism's take on the "reality" of mental
states? "Hope" cannot be proved with the senses (what does "hope" smell
like?), does it have identity?

> It is addressed. I proposed a patently silly idea as an example of
> something in which "Anything goes"

And my question, asked over and over again until I'm blue in the face, is
WHY DOES A NON-OBJECTIVE UNIVERSE IMPLY THAT "ANYTHING GOES"?

> I never use the phrase meaningless.

(Actually you did, but I'll let it go...)

> My claim is that reason is invalidated if contradictions exist and that
> I can claim anything I want to in a universe in which contradictions
> exist.

Again, I'm not seeing how B follows from A. With or without reason, why
could you claim "anything you want"?

> However as to the Christians the universe is a reflection of the mind of
> God.

Whose mind is the Objectivist's universe a reflection of? Or is it senses
not mind that is god in Objectivism?

> Tread lightly here fellow. Your ideas are much closer to the
> Christian Side than are mine!

If you really knew my ideas you'd be quite surprised. ;-)

> In short contradictions exists means both A=A and A#A. See equations
> above

Try: If B=x, then A=A. If B=y, then A#A. The universe is still
consistent, but identity cannot be counted on. Identity is dependent on
what B is. Is reason still alive in this universe?

> Depends on the set up of the experiment, not the viewer, as the
> subjectivist types would have us believe. When you get particles in an
> experiment set up for particles and then without changing anything you
> get waves the next time around , then come talk to me.

I suspect you understanding of the experiment in question may be shaky.

> I think on this point it would just be best if we agreed to disagree.

Too bad, we may agree, but like like I said, I'll take a strong enemy over
a weak ally any day.

Just stay on your side of the painted borderline!

-Prof. Tim