CSvax:cmh@pur-ee.UUCP (08/19/83)
Stan's "irrational bases" and Alan's "lack of universal values" bring up a pretty point: As long as there is no knowledge of an objective reality in which we all operate we all begin from assumptions for which we have no evidence. Stan's article points out the problem, Alan's thing is an illustration of his assumptions: Alan chose to believe what he has been told by contemporary thinking about the function of the brain. I doubt that he has any direct evidence of pleasure REALLY being a brain state... If you think it is ridiculous to doubt our thinking about the central nervous system, consider that a mere 10 years ago it was an unquestioned opinion that the sun derives all its energy from nuclear processes. There isn't much objective reality commonly accepted as that without dispute; the prime number theorem is one whose objective, time-independent truth is not argued. Does anyone have examples closer to the topics discussed here? Chris Hoffmann
sts@ssc-vax.UUCP (Stanley T Shebs) (08/24/83)
Hmmmm, I thought the sun *was* powered by nuclear processes... oh well, another "fact" shot to h*ll (i'd be interested in the new theories). It's amusing to note that the unalterable truth given as an example is actually a mathematical theorem. I claim that there are *no* unalterable truths in the real physical world - I have lots of history to back me up, and defy *anyone* to find a counterexample. Math is easy; it's a small closed universe where you can play God and make all your own rules. stan the l.h. (of darkness) ssc-vax!sts (soon utah-cs)