Ambrose2007 Forum Posts (8,881)

RE: AYN RAND

Why am I not surprised that you dislike Rand?

RE: Moral Propositions

If a proposition is merely a statement of preference, then you're guilty of the same sin in making your propositions about what constitutes proof and scientific evidence.

You think empirical truths rule? Then tell me how we empirically determine the truth about, say, the precession of Mercury absent a *theory* (such as Relativity)?

It's clear that some propositions can be demonstrated more rigorously than others, and that some statements cannot be demonstrated in any objective sense at all. But the very notion of subjective and objective truth, upon which you are hanging your own beliefs, are philosophic propositions.

That's what I mean when I say there is literally nothing - no empirical observation, no perception, no "fact" - that can be completely severed from propositions.

RE: Moral Propositions

Have no idea what you're talking about here (and suspect you don't, either), since Wittgenstein's views on science and philosophy largely informs the views of modern positivists.

RE: Conrad

RE: Do you like big woman?

Not at all. That didn't answer John's question (and it's not logically consistent, since "size...is not a determining factor" would apply equally to threads about skinny, slim, fat, etc., women).

RE: HAPPY BIRTHDAY WIX

Yeah - I was so occupied with my own b-day, I didn't notice yours, my friend. Please accept my best wishes for your 65th - and here's to 60 more!

RE: Happy Birthday, Ambrose!

Your adoptive mom was very generous with me, dear girl.

RE: Happy Birthday, Ambrose!

Thanks, G3! I appreciate your kind wishes.

RE: Happy Birthday, Ambrose!

Thanks, Soulmate!

RE: Happy Birthday, Ambrose!

It's VERY nice to hear from you, Daughter!

RE: A question for the men...

I wouldn't put sending an email or virtual flower in the class of behaviors that I would view as "taking my initiative," btw. I think a virtual show of interest is fine. But if I met a girl in person and she beat me to the punch, so to speak, by saying: "Hey, let's get together sometime," I think I might feel slightly uncomfortable. Not sure why...

RE: A question for the men...

This is very strange, since I consider myself to be a liberated and enlightened kind of guy...but I don't seem to find that notion particularly appealing. I know I'd like an honest/open expression of interest, but I think I'd prefer to take the initiative a bit...at first.

RE: Why so angry?

People do NOT get angry and hateful here, damn you!

RE: Moral Propositions

Hard to believe that Sartre, who campaigned powerfully against what he perceived as injustice (e.g., he participated in a tribunal intended to condemn US war crimes) would sign off on the idea that evil exists solely in the eye of the beholder.

Kierkegaard was a complex thinker with a Christian background whose ideas about good and evil couldn't even remotely be summarized as the simplistic "If you don't think it is evil it is not. Everyone's truth is true to them."

RE: Moral Propositions

I *think* you're saying that many (or most?) scientists who've weighed in on the question are positivists, and as such believe that non-empirical truths are impossible; therefore, moral propositions cannot be demonstrated to be true, since they involve more than empirical assertions?

I would reply that the vast majority of scientists have no particular view on this, since they aren't, by and large, concerned with philosophic questions. The primary advocates of positivism have been philosophers, not scientists.

But be that as it may...a core pertinent question is whether or not empirical truths are the only valid truths. Clearly not, since that assertion is itself non-empirical.

I know of no logical proof that questions of morality are unresolvable. I don't believe any serious thinker would maintain that. In the absence of such a proof, the possibility of moral truths cannot be denied.

RE: Moral Propositions

I can't believe this thread hasn't taken off, Wonder!

I wouldn't call that position "widely held" at all, btw. *Some* thinkers have opined thusly, but by no means a majority.

There may be some questions which demonstrably have no answer (and even they aren't meaningless), but questions about morality are not among them.

RE: Conrad

I'm wishing you the best, Conrad! I miss you, guy!

RE: bee sting.......need suggestion please

Good luck, C. And yes, I had a great time!

RE: bee sting.......need suggestion please

A baking soda poultice in excellent, C. (add small amount of water to baking soda until it become a paste, then smear it on.)

RE: Happy Birthday, Ambrose!

Yeah, I was a little surprised my love started this thread, but one can get over the embarrassment...in time.

RE: Happy Birthday, Ambrose!

Thanks, Rodolpho! I hope you're not gone for too long!

RE: Happy Birthday, Ambrose!

Thank you, dear Lady!

RE: Happy Birthday, Ambrose!

Oh, I'm still around, Snuggie! Thanks so much for your song and sentiment!

RE: Happy Birthday, Ambrose!

Thanks, Jash!

RE: Happy Birthday, Ambrose!

Good to hear from you, Kid! Has the ice broken in your creek, yet?

RE: Happy Birthday, Ambrose!

Thanks, UST!

RE: Happy Birthday, Ambrose!

Hi, Good! Thank you for stopping by and for your good wishes!

RE: Happy Birthday, Ambrose!

Good to see you, John! Thanks for your good wishes!

RE: Happy Birthday, Ambrose!

Thanks, my dear D! (From your other "blue-eyed" friend!)

RE: Happy Birthday, Ambrose!

I appreciate that, RDM! I've enjoyed your presence on the forums.