It depends on how you look at things. From a subatomic level we are completely integrated into the universe. We can go outside for example and be hit by sunlight that originated from the sun 8 seconds ago. The universe is simply particles moving at different frequencies within space with different densities. We make the judgement that the denser areas are connected, but as a whole everything is in one way or another. Patterns aren't necessarily repeated throughout you're right, but it is true that many patterns are.
So in summary: Universe is consistent with repeated patterns You admit yourself that the universe exhibits patterns but that it is not necessary for patterns to be replicated. The argument is contingent upon the truth of that what can be said about humans IS true about the universe as a whole. But this can not be proven and you acknowledge this. Even if I was to concede that humans are "part of" the universe in a physical sense, it would still be a fallacy of composition, as we can not demonstrate the necessity of the replication of patterns. Humans use thoughts to create. I take huge issue with the equivocation on the word "create". Like I said before, that humans' thoughts turn into actions which can create a piece of furniture is altering existing matter and changing it to create something new. The meaning of the word "create" in regards to an intelligent creator is creating matter itself. I also take issue with equating the universe to a deity, as if the universe were to create more matter, it would be adding to itself, but a deity is separate from the universe which it creates. If not, then I am part of god. Blasphemy! Then the problem of non-specification, which I should just use to dismiss all a priori arguments for a god (but I do love a logical challenge), arises. Even if the argument proves an intelligent designer, it says nothing about that designer besides that it was a designer. Christians, Jews, Hindus, Pagans, all of them are still believing a multitude of irrational conclusions.
I would describe the primordial point of singularity in these terms. So exquisitely magnificent as to create unbearable angst. Feels so good it hurts. Creation is extension, it is compelled to open its mouth and let it out. A God delights in giving it all away, a most blessed release. Mind is an observable medium in the same respect that microbes are an observable medium of effect in the cause of illness. At normal magnification we cannot see the microbe but we witness it's effects in the macro environment. Animus animates animal. The whole defines the part but the part does not define the whole. Every thing is connected in the same manner as a facet of a crystal reflects its' own brilliance. Suggest that we look more closely at the redundant patterns of nature. Every expression is broadcast, for our purposes, on at least 5 mutually encapsulated wave lengths. We register these wave lengths accordingly with the biological sensory apparatus.
You know that I rarely take the time to sort through your musing and try to derive meaning from them right?
It's all good. The time we take to do something is the same time we take not to do it. I am not a stingy man, you are welcome but your not the only one who can read. All expressions are maximal.
Well, you're right. We are made up of matter but the way that matter forms, much of which is under the whims of natural forces and we can say that some of it is guided by these forces. Also, even if patterns are not universal and only contained in specific points, it would still be used to shape the matter into what we are. Take our DNA for example, it all seems to be forced together by the forces in its surrounding, following the laws of chemistry, et al. So maybe we can say that at least in certain situations the actualities of our being holds some representation of it's surroundings or the whole to at least a limited degree. I don't believe matter or energy is conscious. I am not using this as evidence for the existence of my God. I was moving the concept along because I believed this at one point - I pointed out before that this is a Hinduistic perception - Actually, I believe that the universe is too unstable to start up life on its own but that's for another discussion... I still believe that it isn't a matter of concept as you say.
Believe first, prove later, seems to be the norm these days. Hence why the spirit of solipsism is very appealing, at least the part that recognizes that the subjective view is absolute. To deny that there is an external reality with consistent patterns that can be shared by multiple individuals, however, is too much of faith as far as I'm concerned (ie. believing first, prove later)
statements about how it "really is" seem to me dogmatic. I deny the externality of relations, it is an illusion, just as is the concept of self, and the duality of subject and object.
1) Freewill stands unproven 2) That was an analogy, not a statement of definition. 3) the definition of programing-- If Then Gotto
Let's face it, we don't "know" anything for sure. In his Critique of Pure Reason, Kant made us aware that we can never escape the fact that our encounters with reality are filtered through our fallible perceptions, sensory equipment, and mental categories. But later he argued we're still justified in believing some things as practical premises for effective action. It all rests on at least a rudiment of "faith" (intuition+risk taking), at least in the sense of Santayana's "animal faith" that there is a world out there, that the rules of logic are valid, that geckopelli really exists and isn't a figment of our imagination, etc. At least there seems to be general consensus on that, apart from an occasional poster to Hip Forums. There was one guy I was debating with on one of these threads who took the position that the external world was an illusion. I suggested that he put his position to the test by jumping out the window of a tall building. I know that sounds harsh, but it does put some teeth in some of these ideas we casually bandy about. (Come to think of it, he hasn't posted anything since!)
life is a dream, it doesn't have to be viewed as either yours or mine. I am content to have a life filled with interesting archetypes and do not feel the need to "test it " as okiefreak suggested by jumping out of windows from tall buildings.
Reality bites! literally. If we don't jump out the window, sometimes the window comes after us, in the form of cancer, muggers, etc. It's at those moments philosophy is put to the acid test. Do beliefs have consequences? What are the consequences of believing life is but a dream? Do we row our boats merrily, merrily, merrily down the stream? Do we watch out for rapids? What if everyone thought that way? What if everyone did except Al Qaida?
if someone is suffering from cancer, maybe jumping out of a window is an answer to that. to do routinely is another matter and I would only wonder what one is trying to prove by it. solipsism does not, I believe, mean that one should ignore ones' circumstances, on the contrary, they are your soul. everything is psychological but you still need to take the garbage out.
The rules are not created by the individual frustrated. They are being deliberately followed to have the solipsism received, and in time the ego is realizing that He is making out the senses for failure to inform of a common World. The individual frustrated should have been realized as following the Rules of a God-created World. Fat chance.
Why would a solipsist participate in an internet discussion? Wouldn't he simply be talking to himself?
I don't know; we are assuming God doesn't exist, Okiefre. It seems that it is to assume the imagination owns it's place in a structure for History somewhere else. Do I answer for a feedback? Or do I presume this all a superflous luxury for the excitable FEAR of death and anxiety. Ohhhh, but you thought I'd be talking to God. LOL. _________________________________________ Support the rebuilding of Haiti.