Mark Bloss discussing "Brains in vats"
with me...
 RT>> What you have just stated is your personal philosophy. Strictly
 RT>> speaking that is not what philosophy is about. The words "I believe"
 RT>> should never be used. Philosophy is a study of the logical principles
 RT>> that underpin any belief system and whether there is any validity or
 RT>> consistency in those beliefs and how those beliefs are reached.  So,
 RT>> ideally, you should be telling us exactly why you believe what you do,
 RT>> and what led you to believe what you do in a logical fashion without
 RT>> using the words "I believe" or equivalent. ie. philosophy isn't about
 RT>> conjecture. 
 RT>> Relatif Tuinn
 MB>  I believe you are wrong to say that in philosophy, one cannot say
 MB>  "I believe" - because that is very much like saying, "in Forensics Lab
 MB>  you must not use your lungs to breath, because that's not what
 MB>  Forensics is all about."
Not in the slightest. When the words "I believe" are used in philosophy the 
next question is automatically - why do you believe. The whole point of 
philosophy is to explore the depths of our understanding and to develop 
logical approaches in order to achieve that end. Introducing beliefs get 
no-one anywhere when there is no evidence to support that belief.
 MB>  Whether or not belief systems are consistent or valid, is not in the
 MB>  purview of the external observer.  And if it ever was, then who gave
 MB>  the external observer the right to dispatch any belief system for 
 MB>  someone else?  
Indeed. Then we'd best disconnect from fido?
The whole point of philosophy is to discover if a belief system is valid or 
consistent by examining the logic behind the belief.
 MB>  A belief system, first of all, does not have to be either consistent,
 MB>  nor valid, before it can be logically called a belief system.  And it
Indeed. However, this is PHIL, not belief. If you wish to discuss your belief 
in here then you'll have to get used to people wanting to explore the 
concepts that it raises. If you just want confirmation for your ideals then I 
suggest you fix into an echo that deals with that side of belief as well.
    Relatif Tuinn
... "Bother," said Pooh as the vice squad took his GIFS.
--- Spot 1.3a #1413
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