Vive-ut-Vivas comments on The Wannabe Rational - Less Wrong

31 Post author: MrHen 15 January 2010 08:09PM

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Comment author: Vive-ut-Vivas 17 January 2010 07:13:40PM *  0 points [-]

Substitute "meaning" for "God", then. The problem is trying to fit everything into a "larger objective": whose objective? That's what I mean when I say you're presupposing the answer.

Also, "why would taking over galaxies be progress?" can be answered pretty simply once you explain what you mean by "progress". Technological advancement? Increased wealth? Curiosity?

Comment author: byrnema 17 January 2010 07:21:17PM *  1 point [-]

Substitute "meaning" for "God", then.

Good. Your comments above now make good sense to me.

The problem is trying to fit everything into a "larger objective"

That's my problem. Maybe it's a problem common to many theists too. Any cures? And is this problem a hardware problem or a logic problem?

Comment author: Vive-ut-Vivas 17 January 2010 08:15:14PM 3 points [-]

If I had the catch-all cure to existential angst, I wouldn't be parroting it on here, I'd be trying to sell it for millions!

Maybe you could call it a hardware problem, since I'd liken it to a virus. You've been corrupted to look for a problem when there isn't one, and you know there isn't one, but you just don't feel emotionally satisfied (correct me if I'm wrong here). I don't have an answer for that. I would suspect that the more you distance yourself from these kinds of views (that the universe must have "meaning" and all that), the question just stops being even relevant. I think the problem just involves breaking a habit.

Comment author: wedrifid 17 January 2010 10:40:40PM 4 points [-]

If I had the catch-all cure to existential angst, I wouldn't be parroting it on here, I'd be trying to sell it for millions!

Then Robin would have a field day explaining why people did not actually buy it, despite the wringing of hands and gnashing of teeth.