Jayson_Virissimo comments on 2012 Survey Results - Less Wrong

80 Post author: Yvain 07 December 2012 09:04PM

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Comment author: fubarobfusco 29 November 2012 07:51:27PM *  7 points [-]

Look again at the survey questions:

P(Supernatural)
What is the probability that supernatural events, defined as those involving ontologically basic mental entities, have occurred since the beginning of the universe?

P(God)
What is the probability that there is a god, defined as a supernatural (see above) intelligent entity who created the universe?

A simulator is not a god because gods are ontologically basic, while simulators are not.

Comment author: Jayson_Virissimo 30 November 2012 08:02:22AM *  0 points [-]

According to Yvain's definition, you are correct. On the other hand, I can't think of something more godlike than creating or designing the universe, can you? It just seems like a very idiosyncratic definition, which is why I complained to Yvain about it last year.

Comment author: fubarobfusco 30 November 2012 09:15:46PM *  3 points [-]

I can't think of something more godlike than creating or designing the universe, can you?

Sure. For instance, some theists claim that God created and maintains logic itself.

Moreover, a simulator who is not ontologically basic (i.e. is made of matter; arose through material processes in their own universe) does not meet four of Aquinas's "five ways" — unmoved mover, first cause, necessary being, or maximum degree of goodness.

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