from Mordred

Originally Posted By: LindaLouHi Mordred,

Quote:how can one accept the existence of something if they haven't experienced it?

I accept the existence of the planet Neptune but I've never experienced it. I accept that the earth has an iron core which produces its magnetic field but I've never been to the earth's core. We look at evidence for and against to weigh the likelihood of something.


But it is infinitely easier for me to deduce that Neptune exists or the earth has an iron core and so on with available connecting information. There is no connecting information, or any information or evidence which makes me conclude that ghosts and such exist. I can only say that I think these things are a possibility. I would never say that I believe in them. From where I stand, saying I believe in ghosts means only one of two things: either a) I have seen one first-hand and that's why I believe or b) I am deluded or simply want to believe in them. However, I have not seen one and I do not believe I am deluded, so I say that I have no reason to accept the belief in ghosts (I simply don't deny them as a possibility).

Though from the rest of what you said regarding agnosticism, etc., it sounds like you agree with me on that. I know what you mean about deducing the possibility just as we can deduce things not directly visible to us (earth's core, or Neptune's core for that matter) but I do wish to differentiate certainty from logical deduction with accepting something as possible. I can perform tests to conclude what the core of our planet must be comprised of, I can't do anything beyond acruing anecdotal evidence to conclude the existence of ghosts.

Quote:Some would have us believe that it's nothing more than neurons and electricity in the brain. It's comforting, scientific, completely anti-mystical.

I see nothing comforting about explaining away mystical experiences with neurons and brain activity. I don't think scientists, even, feel comforted by these conclusions. (That isn't to say it makes me uncomfortable, however, it's just that I think religion and belief in the supernatural fall under the category of comforting, if you follow me.)

Anyway, interesting topic