Unseen

Belle Rose wrote:

That is very True Strega, but it seems like he’s pushing for the idea that somehow there should be some exclusion in a society- not treating people the same. It’s really a different kind of oppression wrapped up in intellectual bs.

That’s about as far from what he’s saying as it’s possible to be. He’s a philosopher simply ask…[Read more]

David Boots wrote:

It is hard to beat the UN explanation for how mankind arrived at the notion of rights … the preamble to the charter says this about human rights:

they are the foundation of freedom, justice and peace in the world,

disregard and the contempt of human rights results in terrible and barbarous acts by men

enshrining human r…

[Read more]

Simon Paynton wrote:

“the definition of rights is a definition of how somebody is treated by others.” – that’s why it can be enshrined in law: we can pass laws that prescribe how people should behave towards others.

You are quoting a definition of “rights” which is about the most general sort of definition and it’s totally congruent and compati…[Read more]

Matt wrote:

I see the following in the video:

Human rights are… Universal, Innate

But, are they? Are they really? I have to disagree. Human rights are only universal if and when we make them universal (i.e. they aren’t innate, either. They come from us).

Exactly. You, like most here, in arguing against him, are denying that rights are uni…[Read more]

_Robert_ wrote:

He is dead wrong. Human rights evolved like everything else that is social in primates.

Then the usual definition of human rights is wrong in that human rights are viewed as the same for all men regardless of their station in life or position in time. My rights today are the same (it’s believed) as they were yesterday. They are…

[Read more]

My position has long been this: There only two kinds of rights, a) ones gained through legislation, struggle, or endowment; and b) imaginary rights.

“An example is presented here (See the question at the end of the thread’s OP below, for clarity):”

I’m not arguing with the Edward Witten, I’m arguing with you. If  you find his argument compelling, you must understand it. What is your understanding of what he is saying? (BTW, I have no idea whether or not he deserves to be called a “genius,” bu…[Read more]

There is unavoidable evidence that belief facilitates that beings may bound their intellect, in sub-optimal ways.

If it’s so unavoidable, there should be plenty of examples. I’m waiting.

All conscious acts are based on beliefs. Not having beliefs would mean not acting at all.

We’ve moved past Newton, though, haven’t we, which demonstrates that science doesn’t let current belief keep it from advancing.

Are you going somewhere with this?

1. As with the notion “theory,” “belief” is subject to a special definition when it comes to science. It is a so-called “term of art” in that regard. Unlike faith-based belief, as in religion, scientists belief consists in trusting the best explanation based on empirical evidence and proofs in terms of repeatable experiments or observations.

2.…[Read more]

I’ve always dreamed about banging a pretty little elf in the ass.

Somebody let me know when TA is back.

My father died in Feb. 2013 after I had cared for him on a daily basis for a little over a year. My dad was beloved by all of his children. A great guy who always gave Christian love (I’m not a Christian, but he was) and was generous to a fault without ever asking for anything in return. He was that other kind of Christian who is seldom talked…[Read more]