Re: A problem with logic
Posted: September 19th, 2023, 8:38 pm
Pattern-chaser,
What does logic tell us about accepting or rejecting any idea? It tells us that we should do neither unless we have sufficient reason. As you say, "we have no logical (in the strictest sense) reasons to believe God exists", just as we have no logical reasons to believe She does not exist. Our starting point is that God might or could exist, so She goes onto the Maybe pile, as all ideas do before we consider them in any detail. To move Her from there to the Accepted or Rejected piles requires sufficient reason, and we don't have that. So on the Maybe pile She must stay.We agree here. Objectively, God belongs on the maybe pile. We can't logically move God from that pile due to a lack of (objective) evidence either way. But that doesn't mean we cannot logically accept or reject that God exists. (a) because there is anecdotal evidence for his existence, and (b) because of a lack of evidence that he does exist. Those factors mean we can logically accept or reject a positive or negative claim, even though he cannot shift from the maybe pile.
Prior to more detailed consideration, all ideas belong on the Maybe pile. Some can be Rejected or Accepted quickly and easily. For example, the idea that trees are mammals can be Rejected because of strong and sufficient evidence to the contrary. The idea that North America borders the Atlantic Ocean on its East side can be easily Accepted, again for sufficient reason. But many ideas are not so easily dealt with. If we have no obvious reason to accept or reject, then logic dictates that we leave them on the Maybe pile, doesn't it? What other justifiable conclusion could there be?The fact that an idea is on the maybe pile - until there is evidence or justifiable reasons for accepting or rejecting it - doesn't mean that choosing to believe or disbelieve is illogical. Where there is an absence of evidence or logical justifications, we are free to decide whether to accept the idea, reject it or see it as a maybe.
Absence of evidence is not evidence of absence?That keeps God on the maybe pile. But it does not logically prevent us from believing or disbelieving.
Yes, I claim the latter. Even though I am a believer. My beliefs are not in accord with logic — this applies to many beliefs held by humans, it is not unique to religious or spiritual beliefs.I gather that your beliefs have efficacy. In that there is a logicality to them.