All-Conference [433]

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How do you know what you know?

Jan 26, 2024, 10:37 AM

Let me preface this by saying any examples used here are for the discussion of understanding "knowledge" and how we get there. Any political, cultural or scientific references are intended as an epistemic look (as the Oxford dictionary defines it) distinguishing justified belief from opinion.

Several years back a friend was working on his doctorate at NC State in public policy. From time to time he would send me links or different articles (mainly in the abstract) on epistemology, anomalies, paradigm shifts (and the differences between the two) basically discussions on how people know what they know and how we formulate decisions based on that knowledge.

I think it could be said that each generation believes it is far more knowledgeable than the last. There are instances where we look back and ask "how could they be so stupid?" There is an intended tone of judgement in that statement because there is a certain amount of arrogance attached to it. For example: From an article it was reported that there was a substantial rise in the number of cases of adult asthma in London. What did they attribute to this outbreak? The number of diesel engines in cars and delivery or commercial trucks and vans. There was such a large number of the vehicles due to the fact that back in the 70's businesses were given incentives to switch form gasoline to diesel due to the current (at the time) energy crisis. My point here is to say back in the 70's all the trusted sources of knowledge directed them to a decision that was correct at the time. In other words, NOW we know. They didn't know back then. But now they know, it wasn't exactly the right decision. But what would lead them to think otherwise?

Hindsight is, as they say, 20-20. But the state of our current world, I believe it is ever prudent to make the effort to look forward and examine how we will be judged 40, 50 or 100 years from now. Another example of this is far more recent with the outbreak of Covid-19. What did we know about the virus? Once the investigation into the virus, how it spread, how fast it spread and its consequences, what did we do with that knowledge? One article I read tried to explain the concept of exponential growth. It was hard to get your head wrapped around the idea of how 10 cases of the virus could turn into tens of thousands of cases in just a few weeks. As it would be for most I think.

The battle cry during Covid was "you can't argue with science!" I contend that science is the only thing worth an argument. We must challenge the knowledge attained. Any scientific theory or study isn't reinforced by gathering data to prove it, but in the effort to disprove it.

There are more, climtate change, another viral outbreak, culture wars, economics, etc. as we head into our elections this year and decide on the decision makers. This is NOT a quest for the "truth". But an examination of how we attain "knowledge" and how we use it.

I am a novice at this and welcome input. Again, I am not trolling for some political or social sparring match, yeahs or nays, right or wrong. (that's why I posted on the religion-philosophy board and not the politics board)

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>When someone makes a claim, like mine on something like God, there is no test.

Correct

>There is neither a test for someone like you and your believe in evolution

lol what? Very incorrect.

>I can show evidence of people who have changed lives via the saving grace of God and you can quote passages from your bible, Darwin.

The dishonesty is unreal. I guess I should expect as much when Paul bragged about lying too.

>Natural selection is obvious yet claims that it produces other species is ridiculous to me.

I mean, it sounds ridiculous that atoms rub together in clouds and produce a loud thunderbolt, and yet that's what the evidence says.

You believe that a magical being created everything and, as you admit, have no test for that. So, whose being ridiculous?

>You can appreciate that 'Bob,' we'll call him, had a life changing event, 'turned over a new leaf,' and claims that God changed his heart and 'established his goings.'

ok but people say the same thing with healing crystals and yet you dismiss them and you should because we can't test it.

>You know he is a different person by his fundamental life changing behavior,' but write it off by showing many others as being a 'late bloomer,' or realizing his lifestyle was destroying his body or family.

You don't grant the same things to Muslims who have their life changed either. Why are you so inconsistent?

>I can't argue with you about that. It shouldn't be a point of resolution between us. We are friends, I enjoy our conversations and am unwavering in my affection for you.

I'm sorry, but friends don't lie to each other.

How do you know what you know?

Re: How do you know what you know?

Re: How do you know what you know?

Re: How do you know what you know?

There is a lot of competition to "know".

Re: There is a lot of competition to "know".

Re: There is a lot of competition to "know".

Re: There is a lot of competition to "know".

Unfortunately that is true.

Re: Unfortunately that is true.

I have and never will tell you something I believe to be a lie.

Re: I have and never will tell you something I believe to be a lie.

God changed my life.

Re: How do you know what you know?

We 'know,' that which satisfies our lust.

Re: We 'know,' that which satisfies our lust.

I never said it wasn't.

Re: I never said it wasn't.

LOL. I bet you're not. Are you?***

He might make it until I post a thread starter.

Re: He might make it until I post a thread starter.

No, it's the same reason I respond to you.

Re: No, it's the same reason I respond to you.

Yep. There she is.

Re: Yep. There she is.

Re: Yep. There she is.

"Targeting!"

Re: He might make it until I post a thread starter.

I'm sorry.

Re: LOL. I bet you're not. Are you?***

Ah, There you are. I was right. I knew you would.

Re: Ah, There you are. I was right. I knew you would.

Re: I never said it wasn't.

I know because He told me so.

Re: I know because He told me so.

He isn't a fairy godmother or a genie.

Re: He isn't a fairy godmother or a genie.

I don't believe in 'laying out the fleece.'

Re: I don't believe in 'laying out the fleece.'

If you had tangible evidence it wouldn't change your heart.

Re: If you had tangible evidence it wouldn't change your heart.

Re: I know because He told me so.

They were unsaved heathen like you and echo.

Re: They were unsaved heathen like you and echo.

I have failed to show you how important and precious you are to me.

Re: I have failed to show you how important and precious you are to me.

Yep. Ideology defines truth.***

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