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1500 questions
65
votes
9 answers
What is the difference between metaphysics and ontology?
I know that ontology is a sub-field of metaphysics. But I can't see the difference between them. I mean ontology is defined as "The study of being and existence", and metaphysics is defined as "fundamental nature of being and the world"; is there a…
wajed
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65
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19 answers
In which way does quantum mechanics disprove determinism?
I've heard this pop up in a discussion with my physicist/engineer roommates, but didn't care to ask at the time. Now I'm mighty curious about it. Wikipedia doesn't really seem to say much on this issue.
From what I understand about the Uncertainty…
glifchits
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64
votes
21 answers
Is the "omniscient-omnipotent-omnipresent" definition of God consistent?
God is commonly defined as an omniscient (infinite knowledge), omnipotent (unlimited power), omnipresent (present everywhere) entity.
Is there any logical inconsistency in this definition?
I have seen several paradoxes like below:
Does God know…
AIB
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60
votes
17 answers
Why is a lion not evil?
One often hears the claim that animals who kill and such, are not in fact evil. The typical example is that of a lion or a tiger that kills a prey. The argument is more or less that the animal acts instinctively in order to survive and thus we…
Deoro
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59
votes
16 answers
Why does the universe obey scientific laws?
As far as anyone is aware, the universe consistently acts according to predictable laws (and scientific inquiry exists to determine those laws). Is there any metaphysical reason for this? Is such a question even answerable?
EDIT: I think my question…
That Guy
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57
votes
18 answers
Why aren't creationism and natural science on the same intellectual level?
In the infamous creation museum a strategically very shrewd exhibit, where a scientist and a biblical scholar both study the same fossils, is being presented:
The sign says
“different scientists can reach very different conclusions, depending
on…
vonjd
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56
votes
19 answers
How will learning about philosophy impact real-life?
Examining the practical, impactful, real-life benefits of getting a degree in philosophy
It is often asked, "What is the practical use of philosophy?" or "How will learning about philosophy impact real-life?"
It is easy to see why there is such…
stoicfury
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54
votes
16 answers
Is there an alternative to the scientific method?
Intro
The scientific method is a key process of how we acquire knowledge and may shape our understanding of the world. If I am not mistaken, this method has been defined several times during our history.
The scientific method is not free from…
Remi.b
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53
votes
15 answers
Does Pascal's wager contain any logical flaws or fallacies?
Blaise Pascal's famous wager was that even if the existence of God cannot be determined through reason, a rational person should wager as though God exists, because living life accordingly has everything to gain, and nothing to lose.
What logical…
John Lyon
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52
votes
13 answers
Why do they say I am committing a fallacy when I am just insulting someone?
On the internet, one is often accused of committing the so-called 'ad hominem'-fallacy, which, according to Sikipedia, is defined as
a fallacious argumentative strategy whereby genuine discussion of the topic at hand is avoided by instead attacking…
Dario
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52
votes
16 answers
Why is Ayn Rand's Objectivism philosophy dismissed by academics?
This is a question in response to this other one that I asked. I didn't really get a satisfactory answer, mostly because it seems like Rand's work is largely ignored by academics. The highest voted answer starts with "you'll be hard-pressed to…
RationalGeek
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51
votes
14 answers
What is the moral difference between abortion and infanticide?
Many people accept abortion on the grounds that foetuses aren't persons, and that personhood is what defines the right to life. I've always been intrigued about what defines personhood; obviously attributes like consciousness (or the ability to…
natojato
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50
votes
26 answers
How can one not believe in god as the root cause of the universe?
How can you lack belief in the existence of god?
I define god here as prime cause. As the world is a sum of collections of events, causally linked to the past through time, then there must be a prime cause.
As of now the Big Bang singularity has…
Nik Faris
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50
votes
15 answers
Is Mathematics always correct?
It seems Mathematical theories/Laws/Formulas are the least questioned in all of the sciences. Is mathematics that good at being closest to the laws of universe, or is it just a logical tool of our own perception of the universe (that being the…
S.D.
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49
votes
10 answers
Why should one accept trivial claims without evidence?
There are certain claims that I accept as obviously true without (much) evidence. For example:
Most people don't like to be hit on the head with a hammer.
Donald Trump ate dinner some time last week.
There has yet to be a whale on the moon.
I…
Rebecca J. Stones
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