[Vision2020] Logical paradoxes

[Ted Moffett]

It is easy to be a skeptic... Knowledge is so susceptible to the tools of
rigorous analysis aimed at doubt.  Skepticism is more easily defended than
absolute belief, at least regarding empirical based arguments, for those who
respect the difficulties in logic, epistemology, and theory of science.

What is amazing is that some who promote the most astonishing dogmatism
regarding some aspects of empirical knowledge, will then suddenly become
rigorous skeptics regarding other issues, when it suits their purpose...

Some assert certain religious beliefs, based on empirical arguments, are
absolutely true, and are not undermined by the skeptics rigorous
analysis.... But
then the findings of science, when contradicting these absolute religious
truths, must face the most finely parsed skeptical gauntlet of
questioning...

Who is willing to be thoroughgoing and unbiased skeptic?  Not very many...

Ted Moffett

On 4/26/09, Ralph Nielsen <nielsen at uidaho.edu> wrote:
>
> I just happened to run across this little tidbit from something that
> proclaims itself as MOSCOW EDUCATION (IDAHO); EDUCATIONAL RESEARCH,
> STATISTICS, REPORTS, AND COMMENTARY FROM MOSCOW, IDAHO, by some-one who
> calls himself Right-Mind.
>
> In the Moscow Pullman Daily News:
>
> There is only one absolute truth: "There is no 'absolute truth.' " Lovers
> of wisdom have known this for centuries.
>
> —*Ralph Nielsen, Moscow*
>
> Maybe that statement is embraced by Nielsen; but he would fail 8th grade
> logic for making such an illogical statement.
>
>
> *****************************************************************************
>
> It would seem that Mr. Right-Mind has never heard of a logical paradox. As
> a matter of fact, I heard this from a graduate of Gonzaga University, who
> said he has never forgotten this humbling fact that was taught by his
> philosophy professor at Gonzaga.
>
> We can even find a logical paradox in the Bible, "It was one of them, their
> very own prophet, who said, "Cretans are always liars..." That testimony is
> true" (Titus 1:12). As Right-Mind would say, "Maybe that statement is
> embraced by Paul, in his letter to Titus; but he would fail 8th grade
> logic for making such an illogical statement."
>
> Ralph Nielsen
>
>
>
>
>
>
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