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Old 02-13-2007, 06:13 PM   #69 (permalink)
Megan
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Default The "Save the Endangered Medullas Foundation" presents...

Quote:
By Angela

Megan, I said there is no inherent meaning in the universe, only the meaning we make. I was not comparing here the morality of the meaning one individual or group creates. That's for another discussion.

You mean...the meaning we make is not inherent in the universe?

Where does it come from then, pray tell? It's only for another discussion if the meaning we make is not inherent in the universe.

Are human beings alien to this universe? Did we not evolve out of this very universe?


Quote:
By Angela

Why are you going on about the Golden Rule? Are you saying that because a system of morality works better, or is adopted by a majority, that it is a more inherent part of the universe?

Not a more inherent part of the universe (for one thing cannot be more inherent than another in a universe), but rather, a more adaptive part of the universe, it works better, a la Darwin.


Quote:
By Angela

What I meant by my remark is that humans make meaning. That's all the meaning there is. As you say, "no absolute truth." We are each free to generate meaning in our lives that work for us (or don't). We're free, and that's a meaning I make!

I agree. [Edit: But I will add a qualification later.]

So...in general, would you say that the meaning the suicide bombers make works for us, the human race, as well as the meaning the framers of the US Constitution make for us?

IOW, is some meaning informationally deeper in an evolutionary sense, more adaptive, i.e., does it work better, than other information?


Quote:
By Angela

So, what exactly are you on about with the golden rule? Speak simply please; I haven't had my coffee yet.

Much affection,
A

Likewise with much affection, I submit for your consideration that, given our mutual predilection for the long-term survival of the human race (which is itself adaptive, i.e., works better, I trow), the Golden Rule is a meme that has sprung up all over the globe amongst the religions, and, most recently, amongst the philosophers, and, therefore...

This Golden Rule meme is adaptive in the evolutionary sense for the long-term survival of the human race.

Ta-da!

M

Last edited by Megan; 02-13-2007 at 06:42 PM.
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