Posted by Tabitha on May 14, 2016, at 12:52:48
In reply to Lou's reply-what is truth? » Tabitha, posted by Lou Pilder on May 14, 2016, at 7:15:09
> But there is the possibility that it is true.
Yes, there is a possibility that you know of a sure-fire method to create happiness for anyone for the rest of their life. But what is that possibility? I think it is very small. Evidence that your method is unlikely to be the secret of human happiness is
- Step 1 of your method is for people with mental illness to go off their medication. This is unwise.
- The method has been hyped repeatedly, yet we are told that it cannot be revealed. This leads people to suspect that no such method exists.
- The source of the method is a personal vision that you believe is of supernatural origin. Given the circumstances, it is more likely that the vision is a symptom of mental illness than a supernatural event.
- Throughout human history, people have promised systems to solve all personal problems forever. So far, no such system has proven successful. Such promises are made for the personal gain of those promoting the system.
- There is some evidence that happiness is more of a fixed personality trait than a result of individual choices. Thus the existence of a method to radically increase happiness for anyone, and particularly people who suffer conditions like depression, anxiety, and schizophrenia, is very unlikely.> The question can become, "What is truth?"
I don't see the relevance of such a philosophical question to this context. It's more useful to weigh the probability that the claims being made are true, and then act accordingly. People could then
- accept that your system exists and works as described, and then feel frustrated that it has not been revealed.
- decide that any system you might have is not valuable, and ignore your repeated entreaties.
- debate or argue with you
- condemn youNone of these seem like good outcomes, or in line with the purpose of this board.
poster:Tabitha
thread:1088851
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20160501/msgs/1088946.html