This article examines how evolution explains not just our physical characteristics, but also the areas that traditionally have been seen as unexplained by science- such as morality, meaning and values. It goes on the explain how evolution explains religion, souls, gods and is even evident in the bible. Part 1- the evolution of humanity Background This article continues a series that started with what we can possibly know and then the optimal way to obtain this knowledge. The third article…
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It is an age-old question: does free will exist? This article answers the question, and in the process happens to address the question of meaning as well. When we talk about free will, we are talking about our ability to freely make decisions. To have control over how we decide. (Image reference: http://i.huffpost.com/gen/160795/thumbs/r-FREE-WILL-large570.jpg) When contemplating free will most people ask “do I consciously make decisions?” Research shows that many of our decisions are unconscious, reducing the argument for free will. However…
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Addressing salvation through the sacrifice of Jesus Salvation through the blood of Jesus, or simply through the sacrifice of Jesus seems to be accepted without question. In the early bible we see the Jewish people had competing religions fighting for membership, with the Bible authors denouncing the abomination of sacrificing the first born child by fire to Baal on numerous occasions. The worshiping of Baal only dies out in the biblical account when the worshippers are rounded up and slaughtered…
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Introduction A common claim is that science cannot reveal gods. However if a god created the universe, this would have a direct bearing on science. This article examines the possibility and implications of a universe created by a god. We examine whether science can prove god exists. When speculating on possible gods we can ask the following questions: – What possible gods are compatible with our universe? – Given a specific god, what sort of universe should we expect? What is…
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In my previous article I covered all that we can possibly know, and declared that science is the best way to separate fact from fiction- i.e. to make our internal map of reality (practical reality) as accurate as possible. This article explores why science can be trusted, frequent criticisms of science, and its limitations. Starting from scratch As children we believe what we’re told. The faster we learn, the more likely we are to survive. It is more important to learn…
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This article presents a personal analysis and conclusions on truth and reality. It provides a foundation for determining how to separate fact from fiction. Definitions Let’s start with a few definitions to get us off the ground: I/me/self: we find ourselves as an individual. A mind distinct from others. Knowledge: that which we know. Truth: knowledge that is correct. Falsehood: knowledge that is incorrect. External reality: we will define here as everything external to the mind. The world, other people, the universe,…
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