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1500 questions
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What distinguishes cause from effect when they are simultaneous?
At a high level, distinguishing cause and effect is typically easy enough: the cause comes first. I drop a ball off a roof; therefore, it falls and hits the ground. But on a fundamental level, physics is local; thus, it seems that, as you get more…
Toph
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How is the claim "I am in New York only if I am in America" the same as "If I am in New York, then I am in America?
It makes absolutely zero sense to me.
It would make sense if "I am in America" is the antecedent and the consequent is the former.
Even though it wouldn't be sound, it would make logical sense.
I hope someone could explain it in a way someone would…
MinigameZ more
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What essential properties make us human?
(Correct me if I am wrong) In ontology, essentialism is the belief that
object O has property P, property P is therefore an ESSENTIAL property
if there is something else which is not property P it is an ACCIDENTAL property
So what are the…
user37486
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12 answers
What fallacy is assuming something is the case because of past events
I'm sure this is a simple question. What I am referring to is disbelieving someone on Day 20 because they have lied every day previous to Day 20.
Another example is the boy who cried wolf. The 50th time he cries "Wolf!" nobody believes him.
As a…
Zebrafish
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Best way to start philosophy?
I'm a software engineer, have a passion for philosophy. But I have no background in human science, but I guess I'm good at logic. Can you provide a profound study path to philosophy? What are the best authentic, accurate and comprehensive…
Real Dreams
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What are examples of analytic a posteriori knowledge?
There is the analytic/synthetic distinction and the a priori/a posteriori distinction. These two distinctions form four types of knowledge:
analytic a priori
synthetic a priori
analytic a posteriori
synthetic a posteriori
Kant thought analytic a…
usr
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What is the modern view of the validity of Nietzsche's On the Genealogy of Morals?
I have been rereading Nietzsche's On the Genealogy of Morals. The prose is moving, inasmuch as one is moved by prose (I am but very little), but the content seems to my eye poorly reasoned (relying heavily on rhetorical flourish and single examples…
Rex Kerr
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What are the main points of criticism of the ancient Stoic school vis-a-vis the system of philosophy of the Epicureans?
What was the main criticism of the ancient Stoic school of philosophy with respect to the system of philosophy of the Epicureans?
Phira
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What does "physical" mean to philosophers?
A childish question (literally) -
My 8 year old asked me this morning: "Dad, what does 'physical' mean?" - and I found myself at loss for an ordinary language answer.
Every answer I could come up with ended up sounding like a definition of…
Alexander S King
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How does Penrose defeat the computational theory of mind?
In Shadows Of The Mind Roger Penrose puts forth a Gödelian argument against the computational theory of mind. He then goes on to suggest that quantum mechanics plays a central role in the realization of human consciousness. It is suggested that the…
Not_Here
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Is it inconsistent to praise God for apparent action while claiming that apparent inaction is a mystery?
Finally the site is open! I've been waiting to ask this for a week or so. I have been pondering typical responses concerning intercession and resultant positive/negative outcomes and am hoping someone can assist with explaining the actual argument…
Hendy
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Is the person in the mirror an example of a philosophical zombie?
Consider the following situation:
You are in a room that has a mirror as one of its walls.
You assert/commit to that you are conscious and have qualia.
You look at the mirror, and you observe your own image.
The person in the mirror looks and…
Justas
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Should I vote for what is best for me or what is best for others?
I live and vote in a constituency where the policies of Party A are better for the long-term success of my business, which determines the material conditions of my well-being and that of my family. Yet, I believe the policies of Party A damage the…
luchonacho
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What are the current topics in philosophy of logic?
I'm contemplating another attempt at completing my long delayed MA in Philosophy, and I need a new thesis topic. As a student I excelled in advanced symbolic logic, but my connection with academic philosophical writing has always been tenuous. …
Chris Sunami
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What are the most significant contributions Slavoj Žižek has made to the field of philosophy?
What are the most significant contributions Slavoj Žižek has made to the field of philosophy, perhaps in particular to political philosophy?
Kenshin
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