Does it make sense to question whether we are certain that the sun exists and has existed before our births?
Serious question. No drugs involved. Some people claim that this could all be a dream. Doesn't make sense to me.
How would we be "not yet certain" that the sun exists? Or are you making a different point?
Anonymous
Favorite Answer
Certainty is the mental state that accompanies the belief that one could not be convinced otherwise than one believes. It says less about the accuracy of one's belief, than it does about the attitude of the speaker.
While we COULD question anything, it is not useful to do so. I tend to withhold my skepticism for that which is either not supported by empirical evidence, or is at least falsifiable. The existence of the sun is supported by all empirical evidence, and in any possible world where we could be so deceived as to perceive the sun daily and consistently for the entirety of our lives and still be mistaken about its existence, it seems unlikely that our mistake could be discovered. Doubting its existence does not in any way help us cope with the world in which we live, or advance our understanding in any way. Though it may be fun while we're stoned.
John M
It often makes sense to question things about which we are not yet certain. To do so for no clear purpose, or to fail to make use of the results is what seems wasteful.
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No one knows what certainty really is. We know that things that are certain are real, and things that are uncertain are less real, but that doesn't really tell us what it we are talking about. I have read no definition of certainty that would define it suitably, and I reckon you won't find one either. If you do, let the community know.
Please watch and comment:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mNo2vWrUNks
sa
Nothing is certain !You can pose any question and no body(nothing) is beyond questioning !
Move on
Really ! I want what you're smoking ;-)