Re: OT: reality (wasRe: Atlantean)

> In the final analysis, the belief in the existence
> objective reality depends upon one's a priori
> metaphysical assumptions.  If one subscribes to
> materialistic realism then one _assumes_ that
> objective reality exists and, since that is an axiom,
> no proof is necessary.  If, however, one subscribes to
> transcendental idealism (as I do) then the existence
> of objective reality is NOT taken to be an a priori
> axiom, and, in fact, such a thing as objective reality
> cannot be proven to exist.
>
> As a
> quantum-realtivistic-Buddhist-transcendental-idealist,
> I defy you to prove the existence of objective
> reality.  Great minds have tried and failed.  In the
> final analysis one can only choose whether to _assume_
> objective reality exists or to _assume_ that it does
> not.
Axiom 1:
If an event is percieved multiple times, and each time the result is
similar, then we can conclude that the next time the event occurs, the same
result will occur as far as our perception is aware. (The universe is
empirical)

Corrolary:
If more than 50 people percieve the same object, we can conclude that any
person will percieve that object, as well.

Inference:
From empiricism, it is likely that if 1 person percieves an object, 50
people will as well. Therefore, we can infer that 1 person's perception is
usually accurate (though not always).

Axiom 2:
We can make any assumption so long as it does not contradict anything we
have already concluded as we already know, and we can base further
assumptions and conclusions from this assumption. However, as soon as we
encounter a contradiction because of this assumption, we can clearly no
longer support this assumption, whether that contradiction comes from a
perception or from a logical conclusion.

Ergo:
Multiple people percieve the same object. In fact, one person will often
percieve the same object as other people. We can assume an objective reality
exists, given that multiple people percieve there to be a reality. As well,
assuming an objective reality exists does not contradict any conclusion we
have come to so far, or anything we know. [minor tangent: in fact, is there
anything that would contradict the idea of there being an objective
reality?]

No, it's not a "proof". But real "proof" is impossible because you always
have to start with something. But I consider it a fairly convincing
argument, since I believe firmly in the idea of empiricism.

-Keith

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