From: Steve Peterson (speterson@fast.net)
Date: Sat Dec 07 2002 - 18:37:30 GMT
Erin writes:
> Well Steve,
> the thing is I believe you make a good argument...
> but the possiblilty that probability that
> meaningful coincidence after meaninful coincidence
> is all chance has about equal probability
> of they don't to.
Steve:
What I am taking issue with is the idea that what makes a given coincidence
meaningful is a perceived low probability. Making a probabilistic argument
for how meaningful something is is nonsense.
Erin said:
> Seems to me you can believe the universe is
> operating by chance or if everything is meaningfully connected....
> I just honestly [don't?] think your conception of a universe
> has any more validity then Jungs.
Steve says:
I see probability and randomness as a useful way of thinking about
unpredictable events (things we can't predict, not unpredictable in a
necessarily absolute sense.) But randomness exists only in the mind.
(I) Thinking of the universe as random and without meaning and (II) making
probability arguments for meaning are two sides of the same coin.
(I) is at least based on correct interpretation of probability, but both (I)
and (II) are using a flashlight to look for the dark.
erin:
> LoL...there is that one quote in Lila
> where Pirsig talks about a poker scene in Sundance Kid.
> He askes why is he having such good luck.
> He answers "prayer". He doesn't say it sarcastically and
> he doesn't say it seriously either.
Great scene
> Yeah that ironic tone is what I'd say to YOUR card
> examples;-) I am perfectly fine with your conception of
> the your universe..just recognize that is how you choose
> to see the world....Just like somebody choosing to see
> meaningful connections.
>
Steve:
I still can't see how the examples you gave are *meaningful* coincidences.
What do they mean? (If not to simply point to some mysterious force in the
universe that wants to make neat coincidences happen)
Steve
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