Re: Consciousness: A Useless Hypothesis

From: J. R. Molloy (jr@shasta.com)
Date: Mon Jan 21 2002 - 23:33:07 MST


From: "John Clark" <jonkc@worldnet.att.net>
> Your distinction between "accept" and "believe" eludes me.

>From dictionary.com:
be·lieve (b-lv)
To accept as true or real: Do you believe the news stories?
To credit with veracity: I believe you.
To expect or suppose; think: I believe they will arrive shortly.
v. intr.
To have firm faith, especially religious faith.
To have faith, confidence, or trust: I believe in your ability to solve the
problem.
To have confidence in the truth or value of something: We believe in free
speech.
To have an opinion; think: They have already left, I believe.

6 entries found for accept.

To receive (something offered), especially with gladness or approval:
accepted a glass of water; accepted their contract.
To admit to a group, organization, or place: accepted me as a new member of
the club.
To regard as proper, usual, or right: Such customs are widely accepted.
To regard as true; believe in: Scientists have accepted the new theory.
To understand as having a specific meaning.
To endure resignedly or patiently: accept one's fate.
To answer affirmatively: accept an invitation.
To agree to take (a duty or responsibility).
To be able to hold (something applied or inserted): This wood will not
accept oil paints.
To receive officially: accept the committee's report.
To consent to pay, as by a signed agreement.
Medicine. To receive (a transplanted organ or tissue) without immunological
rejection.

--- --- --- --- ---

Useless hypotheses, etc.:
 consciousness, phlogiston, philosophy, vitalism, mind, free will, qualia,
analog computing, cultural relativism, GAC, Cyc, Eliza, cryonics, individual
uniqueness, ego, human values, scientific relinquishment, malevolent AI,
non-sensory experience, SETI

We move into a better future in proportion as the scientific method
accurately identifies incorrect thinking.



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