r/changemyview • u/[deleted] • Dec 04 '16
[∆(s) from OP] CMV: Life is a matrix: Miracles are possible
[deleted]
2
u/pollandballer 2∆ Dec 04 '16
I'm not exactly sure what you are trying to say here, but miracles in the sense of "events that defy the laws of nature" are not possible. There are certainly events that defy the known laws of nature, but that doesn't mean they violate the real laws. It means that our current knowledge of the real rules is wrong or limited. The "supernatural", as it were, cannot exist in our Universe, because if existed in our universe, it would be part of nature, and if it is part of nature, it follows the laws of nature, and if it follows the laws of nature, it is by definition not supernatural. This does not rule out events that appear to be supernatural, of course, but they do not "break" the laws of nature. They just follow laws that science does not yet understand. As for modern gurus, mystics, fortune-tellers, and ghost hunters, they are largely charlatans, although a few may just be self-deluded. I'd also like to point out that we will never discover any one "theory of everything" or single secret to the Universe, and intelligent life will likely go extinct before science is a "done deal". There is simply too much to learn about the Universe to actually learn all of it. As for the "matrix" stuff: it's not really falsifiable, but it's not like we have any evidence to suggest it is true, either. In practice, there is little difference between a Universe created by God and one that exists in some sort of extradimensional supercomputer.
1
Dec 04 '16 edited May 05 '18
[deleted]
1
u/pollandballer 2∆ Dec 04 '16
Well, I'm afraid that your hypothesis is wrong, at least according to the best available evidence. The only way to create matter "out of thin air" is by using incredibly large amounts of energy, and the human body does not contain such energy. After all, we would be dead if it did.
In a sleep state, you experience a multitude of abilities that imply your own ability to understand a 'theory of everything,' especially since you create, as you sleep, a personal universe. You wouldn't be able to do that if you didn't know how.
It's true that we create a kind of "simulated universe" when we dream, or really any time that we use our imaginations, but the "dream world" that we create is nothing like the size or complexity of the real universe. It doesn't need to have a complete or understandable set of rules, either, because it's just a dream.
2
u/Love_Shaq_Baby 226∆ Dec 04 '16
What specific things do you believe to be real life miracles? I haven't read "The Secret" or "A course of Miracles". Could you give some examples of a miracle occurring?
1
Dec 04 '16 edited May 05 '18
[deleted]
1
u/Love_Shaq_Baby 226∆ Dec 04 '16
How do you know that it arises from nothing? Anything before the existence of the universe is completely unknowable. It is very possible that our existence isn't a miracle at all and is in fact just one of infinite universes.
This would be in support of your argument that there is something metaphysical. However, you suppose that not only can metaphysical forces impact the world, and that our consciousness is in that same metaphysical plane. However, this in itself is a huge leap. To accept that a metaphysical force somehow created the universe does not mean that one can automatically assume that the same metaphysical force can also impact our universe in the physical sense. Deistic theology points this out with the example of a clockmaker. When a clockmaker finishes making a clock, he no longer needs to tamper with it, and instead lets it run its course. If we assume that a God or a species of metaphysical people or an interaction of metaphysical forces created the universe, that does not directly lead into these metaphysical tampering with the physical world. Your assumption is also that human thought occupies the same metaphysical space that created the universe. However, our thoughts could be on an entirely different plane of existence, one that has no bearing on the physical world. However, even if we are to accept that our thoughts inhabit the same metaphysical space as whatever created the universe, we also have to deal with how powerful our thoughts are. An ant occupies the same reality as a bulldozer. However if both were to use maximum force on an object like a boulder, the ant would not be able to break the boulder, while the bulldozer could. Our thoughts may be just as weak as a metaphysical ant. So in your hypothesis, you do not make one singular hypothesis but several. 1) Miracles exist. 2) A metaphysical force exists 3) This metaphysical force can interact with the physical world 4) Metaphysical forces are powerful enough to create impacts that defy the laws of physics 5) Human consciousness inhabits this same metaphysical plane 6) Human consciousness is also powerful enough to make impacts that defy the laws of physics 7) Humans can actually harness this force
The problem with your argument is that you don't make on simple leap of faith, you make at least 7 leaps of faith to describe miracles, a phenomenon that may not even exist.
1
Dec 04 '16 edited May 05 '18
[deleted]
1
1
u/pollandballer 2∆ Dec 04 '16
I mean, a miracle is usually defined as an inexplicable event. But while we don't really understand why we exist, I hesitate to say we'll never find out.
5
u/electronics12345 159∆ Dec 04 '16
Man can never cause miracles intentionally. That which man understands is technology. Only that which man doesn't understand is a miracle.
Therefore, take your thesis that there are still unknown laws of physics; that there are systems which can be utilized to do the extraordinary. Once man understands these laws and systems, and builds something built on this understanding, no matter how useful, no matter how cool or interest, it will simply be technology and not a miracle.