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Absence of evidence is not evidence of absence, though. We have had other questions that have sat unanswered for centuries that had a breakthrough and were figu
by philipov 4y ago
Absence of evidence is not evidence of absence, though. We have had other questions that have sat unanswered for centuries that had a breakthrough and were figured out when the time was right. The answer might just be eluding us because there are other questions we need to solve first.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Evidence_of_absence https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Evidence_of_absence
- bumby 4y agoHow would you relate that to the OP's example of the nature of consciousness? The hard problem of consciousness seems particularly suited to avoid the mechanisms that "we" "know" anything (e.g., objective evidence and the scientific method).
- mistermann 4y ago> Absence of evidence is not evidence of absence, though. It is evidence for it, but not proof. There's an essay somewhere out there go into more detail on the matter. Relevant to the article: is meme-based cognition net beneficial or harmful? What if examined across different dimensions? Also: is it still net beneficial that humanity invests most of its resources in studying physical reality, or might studying metaphysical reality generate a larger return on investment? Might there be a way to ~trick humanity into being able to discuss such ideas in a serious manner?
- the_af 4y agoFrom your link: > Despite what the expression may seem to imply, a lack of evidence can be informative. For example, when testing a new drug, if no harmful effects are observed then this suggests that the drug is safe. Evidence of absence is at least a non-arbitrary but partial suggestion of absence.