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> ...but why do you get to determine what is “utter nonsense”? With respect, I've always found the "why do you get to decide" retort unfair. First, it actually

> ...but why do you get to determine what is “utter nonsense”? With respect, I've always found the "why do you get to decide" retort unfair. First, it actually isn't a counter-argument: it's an appeal to shame. Secondly, everyone is entitled to come to their own conclusions and form their own judgements. I do think the "utter nonsense" was a bald statement in that there wasn't much of a warrant given for it, but people tend to do that when something seems self-evident. Better to just ask for the warrant in that case. BTW, why in the world did someone flag that comment?

mistermann 3y ago
> With respect, I've always found the "why do you get to decide" retort unfair. First, it actually isn't a counter-argument: it's an appeal to shame. Secondly, everyone is entitled to come to their own conclusions and form their own judgements. It is possible to explicitly state if one's statement is intended as an expression of fact or opinion, although having the presence of mind to remember that the distinction exists (wrt to one's own "reality") is typically required. > I do think the "utter nonsense" was a bald statement in that there wasn't much of a warrant given for it, but people tend to do that when something seems self-evident. Is the irony of technically delusional atheists criticizing theists for delusions not a bit too rich for your tastes though? I am fascinated by what religion and religious ideas do to the minds of both believers and non-believers, it makes it very hard for me to believe that there isn't something supernatural ("beyond scientific understanding") going on here.