If an argument cannot stand on its own it cannot be part of another. Neither can it be used in requiring a conclusion from others since argumentation on its own is open to debate and negotiation which are concerned with reaching conclusions that are mutually acceptable.
For example, an atheist might claim that scientific reasoning draws him to conclude that God cannot exist. But when science fails him, his argument reverts to one of morality: "How could God exist and yet permit so much evil?" One argument fails and another takes over even though it is unrelated. And while it might make sense to him, others see this as specious and based on that one's pre-existing belief. The arguer has proven nothing but confuse his debaters by switching from "here is the proof" to an "either or" argument.
From here emerges what is called a false dichotomy or dilemma which imposes a forced choice even though nothing can be proven. (but which exists in the minds of all supporters). This is the last ditch attempt to force a fallacious conclusion, i.e., "If you are not with us, you are against us." Some even take this a step further by making it personal, eg, "If you believe that you are stupid."
sw
The mechanics of false reasoning are a thing to behold to be sure. I’m always puzzled how evolutionists think they have an airtight argument when they say “no one can prove that God existsâ€. What such ones fail to consider is the flipside which is “no one can prove God does not exist†either. False reasoning prevails, by failing to see or consider an obvious flaw in the line of argumentation.
Is it possible for humans to be completely unbiased and objective in their reasoning? I think it’s very difficult - but possible – and only if the Holy Spirit is working on a person’s mind and heart – which can’t happen unless a person has the right motive and heart condition. The Great God does not give the True Knowledge to just anyone.
It blows my mind that persons are able to “see†certain truths when there exists the levels of blindness of millions that simply cannot “see†the obvious. Satan’s deception machine is so multi layered and tricked out that when persons are seemingly able to dig themselves out of deception, and think they now see the real deal, they many times are instead deceived by the next layer in the multi layer deception machine that is Satan’s world. The WT's deception machine is a prime example of how that process works.
I’m stunned at how God is able to hide things from the wise and self important but yet reveal deep insights to persons with the right mindset. It’s amazing when everyone hears the same words - looks at the same evidence - and yet are able to draw completely opposite conclusions on an issue. Such as the Pharisees that witnessed stunning miracles performed right before their eyes and yet completely missed the point that Jesus was from God.
If we think we “seeâ€, we should never become self assuming and think we have much of anything nailed for a certainty. The very nano second that we think we know it all, is the very nano second that we risk ceasing to learn more or be hamstrung by our own self imposed blindness. This in my mind is why Jesus said to keep on seeking and knocking in order to always stay on the watch, alert to the fact that what we think we know - may not be the real deal - but another deception. Wise words to “test every inspired expressionâ€, not just some of them.
I marvel at how I went around for thirty some years thinking I had a wrap on the True Knowledge! Only to find out that I was as deceived as the ones I thought I was leading into the light! Self deception is even better than external deception.
So let’s keep pinching ourselves folks – it’s not over yet…
v r
If we think we “seeâ€, we should never become self assuming and think we have much of anything nailed for a certainty. The very nano second that we think we know it all, is the very nano second that we risk ceasing to learn more or be hamstrung by our own self imposed blindness. This in my mind is why Jesus said to keep on seeking and knocking in order to always stay on the watch, alert to the fact that what we think we know - may not be the real deal - but another deception. Wise words to “test every inspired expressionâ€, not just some of them.
Well said, v r. And you didn't "nail it" either. But that's ok because the minute you think you have you're already a long way along the road of fallacious self-deception.
I am of the mind that any light from the spirit realm is potentially dangerous. Face it. Spiritual enlightenment is heady stuff and makes for superior feelings in all its recipients whether coming from God or the devil.
Testing out the light to see whether it is true is modesty on our part. Even God's spirit will allow for the 'vision' to remain incomplete if we don't 'check it out.' Thus, even our enlightenment can result in error if we fail to give it the litmus test of proof since personal experience really proves nothing on its own.
Not that Jehovah or Jesus would send out false light but if we fail to let its work be complete, then like endurance not being allowed to complete its task, we will ultimately conclude a fallacy which is simply presuming upon God's spirit, a thing that the WT has been doing ever so much more since the 1914 date became weakened by excessive time and unfulfillment.
sw
The only thing that I am certain I know is the fact that I know nothing at all! :dontknow: After all these years too! :read: Very humbling.:thinking:
Agape,
Grateful :giverose:
On our study list this year. "The Fallacy Detective" , by Nathaniel & Hans Bluedorn. 36 lessons on how to recognize bad reasoning.
This is geared to children upper elementary middle school. There is another book that follows. These are Christian authors.
BF
all the arguing certainly is not a peace making activity.
So i don't want to have anything to do with it when i can choose.
blessed are the peace makers.
The fallacious reasoning is to come to a firm conclusion at all. When we draw a line we stop reasoning and learning, then we become dogmatic. That's what I was as a JW for 50 years.
As Jesus said, "Keep on asking and it will be given. Keep searching and you will find it. Keep on knocking and it will be opened. For, all who keep asking will receive; all who keep searching will find; and [the door] will be opened to all who keep knocking."
The fallacious reasoning is to come to a firm conclusion at all. When we draw a line we stop reasoning and learning, then we become dogmatic. That's what I was as a JW for 50 years.
As Jesus said, "Keep on asking and it will be given. Keep searching and you will find it. Keep on knocking and it will be opened. For, all who keep asking will receive; all who keep searching will find; and [the door] will be opened to all who keep knocking."
Yes, those people who keep searching will be blessed.
I would like to point out further that the scriptures show even more benevolence than what you have quoted above.
An invitation will also be extended to come to a veritable feast of knowledge.
That invitation will be rejected by many and those sent out to deliver the invitation will be treated insolently.
They will take "no note".
Just like in the days of Noah!
In Christ
abe