Emergent mess of probabilities there will always be uncanny

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the nature of coincidences, causation, and the philosophical implications of time and space as understood through Einstein's block universe. Participants explore the relationship between cause and effect, synchronicity, and the epistemological perspectives of David Hume, with a focus on how these concepts relate to human experience and understanding.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Historical

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants suggest that coincidences may hold meaning, while others argue that by definition, coincidences lack inherent significance.
  • There is speculation about the nature of cause and effect within the framework of Einstein's block universe, with some proposing that these concepts may be mere patterns rather than definitive causal relationships.
  • One participant questions whether cause and effect is simply a convenient assumption, prompting further reflection on the common perception of time as moving.
  • David Hume's views on causation are referenced, with some participants asserting that Hume would not support metaphysical interpretations like Jung's concept of synchronicity.
  • There is a discussion about the implications of labeling cause and effect, with some arguing that these labels may misrepresent the nature of connections in reality.
  • Some participants express confusion regarding the relationship between Hume's empiricism and metaphysical concepts, particularly synchronicity, leading to further debate on necessary connections in causation.
  • One participant emphasizes that their observations are not metaphysical but rather focus on the patterned nature of space-time.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express a range of views on the nature of coincidences, causation, and the philosophical implications of these concepts. There is no consensus on the relationship between Hume's philosophy and the idea of synchronicity, nor on the validity of necessary connections in causation.

Contextual Notes

Participants reference various philosophical perspectives and historical figures, particularly Hume and Einstein, to support their arguments. The discussion highlights the complexity of interpreting causation and synchronicity, with unresolved questions about the implications of these interpretations.

  • #31


I realize that I am getting off topic, but this thread reminds me of a quote from Stephen Hawking, “What is it that breathes fire into the equations and makes a universe for them to describe?” Anyway, I would be glad to go wherever this train of thought leads. However, I will get back on topic. Perhaps, I will start a thread of my own! I'm new at this!
 
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  • #32


Gwilim said:
Are coincidences meaningful?

Meaningful is the tricky word in this question.

From Wikipedia:
A non-linguistic meaning is an actual or possible derivation from sentence, which is not associated with signs that have any original or primary intent of communication.


One would have to judge the value of the "derivation" they obtain from the coincidence.

Synchronicity (FNORD) in my personal research is often a way to derive new avenues of speculation. I also tend to pay attention to trains of thought that seem to involve a high occurrence of synchronicity.

Since the imagination plays an important role in relating ideas to one another an openess to the idea of Synchronicity may aid the reseacher but if not taken with a grain of salt it may derail the reseacher as well.

When, in my opinion, you become obsessed with a lucky object based on coincidences is a simple example of a valueless "derivation" associated with signs.
 

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