Stephen Hawking contra philosophy

In summary, the conversation discusses the issue of Stephen Hawking's comments on philosophy and whether they should be seen as embarrassing for the renowned physicist. The article suggests that in order for a discussion to be productive in the philosophy forums, certain guidelines and rules should be followed, such as defining key terms, justifying the issue being discussed, stating assumptions and providing logical support, and summarizing previous arguments. These guidelines are aimed at creating a better understanding of the topic and promoting productive discourse.
  • #1
BenVitale
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1
Article : Hawking contra Philosophy

Do you think Stephen Hawking's comments on philosophy ought to be embarrassing to the great physicist?
 
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  • #2
If you wish to re-post this according to the guidelines and new rules for Philosophy, you can try again. Otherwise you're just asking for an opinion. You didn't even mention what your own thoughts were, although you tried to lead the reader to a certain point of view.

In general, one should attempt to flesh out questions and arguments in the philosophy forums adequately enough that readers will have a good understanding of the problem, the backdrop against which it resides, and the justification of one's perspective. This might include

* explicitly defining key terms;
* justifying why this is a valid issue or problem in the first place;
* explicitly stating starting premises or assumptions;
* providing logical or empirical support for such premises or assumptions;
* making subtle logical steps more explicit;
* summarizing previous arguments made on the topic and explaining how they are relevant to your argument;
* etc.

https://www.physicsforums.com/showthread.php?t=47294

And the new additional rules.

https://www.physicsforums.com/showthread.php?t=459350
 
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1. How did Stephen Hawking's views on philosophy differ from traditional philosophers?

Stephen Hawking was known for his contributions to the fields of physics and cosmology, but he often clashed with traditional philosophers. Unlike traditional philosophers who rely on abstract reasoning and logical arguments, Hawking believed that science and empirical evidence were the only reliable sources of knowledge. He argued that philosophy could not provide any definitive answers about the nature of reality and instead focused on developing scientific theories and models to explain the universe.

2. Did Stephen Hawking believe in the existence of God?

Hawking was an atheist and did not believe in the existence of a traditional deity or an afterlife. He argued that the laws of physics could explain the origin and evolution of the universe, and there was no need to invoke a divine creator to explain these phenomena. Hawking saw the universe as a complex and self-sustaining system that did not require a god to function.

3. How did Stephen Hawking's scientific theories challenge traditional philosophical beliefs?

Hawking's scientific theories, such as the Big Bang theory and black hole radiation, challenged traditional philosophical beliefs about the nature of time, space, and causality. For example, his theory of black hole radiation challenged the long-held belief that nothing can escape a black hole, which had significant implications for our understanding of the universe and the laws of physics.

4. What was Stephen Hawking's stance on the mind-body problem?

Hawking's view on the mind-body problem was materialistic, meaning that he believed the mind could be explained by physical processes in the brain. He rejected the idea of a non-physical or spiritual aspect to the mind and argued that consciousness was a product of the brain's complex neural networks and electrical impulses.

5. How did Stephen Hawking's ideas about the universe influence modern philosophical debates?

Hawking's theories and discoveries, such as the Big Bang theory and black hole radiation, have had a significant impact on modern philosophical debates about the nature of the universe. His work has challenged traditional philosophical beliefs and inspired new ways of thinking about the universe and our place in it. Hawking's ideas have also sparked debates about the role of science in understanding reality and the limitations of philosophy in explaining the universe.

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