Science Assumes Mind-Independent Reality

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Veritas Aequitas
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Science Assumes Mind-Independent Reality

Post by Veritas Aequitas »

There is this claim that whatever is assumed to be a mind-independent reality by science is actually real mind-independently.
This is very unintelligent in claiming what is assumed or posited in the theory is itself real.
Here's a sample of such a claim;
Veritas Aequitas wrote: Thu Jun 29, 2023 5:09 am The human-based scientific FSK deals with the empirically external world.
Because it is human-based, it follows deductively, its resultant reality cannot be absolutely human-body-brain-mind-independent [countering philosophical realism mind-independence].
It can, by using referents posited outside the human mind.
Which is exactly what science does.
viewtopic.php?p=652165#p652165
Veritas Aequitas wrote: ↑Thu Jun 29, 2023 6:25 am
Yes, science does assume a mind-independent referent outside the human mind, but since it is an inherent ASSUMPTION, it can NEVER be real at all [especially in this case].
"Yes the assumed referent can be real, just unknowable. You fail at basic logic."
viewtopic.php?p=652266#p652266
Yes, science does assume a mind-independent referent outside the human mind, but since it is an inherent ASSUMPTION, it can NEVER be real at all [especially in this case].

The only way the assumption can be real is to take it as an hypothesis, then verified and justified it within the human-based scientific FSK that it is real.
BUT then, because the scientific FSK is human-based, it follows deductively, its resultant reality as proven cannot be absolutely human-body-brain-mind-independent.

Science need assumptions;
According to Robert Priddy, all scientific study inescapably builds on at least some essential assumptions that cannot be tested by scientific processes;[43] that is, that scientists must start with some assumptions as to the ultimate analysis of the facts with which it deals.
These assumptions would then be justified partly by their adherence to the types of occurrence of which we are directly conscious, and partly by their success in representing the observed facts with a certain generality, devoid of ad hoc suppositions."[44]
Kuhn also claims that all science is based on assumptions about the character of the universe, rather than merely on empirical facts.
These assumptions – a paradigm – comprise a collection of beliefs, values and techniques that are held by a given scientific community, which legitimize their systems and set the limitations to their investigation.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Philosophy_of_science

Here is reference where Science merely assumes the existence of a mind-independent external world, i.e. external objective reality which is unprovable by Science itself;

Assumption by Science: in {} = mine.
That there is an objective reality shared by all rational observers.[47][48]
"The basis for rationality is acceptance of an external {mind-independent} objective reality."[49]
"Objective reality is clearly an essential thing if we are to develop a meaningful perspective of the world. Nevertheless its very existence is assumed."[50]
"Our belief that objective reality exist is an assumption that it arises from a real world outside of ourselves. As infants we made this assumption unconsciously.
People are happy to make this assumption that adds meaning to our sensations and feelings, than live with solipsism."[51]
"Without this assumption, there would be only the thoughts and images in our own mind (which would be the only existing mind) and there would be no need of science, or anything else."
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Philosophy_of_science
The Ten Assumptions of Science: Glenn Borchardt, Ph.D.
THE FIRST ASSUMPTION OF SCIENCE:
MATERIALISM: The external world exists after the observer does not.
At first thought, MATERIALISM appears obvious.
How could anyone believe that the external world does not exist?
How could anyone not be a materialist?
Even the etymology of the words “external” and “exists” begs a practical, Matter-of-fact acceptance of this, the First Assumption of Science.
But as with all Ten Assumptions of Science, experience can provide only support for MATERIALISM; it cannot prove it beyond a shred of an indeterminist’s doubt.

The Ten Assumptions of Science
Glenn Borchardt, Ph.D.
The External Reality is not accepted [ignored or rejected] by all scientists [in QM];
External Reality Hypothesis (ERH):
There exists an external physical reality completely independent of us humans.
Although many physicists subscribe to the ERH and dedicate their careers to the search for a deeper understanding of this assumed external reality, the ERH is not universally accepted, and is rejected by, e.g., metaphysical solipsists. Indeed, adherents of the Copenhagen interpretation of quantum mechanics may reject the ERH on the grounds that there is no reality without observation.
In this paper, we will assume that the ERH is correct and explore its implications. We will see that, although it sounds innocuous, the ERH has sweeping implications for physics if taken seriously.
Physics theories aim to describe how this assumed external reality works. Our most successful physics theories to date are generally regarded as descriptions of merely
limited aspects of the external reality.
In contrast, the holy grail of theoretical physics is to find a complete description of it, jocularly referred to as a “Theory of Everything”, or “TOE”.
The ERH implies that for a description to be complete, it must be well-defined also according to non-human sentient entities (say aliens or future supercomputers) that lack the common understanding of concepts that we humans have evolved, e.g., “particle”, “observation” or indeed any other English words. Put differently, such a description must be expressible in a form that is devoid
of human “baggage”
https://arxiv.org/pdf/0704.0646.pdf
I believe no rational person in philosophy would insist scientific assumptions of mind-independent reality is really real.
Whatever is scientifically real is what is realized and proven as conditioned [grounded] within its human-based scientific FSK.
As such, it follows deductively, the whatever the resultant reality from the human-based scientific FSK, it cannot be mind-independent.
Anyone disagree with this?
Last edited by Veritas Aequitas on Sat Jul 08, 2023 5:38 am, edited 3 times in total.
Veritas Aequitas
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Re: Science Assumes Mind-Independent Reality

Post by Veritas Aequitas »

Notes:

I wrote in the OP:
"Here is reference where Science merely assumes the existence of a mind-independent external world, i.e. external objective reality which is unprovable by Science itself'; ..."

Assumptions be can of the following;
  • 1. Proven scientific facts
    2. Provable scientific facts - empirically possible
    3. Unprovable by science
    4. Fictions
    5. Contradictions
    6. Whatever that can be thought
If I assumed [in a thesis] there are human-like aliens in another planet 10 light years away, this is verifiable, justifiable and provable by science. Since the variables are all empirical, it is a matter of providing the empirical evidences for science to verify, justify and prove whether it is scientifically real via a human-based scientific FSK.

As such whatever the thesis in confirmed, it is limited by the assumption, but it is nevertheless possible to be real conditionally.

But in the case of Science, esp. Newtonian and Einsteinian Physics, science assumes
the existence of a mind-independent external world.
Science itself admit this external objective reality is unprovable by science, so, it has to be assumed. [note unprovable to be emphasized]

Philosophical realists insist, while it is unprovable by science and unknowable by science, this assumed mind-independent external world is nevertheless REAL!

The point is
'what is REAL' is conditioned to a human-based FSR-FSK of which the human scientific FSR-FSK enable the most-realistic* emergence and realization of reality.

"What is real" on a FSR-FSK basis comes degrees depending on the credibility, reliability and objectivity of the specific FRR-FSK. e.g. the scientific-FSK @ 99/100 [most real]; the p-realist FSK @ 10/100, the theistic FSK @ .1/100.
  • 1. what is most real via FSR-FSK is human-based,
    2. Human-based involved humans, body, brain and mind
    it follows deductively,
    3. what is most real is conditioned upon humans, body, brain and mind
As such, what is most real CANNOT be unconditioned upon humans, body, brain and mind, i.e.
thus what is most real CANNOT be CANNOT be mind-independent.

Philosophical realism claims that reality and things are mind-independent.
Therefore philosophical realist is not realistic [most real].

Philosophical realists insist, while the assumed mind-independent external world even if unprovable by science and unknowable by science, this assumed mind-independent external world is nevertheless REAL!

On the contrary, as demonstrated above, the assumed mind-independent external world even if unprovable by science and unknowable by science, CANNOT and is impossible to be REAL [most FSK-ed real].
Last edited by Veritas Aequitas on Fri Jun 30, 2023 5:01 am, edited 1 time in total.
Iwannaplato
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Re: Science Assumes Mind-Independent Reality

Post by Iwannaplato »

Veritas Aequitas wrote: Thu Jun 29, 2023 7:25 am Yes, science does assume a mind-independent referent outside the human mind, but since it is an inherent ASSUMPTION, it can NEVER be real at all [especially in this case].
So, if there is an assumption it cannot be real.

We all assume that our memory is in some way generally trustworthy.
That is a ground assumption for all thinkers. They realize it is fallible and can distort, but we wake up in the morning we assume we have a decent general memory of what happened. This is true with short stretches also.
Scientists assume that their memory of models, observations, results, statistics are generally correct, if containing possible errors.
They don't think, after an experiment that their memory might be completely incorrect, that they never carried out the experiment.

You might say, well, they can check to see if the lab is there and the protocols seem to be carried out. But then later they still have to assume that they checked. That their memory of this checking is correct.

According to your logic they would have to assume that nothing they remember is real, because they and everyone else assumes there is some general correctness to their memories.

We assume, generally, we are not in a simulation.

We assume we are not in Descartes' controlled by an Evil Genius situation.

We assume we are not brains in vats.

According to your logic if you assume, what you assume cannot be real.

So, everything we have concluded is not real.
Flannel Jesus
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Re: Science Assumes Mind-Independent Reality

Post by Flannel Jesus »

I have thus far assumed VA is another real mind that I'm conversing with, a mind with its own thoughts and feelings and memory. That, obviously, can never be real. VA cannot be another real mind.
Iwannaplato
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Re: Science Assumes Mind-Independent Reality

Post by Iwannaplato »

Flannel Jesus wrote: Thu Jun 29, 2023 11:25 am I have thus far assumed VA is another real mind that I'm conversing with, a mind with its own thoughts and feelings and memory. That, obviously, can never be real. VA cannot be another real mind.
You are assuming you can know what you've assumed. Thus,
you cannot have assumed anything. (move over Taylor Swift)
Skepdick
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Re: Science Assumes Mind-Independent Reality

Post by Skepdick »

Flannel Jesus wrote: Thu Jun 29, 2023 11:25 am I have thus far assumed VA is another real mind that I'm conversing with, a mind with its own thoughts and feelings and memory. That, obviously, can never be real. VA cannot be another real mind.
And if you drop the adjective "real" how would your conversation change?

Suppose some self-skepticism - how would I determine whether I am a "real" or a "fake" mind?
Suppose we live in a computer simulation - then we are all (effectively) AI. We are all "fake" minds.

And then?
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Re: Science Assumes Mind-Independent Reality

Post by Skepdick »

Iwannaplato wrote: Thu Jun 29, 2023 9:39 am We all assume that our memory is in some way generally trustworthy.
The generality of trustworthiness of memory is immaterial if any particular memory error has the potential to negate any given conclusion.

So no, we don't "all" assume our memory is trustworthy. If we did we would have no use for taking notes. Written or recorded.

Redundancy is covered in information theory 101.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Redundanc ... on_theory)

Memory corruption is basic computer science stuff.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Memory_corruption
Last edited by Skepdick on Thu Jun 29, 2023 12:23 pm, edited 1 time in total.
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Harbal
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Re: Science Assumes Mind-Independent Reality

Post by Harbal »

Skepdick wrote: Thu Jun 29, 2023 12:11 pm
The generality of trustworthiness of memory erorrs is immaterial if any particular memory error has the potential to negate any given conclusion.
So do you, or do you not, trust your memory errors?
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Re: Science Assumes Mind-Independent Reality

Post by Skepdick »

Harbal wrote: Thu Jun 29, 2023 12:21 pm So do you, or do you not, trust your memory errors?
How do I determine whether I do or don't "trust" my memory in accordance with your unerstanding of how trust works?
Last edited by Skepdick on Thu Jun 29, 2023 12:31 pm, edited 2 times in total.
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Harbal
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Re: Science Assumes Mind-Independent Reality

Post by Harbal »

Skepdick wrote: Thu Jun 29, 2023 12:24 pm
Harbal wrote: Thu Jun 29, 2023 12:21 pm So do you, or do you not, trust your memory errors?
How do I determine whether I do or don't "trust" my memory in accordance with your unerstanding of how trust works?
You made an assertion about the trustworthiness of memory errors, which sounded utterly ridiculous, so I was just looking for claryfication.
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Re: Science Assumes Mind-Independent Reality

Post by Skepdick »

Harbal wrote: Thu Jun 29, 2023 12:30 pm
Skepdick wrote: Thu Jun 29, 2023 12:24 pm
Harbal wrote: Thu Jun 29, 2023 12:21 pm So do you, or do you not, trust your memory errors?
How do I determine whether I do or don't "trust" my memory in accordance with your unerstanding of how trust works?
You made an assertion about the trustworthiness of memory errors, which sounded utterly ridiculous, so I was just looking for claryfication.
Sure. Help me help you.

Can you clarify what's so "utterly ridiculous" about what I said?

If I am taking notes - do I trust my memory?
If I am using a diary/todo lists/automated calendaring tools - do I trust my memory?
If I have 2500+ books at arms length and the collective knowldge of humanity indexed at google.com - do I trust my memory?

Where exactly is the line between "my" memories and other people's memories I've somehow consumed and now store in my head?
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Harbal
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Re: Science Assumes Mind-Independent Reality

Post by Harbal »

Skepdick wrote: Thu Jun 29, 2023 12:31 pm
Can you clarify what's so "utterly ridiculous" about what I siad?
Yes, you said this:
The generality of trustworthiness of memory erorrs is immaterial if any particular memory error has the potential to negate any given conclusion.
But I see you have since edited it. It contained too many errors. 🙂
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Re: Science Assumes Mind-Independent Reality

Post by Skepdick »

Harbal wrote: Thu Jun 29, 2023 12:38 pm
Skepdick wrote: Thu Jun 29, 2023 12:31 pm
Can you clarify what's so "utterly ridiculous" about what I siad?
Yes, you said this:
The generality of trustworthiness of memory erorrs is immaterial if any particular memory error has the potential to negate any given conclusion.
But I see you have since edited it. It contained too many errors. 🙂
I know what I said - it's right there on record for me to see that I said it. Before and after I reworded it.

What's not clear to me is what makes what I said "ridiculous". You'll have to put those feelings into words...
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Harbal
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Re: Science Assumes Mind-Independent Reality

Post by Harbal »

Skepdick wrote: Thu Jun 29, 2023 12:41 pm
Harbal wrote: Thu Jun 29, 2023 12:38 pm
Skepdick wrote: Thu Jun 29, 2023 12:31 pm
Can you clarify what's so "utterly ridiculous" about what I siad?
Yes, you said this:
The generality of trustworthiness of memory erorrs is immaterial if any particular memory error has the potential to negate any given conclusion.
But I see you have since edited it. It contained too many errors. 🙂
I know what I said - it's right there on record for me to see that I said it. Before and after I reworded it.

What's not clear to me is what makes what I said "ridiculous".
I only mentioned it because it was clear to me.
You'll have to put those feelings into words...
No, I don't think I do have to.
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Re: Science Assumes Mind-Independent Reality

Post by Atla »

Veritas Aequitas wrote: Thu Jun 29, 2023 7:25 am Yes, science does assume a mind-independent referent outside the human mind, but since it is an inherent ASSUMPTION, it can NEVER be real at all [especially in this case].
Yes the assumed referent can be real, just unknowable. You fail at basic logic.
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