Skeptic7

Yep saw it. Very unsatisfying for the host, I think, as he wants to be convinced of an afterlife and isn't presented with anything remotely convincing, nor satisfying! Am sure many (you) will disagree, but personally not aware of anyone who speaks as much as Deepak Chopra, while saying absolutely nothing.

While I understand your point and appreciate it, now more than before...this is far removed from my areas of knowledge, especially from the "spiritual" side. Still interesting and Informative (for me). Where you see dismissals, I see the host being fair, objective and entertaining all sides. (Lots of hmmm I don't know) IMO he's very open and is genuinely seeking answers. I have watched many episodes, so can't remember individual eps in detail. Certainly it's not perfect for either side, if all we desire is more confirmation of our particular bias. Plenty of channels for that, but for me these usually keep my interest...even the ones with which I disagree. TBH, I have just turned off a few! At the end of almost every show...he doesn't take a side, but rather leaves it for the viewer to decide.

A similar question was posed a couple years back. @ubonjoeresponded. Perhaps he will again, but here's the previous thread.

After this latest round of "curfew and checkpoints" best buddy drove from Jomtien to Korat, spent 3 days, then in to BKK and next night to Swampy after midnight (!), without ever seeing any checkpoints, anywhere at any time. They did register travel, but turned out a total waste of time as was never even questioned along the way. 555

FINALLY! Now Do It! Lift And Let Live.

I know you're generalizing and saying many believers look at atheists living in a world where nothing really matters...but that stigma, that stereotype couldn't be more inaccurate and undeserved. Just to clarify and correct this false attribute...many/most of my friends are atheists too and all live their lives like EVERYTHING really matters. From personal responsibility, children and family, friends and loved ones to pets, environment and simply being decent people. To be clear...I don't believe you think this, but majority of believers do and it just couldn't be further from the truth and reality.

Well since you be the expert...I defer! ????

You're the one with the prob, not me. ????????

Sounds like another sad example of one whom couldn't control themselves and their vices, so now gonna unfairly project their personal problems on others. Poor mate.????????

Agreed, but too bad so sad it's going on 2 years and there's no hint at learning to live with it. Should have accepted it and learned that a year ago. Better yet, from the very beginning. Controlling nature, controlling the world's population and trying to control (and halt) every single death in a population of 8 billion are all impossible tasks and fool's errands.

Sure, but just asking that question of purpose doesn't mean there is one...or any. No idea what's meant by 'as a unity'. Regardless, likely most people ponder that at some point. Some see no purpose, some "find" it, some make it, others need it, while still others are continually searching. I contend there is no inherent purpose and have little doubt. You disagree, though not 100%, but have many doubts. Since you assumed that non-believers have no purpose and proposed that question, I now feel inclined to ask you...do believers all have a purpose? If so...what is it? Is it the same purpose for all? I'm guessing surely not to that last query, which is why I said earlier that my answer of making (or finding) our own applies to non-believers as well as believers.

From this unbeliever, if I may... There's no inherent purpose. We, as individuals, give our lives meaning and purpose. Myriad factors play a role throughout one's life, but regardless wealth, country of origin, upbringing, family, education etc...it's ultimately up to each individual to give meaning to their existence and find or make purpose, or not. This is true for everyone...believer or non.

Good

Karen Carpenter had an angelic voice...tho as you well know I don't believe in angels! 555 Definitely Bowie Eddie Van Halen Bon Scott (love Brian Johnson) Malcolm Young John Lennon George Harrison (Paul McCartney 555 remember that hoax?!?)

Been using H2O2 as an oral rinse for 4 decades, maybe longer. Also has many other uses. Great stuff. ????

And soon to follow...50 more saying SYSTEM DOWN! Not working. ????

Final Exit (book) by Derek Humphry. Recently discovered this suicide manual.

Been binging it lately. Really good. Here's one am quite certain both you and @mauGR1will like. It's not biased at all (if anything, goes slightly against my side at times) and the host as well as all his interviewees are highly qualified and some well known, including David Chalmers on this one. Extremely professional and well done.

Intentionally omitted "panpsychism" for brevity mainly, but figured we'd hit on it. I was recently made aware of the word watching some vids with Sam Harris and Daniel Dennett and on a YouTube channel entitled "Closer To Truth", with which you're prob familiar. If not...highly recommended. The host is Robert Lawrence Kuhn. I also avoided "panpsychism" because "radical" came up a couple times. Also came up that it's unscientific because it can't be falsified or empirically tested and has no predictive uses. Some of those stating such are Daniel Dennett and John Searle, among others. "Panpsychism" seems quite far-fetched to me as well. And to what purpose? To what end? To prove what...god? Still see no link to any "god" even if it was true. But that's just me.

This is a fearful and emotional response to facing the possibility of not existing. Not existing is a daunting and fear inspiring thought, as existence is all any of us has ever known...but a very possible and extremely probable outcome, regardless how one feels about it or believes there's more or "everlasting". No one here, other than you, have claimed we're "happy" about it. It's just the reality we face. Just believing something without evidence, like an afterlife, because it makes you feel good or more comfortable does not make it true. It makes you feel better, sure...but does not make it real or true. And it's certainly not the way I want to conduct my life. IMO...this incredible and amazing roll of the dice life journey is made more meaningful and special knowing it's my one and only chance to experience it fully and make the most I can of it. I've lived by this credo all my life. No re-do's, no second chances. Knowing it's a one, and only one, shot deal makes me live and appreciate and try to enjoy the richest and fullest life possible. It's been (and slowly still continues to be) fan-<deleted>-tastic, despite the tragedy suffered earlier this year of the brutal murder of my most cherished loved one. Am I afraid of dying...of not existing? No. Am I "happy" about it or looking forward to it? No. But tbh, since 5 Feb that thought seems rather appealing at times and much easier than the grief, torment and anguish. One, of many, fave Mark Twain quotes... "I had been dead for billions and billions of years before I was born, and had not suffered the slightest inconvenience from it.”

So I'm not surprised by your answer, but my question should have been more precise perhaps. The actual question intended was..can we agree that there has never been an example of a mind or consciousness absent a brain? Which now arises a further question. Do you dispute that mind/consciousness is a process of natural brain function?

Thank you for the interesting articles. I read all 3 as well as many others. Have been watching some informative vids along the way also. We seem not to be on the same page. While I'll concede there is (perhaps) no current scientific consensus, the dominant prevailing view is consciousness/mind is a process of the brain. @mauGR1The "mind" is one of many aspects of the brain and what the brain does. That seems quite basic really, as there is not one example ever of a mind or consciousness without a brain. Do we agree on this? Correct me if I've misunderstood, but seems you're claiming it's not known from WHERE mind/consciousness is derived, when actually you're looking for the how and why. The brain is the "where"...yes? I'll also concede that there exist differing views on the this subject by credible scientists...but it's nowhere close to 50-50. The majority of neuroscientists are in the materialist/biological naturalist camp. That's also where my tent is pitched. I also find it reasonable to accept that all non-human brains have consciousness as well. Is there more research needed? Always. On the how and why as well as the where? Absolutely. But we reside in 2 different camps and IMO, not meant to be dismissive nor at all condescending, the current knowledge, science and philosophy favors my side. And from my camp, certainly no need or useful purpose for including or inserting any god or creator. Granted your camp disagrees...and that is the "why" question I just cannot understand and which I find fascinating and unfathomable. If nothing else, perhaps this helps amiably explain my views and where I'm coming from.

I bet they're all "raring" to buy that bridge too! ????

Yep. Are you? Human consciousness, at all levels, is the product of the natural processes of the human mind/brain. No magical mystical (or gods) required, despite a very fringe few who make these wild claims.

See...exactly what I was saying and what you'll always get...Nothing. No definition, no idea, no clue nor evidence...yet full on persistent belief in things they don't understand and can't even define, but somehow it's "god". ????