What is the Objectivist Position on this Philosophical Quandry?

Posted by $ prof611 10 years, 3 months ago to Philosophy
121 comments | Share | Best of... | Flag

Here's a scenario based on a variation of Pacal's Wager [ http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pascal%27s_... ]:

An atheist lies on his deathbed. Suddenly, he calls for a priest, so he can "confess" and obtain absolution.

It seems to me that this behavior is completely logical. The man reasons as follows: If, by even an infinitessimal chance, his philosophy is mistaken, and there is a "god", he will then be able to go to "heaven". If his philosophy is correct, then he has lost nothing by "confessing".

All Comments

Previous comments...   You are currently on page 2.
  • Posted by Doug_Ort 10 years, 3 months ago
    Confessing won't help anyway. I'm no expert on the Bible, but if I remember correctly there's a verse stating that in order to go to Heaven you have to believe in the Lord God with all your heart and all your soul. It seems to me that claiming to believe in order to avoid going to Hell doesn't meet that criterion.
    Reply | Permalink  
  • Posted by Eudaimonist 10 years, 3 months ago
    I do lose something -- my integrity, which is sacred beyond measure.
    Reply | Permalink  
  • Posted by LarryHeart 10 years, 3 months ago
    When the premise is wrong, the logic falls apart.

    First God may be nothing like what pascal assumes. Second, even assuming it is correct Confession may be useless. That's a Catholic idea.

    Third. What if there is no Hell?

    Factually, I know for certain, since I am fluent in Ancient Hebrew, that the 5 books of Moses have not been interpreted properly and certainly not fully. Hell is not mentioned. God is not mentioned, only existence and the forces of nature. In fact we are cautioned NOT to imagine as most religions do. Would it not behoove the wagerer to first learn exactly what is involved and not assume.
    Reply | Permalink  
  • Posted by bagelfool 10 years, 3 months ago
    If I was on my deathbed, I wouldn't call a priest. I'd shrug.
    Reply | Permalink  
  • Comment hidden due to member score or comment score too low. View Comment
  • -1
    Posted by Robbie53024 10 years, 3 months ago in reply to this comment.
    As I age, I become more pragmatic (some might say more cynical). There will never be an ideal capitalist society, in my opinion. We will have periods where we can be closer to that ideal (the US from after when William Bradford straightened out the right to property in Plymouth Colony through the late 19th century being one), but we will never realize it fully. And more often than not, we will exist in an oppressive society where there is a power structure that favors one class or group over others. That's the way it has been throughout history, and increasingly is becoming again today.
    Reply | Permalink  
  • Comment hidden due to member score or comment score too low. View Comment
  • -1
    Posted by Robbie53024 10 years, 3 months ago in reply to this comment.
    You assume that an "ideal" situation will come about. I say that history demonstrates this is uncommon, if even practical. It just does not happen. So, in a real world, where there will be bullies, is it better to be the wolf or the sheep? Given that they sheep rarely will band together to protect themselves from the wolf.
    Reply | Permalink  
  • Posted by khalling 10 years, 3 months ago in reply to this comment.
    I suggest you read Capitalism The Unknown Ideal. It answers these questions well and in depth.
    Reply | Permalink  
  • Posted by khalling 10 years, 3 months ago in reply to this comment.
    I 'm not going to debate with you about theocracy states. The US Constitution does not allow for that. I think it was an extremely wise decision.
    In a truly free market, competitors can easily exploit bullies. Bullies can only thrive if they are working with a corrupted govt. Or are you talking about a physical self defense? In a true free market the people will be the "biggest "
    Reply | Permalink  
  • Comment hidden due to member score or comment score too low. View Comment
  • Posted by Robbie53024 10 years, 3 months ago in reply to this comment.
    Moral according to who's standards? Is there a universal standard of morality? Please identify it and demonstrate that it is universal and accepted as such.
    Reply | Permalink  
  • Comment hidden due to member score or comment score too low. View Comment
  • -1
    Posted by Robbie53024 10 years, 3 months ago in reply to this comment.
    So, by your lack of rational response, I assume that you capitulate and accept that nether love nor freedom can be measured or proven. Yet, I assume that you also accept them as real, at least as real concepts if not something that you are personally partaking of (I'm speaking about freedom since you say you don't have it).

    One last point. Did Love or Freedom ever have a beginning and will they ever have an ending? Be intellectually honest and not merely flippant. I have been abundantly patient, logical, and rational in this interchange. I have participated in good faith, I hope that you do as well.

    Reply | Permalink  
  • Posted by LetsShrug 10 years, 3 months ago in reply to this comment.
    It is never moral to be a bully or a thug or a tyrant. If you're the baddest ass on the block then you're the biggest ass as well.
    Reply | Permalink  
  • Posted by LetsShrug 10 years, 3 months ago in reply to this comment.
    "People create their own questions because they are afraid to look straight. All you have to do is look straight and see the road, and when you see it, don't sit looking at it - walk."
    Reply | Permalink  
  • Posted by LetsShrug 10 years, 3 months ago in reply to this comment.
    "Reason is not automatic. Those who deny it cannot be conquered by it. Do not count on them.
    Leave them alone." AR

    Reply | Permalink  
  • Comment hidden due to member score or comment score too low. View Comment
  • -1
    Posted by Robbie53024 10 years, 3 months ago in reply to this comment.
    Are you going to measure Love or Freedom for me? Prove that they are real, please. I'll be here patiently waiting. Thank you.
    Reply | Permalink  

  • Comment hidden. Undo