Are there absolutes? Are you absolutely sure?

avatar

This question deals with philosophy, logic, reason, evidence, the ability to analyze, to think, to reason, to debate, and ultimately absolute truth or lack therein if it does in fact not exist at all, absolutely. Let me explain this flowchart meme that I made that is a little bit funny. This kind of photo art is self-explanatory but I'll still attempt to add some commentary to this diagram thing.

My Autobiography

1980 | 1981 | 1982 | 1983 | 1984 | 1985 | 1986 | 1987 | 1988 | 1989
1990 | 1991 | 1992 | 1993 | 1994 | 1995 | 1996 | 1997 | 1998 | 1999
2000 | 2001 | 2002 | 2003 | 2004 | 2005 | 2006 | 2007 | 2008 | 2009
2010 | 2011 | 2012 | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019
2020 - 01 | 02 | 03 | 04 | 05 | 06 | 07 | 08 | 09 | 10 | 11 | 12

Are there absolutes? Are you absolutely sure?

2020-01-20 - Monday - 02:43 AM - Absolutes - Created | 08:13 PM - Published

Absolute Truth 2020-01-20.png
Absolute Truth Flowchart Map

By Oatmeal Joey Arnold

@OatmealJoey | @OatmealEnglish | @OatmealHealth | @JoeyArnoldVN
Published in January of 2020

Contact Me

Facebook | Gab | Minds | Steemit | Twitter | YouTube | And More
See More

Do you believe in absolute truth?

That is the question of the day. In other words, do you believe in objectivity, AKA absolute truth, AKA eternal principles? If you don't believe in absolute truth, morality, etc, then you probably believe in subjectivity, AKA relativity, AKA my ceiling can be your floor so to speak. Let's go over my diagram piece by piece starting with the yellow Start Here box.

Start Here

There is a yellow box in my diagram that says "START HERE." Follow that to the second rectangle box which asks the age old question, are there absolute truth? You have two choices to this question. You can say yes and follow the red road or you can pick the blue box to say no and follow the blue pipe. Well, spoiler alert, they both take you to the third yellow magic school bus.

ARE THERE ABSOLUTES?

This is the first question. What do you believe? What do you think? Let me know in the comments. Yes or no. Are there absolutes or not? In other words, are certain things right or wrong?

Absolutely?

Are you sure, absolutely? That is the secondary question. There are four possible answers that you can give which are basically combinations of all possible outcomes from the two questions. In this diagram, I asked two yes or no questions. Two times two is four. So, there are a total of 4 possible combinations. If you say yes to both questions, then you can go down the YES YES path which says END HERE, OK SMARTY PANTS.

Endless Loop

But the other three possible responses, (NO YES, YES NO, and NO NO), takes you back to the first question which will then take you back to the second question which will probably then in fact take you back to the first question again and so on and so forth, again and again like a broken record.

Explaining The Loop

Let me explain the endless loop. In order to explain the circle of logic, not to be confused with Disney's Lion King's the circle of slavery life, I will need to break down that 2nd question, "ABSOLUTELY?"

Absolutely?

Are you sure, absolutely? Regardless of whether or not you believe in absolutes or not, the next question is all about whether or not you believe in whatever you believe absolutely.

Yes Yes

If you believe in absolutes absolutely, that is double yes, then you break out of the hamster wheel matrix trap of going nowhere in life. You find the way out of the system maze. You escape the Jim Carrey Truman Show dome of existence. You escape the Scott Adams simulation of reality. You can end here if you want, ok smarty pants, mister know it all. I'm joking and yet please be careful of thinking you know more than you really do. Try to remain open minded no matter what.

No No

You could say there are no absolutes and you might not be sure about that absolutely. That means doubt. In other words, you might believe that there are no absolutes. The second question asks if you are totally confident of the answer you gave to the first question. If you say no, then that means you are not sure if there are absolute truth or not. Therefore, you end up back to question one.

Yes No

You might believe in absolutes, yes, and you might not believe it absolutely. This means you might be contemplating changing your mind which takes you back to question uno.

No Yes

You might not believe in absolutes and you may believe that absolutely. There is the irony, the paradox, when you say you don't believe X with all of your X. This ends up canceling each other out. It is like in math when you subtract the same number with itself. You end up with zero. 5-5=0. So, if you say that you believe in no absolutes with all of your heart, AKA absolutely, then you do in fact utilize what you say you do not believe. Imagine that absolutes was a gun. So, it is like saying there is no gun. but then you pick up the gun. You are like trying to have your cake and eat it too at the same time.

Objectivity vs Subjectivity

Some people believe in absolute truth, AKA objectivity, and some don't, AKA subjectivity, relativity, etc. Now, here is my quick disclaimer. I'm not saying there is no such thing application. In other words, yes, it depends on the situation. But absolute truth is all about universal law and eternal principles that can be applied to your life. They've been around since the dawn of time. They work. Billions of people have utilized these principles globally for thousands of years. So, what are you waiting for?

Does Absolutes Exist?

Here is a great meme highlighting how confusing it can be

Perspective three or four on truth 2020-10-20 - Monday - 07:51 PM.png

Can Subjective Truths Count As Absolute Truths?

The Oatmeal English School - English You Can Eat

Timestamps

All timestamps are generally in Pacific Standard Time (PST) or Pacific Daylight Time (PDT), unless otherwise noted.

My Blog Journal Diary Autobiography

Do you got too much free time?
I Disagree With Trump On Copyright Enforcement
Objectivity Over Subjectivity
Gender = Personality?
80% Light 20% Fight
Oatmeal Lawsuit
Logically Accurate
Blade Runner
Objectivity vs Subjectivity Debate
Is Math an example of absolutes?
Aligning with what is right
Being rooted in what works
Tyranny vs Free Markets
Understanding Humanity
2011 Facebook Debate
Why are women less happy?
Is there absolute truth?
Never Give Up Philosophy
Can relativity then be objective and absolute?
Is it all meaningless?
Forbidden Article
Legality vs Morality
Las Vegas & 9/11
Behind the veil lies the absolute truth
There's A Time for Everything: This an Absolute Truth
Meme: Absolute truth
Moral Direction and Absolute Truth
Harsh Truths: The Truth About Satan - Video
The absolute truth
Is there such a thing as an absolute (universal) truth?

informationwar philosophy psychology logic morality truth palnet diagrams
0
0
0.000
66 comments
avatar

Your flowchart is a work of art.

The answer is simply, there are a very few absolute truths, but those truths are technically and emotionally meaningless.

REAL-TRUE-FACTS must be Quantifiable, rigorously defined, scientifically verifiable phenomena, and or LOGICALLY NECESSARY (like NOUMENON).

Everything else is indistinguishable from opinion (unfalsifiable Qualia).

The tricky thing to keep in mind is that only Qualia is emotionally meaningful.

So, it's IMPORTANT! Qualitative opinion is extremely important.

You just have to remember that what you think is important isn't necessarily what everyone else thinks is important.

(1) PROTECT YOURSELF
(2) PROTECT YOUR FAMILY
(3) PROTECT YOUR TERRITORY

0
0
0.000
Reply
avatar

Those are three vital priorities. Oh, noumenon is an interesting word indeed.

0
0
0.000
Reply
avatar
(Edited)

If there is no absolute truth, than the fact that there is none is the first contradiction of the premise. So there must be at least one. Why not more?!

btw: I like how you phrase (3) land with "territory" and make it relative to one individual. I knew we would come back to it very soon! !invest_vote !BEER

0
0
0.000
Reply
avatar

I love how often people authoritatively declare "there is no answer" (which is an appeal to ignorance).

Thanks for your thoughtful replies.

0
0
0.000
Reply
avatar

How do you mean "you love" here? Please explain. You're welcome! !invest_vote

0
0
0.000
Reply
avatar
(Edited)

I get a thrill when I see a clumsy logical fallacy.

It's kind of like watching a movie and spotting the boom-mic at the top of the frame or watching a poorly skilled stage magician (WTF!).

0
0
0.000
Reply
avatar

Welcome To Freedom! !invest_vote

0
0
0.000
Reply
avatar

Also this,

IMAGE SOURCE

0
0
0.000
Reply
avatar

impressive

0
0
0.000
Reply
avatar

Here's another good one,

IMAGE SOURCE

0
0
0.000
Reply
avatar

Silly flowchart. It is funny but inaccurate. Homosexual is not the best choice. Technically, everything is sin because sin simply means not perfect, not holy, not God. The Bible says in Romans that the law, the commandments, like thou shalt not murder, steal, etc, serves as a mirror to show the dirt on our face. But there is more to it than that. Also, Romans 1 talks about homosexuality. I can talk all day about these things. Yeah, people can be homosexual if they want. I don't care what people do. But they should not. But they can.

0
0
0.000
Reply
avatar

Paul may have spoken against homosexuality, but he also said that women should be silent and never assume authority over a man.

Do you agree with all of Paul's teachings?

0
0
0.000
Reply
avatar

Do you understand what a cultural gap is? The problem is that people generally take the Bible out of context and stuff. The Bible was not written in English. It takes a long time to understand the context and everything, the whole story. Are you a feminist? Are you seeking for equality?

Fox News

Tucker: Obama pushed idea that girls thrive when men fail

0
0
0.000
Reply
avatar

The problem is that people generally take the Bible out of context and stuff.

So you're going with "appeal to ignorance".

Do you have any specifics? And if "The Bible" is so difficult to understand, why do people use it as an excuse for their personal views?

Are you a feminist?

I'm a logiczombie.

Tucker's completely missing the point.

Some women are better at some jobs and some men are better at some jobs.

You have to sort of take it on a case-by-case basis.

I wouldn't generally qualify or disqualify an applicant based solely on their personal identity (ad hominem).

Are you seeking for equality?

I'm seeking logical coherence (nice red-herring by the way).

0
0
0.000
Reply
avatar

That is what Tucker said. I do not understand why you say Tucker is crazy for saying what you said. But you are saying Tucker did not say what you just said. Women are better at certain jobs. Men are better at other specific tasks. That is what Tucker said. But you said no. And then you went on to paraphrase what Tucker said but in different words. But it is the same.

0
0
0.000
Reply
avatar
(Edited)

SOME women are better at SOME jobs than SOME other women.
SOME women are better at SOME jobs than SOME other men.
SOME men are better at SOME jobs than SOME other men.
SOME men are better at SOME jobs than SOME other women.

The job ITSELF does not determine the individual (woman or man) best suited.

Statistical averages are nearly always intentionally deceptive (and do not apply to individuals, only statistically significant groups-of-individuals).

0
0
0.000
Reply
avatar

Generalities are true. You're emphasizing on exceptions to the generalities. Over 99% of the time, certain things has happened all around the world via billions of people for thousands of years.

0
0
0.000
Reply
avatar

Some of those "generalities" are self-enforcing.

For example, if blacks (poor because of jim crow and red-lining) are thought of as criminals then they are more likely to be arrested and convicted of crimes, which leaves their families destitute (poor = at risk for crime) and fatherless (fatherless = even more at risk for violent behavior) which almost guarantees most of their children will be incarcerated at some point in their lifetime.

Now, in my example you might argue that INDIVIDUALS can RISE ABOVE the unfairness of their birthright.

But you've just tried to argue that GENERALITIES are true when it comes to GENDER EQUALITY.

What is your UNIFORM STANDARD OF EVIDENCE (USOE)?

Do you always blame generalities (circumstances), or do you always blame the individual for their plight?

0
0
0.000
Reply
avatar
(Edited)

Inaccurate:

Incorrect. What you are saying is not true. Just go ask @stefan.molyneux about that. Generalities tells you certain patterns because different people are different.

Patterns vs Exceptions

Most people make certain choices. Most people prefer collectivism and therefore should not be eligible to be in America. Some people are better at certain things than other people. These are generalities. These are statistical patterns. Yes, individuals can break from the patterns.

Many Reject & Regret

But most of them choose not to. Many people choose to be victims. Most people choose fake versions of federally enforced peace and security over risky freedom. Evidence is seen everywhere. If you are asking for it, you are basically denying reality. You have the right to say, "Where's the proof the sky is blue?" I could explain why the sky is blue. Likewise, you are asking me to explain what we all know is true.

Three People Groups

There are three main lines of people groups, three colors, the black people, the white people, and the yellow people. These three groups are related to each other and all humans who are human are from these groups. Generalities can describe their strengths and weaknesses. These are generally true no matter what.

Blacks in the Early 1900's

Now, keep in mind that African American business men were beginning to make more and more money in the late 1800's and even more in the early 1900's. Different groups, including democratic groups, begin finding ways to stop that. Individuals are free to make choices.

Breaking Patterns

Some people break patterns and they do extraordinary things. We should always encourage people to fulfill their potential.

0
0
0.000
Reply
avatar

Generalities tells you certain patterns because different people are different.

This statement is self-contradictory.

Generalities apply exclusively to (adequately large) GROUPS of people.

Generalities do not apply to specific INDIVIDUALS.

0
0
0.000
Reply
avatar

Generalities do apply to individual. For example, I need air to breath. That is applied to me, an individual. That is a generality that applies to probably every single normal human human that is totally a human and not anything else in actuality. Individuals make choices. But many of the choices that individuals make just so happen to be the same as what other individuals made. For example, most babies, as individuals, choose to cry. So, that is a generality. But babies are individuals. But most of them cry. And we all know that famous song, big girls don't cry eye eye eye.

0
0
0.000
Reply
avatar

Generalities do apply to individual. For example, I need air to breath.

You're describing a FACT, not a generality.

0
0
0.000
Reply
avatar

For example, most babies, as individuals, choose to cry.

Babies don't make conscious decisions.

They cry (or not cry) instinctively.

This is a FACT.

0
0
0.000
Reply
avatar

Most people prefer collectivism and therefore should not be eligible to be in America.

SOCIETY = COLLECTIVISM

If you are "anti-collectivism" then you should become a hermit. Are you a hermit?

0
0
0.000
Reply
avatar

Collectivism can especially be seen in Asia for example, historically speaking. Collectivism can only be as good as the group, the tribe, the collection. The problem is when authoritarians manipulate that type of system to pressure the majority of the people who want peace and security. So, people end up not questioning authority. They end up not asking questions. Collectivism is the crowd. It is peer pressure. It can also be a type of mob-ruling democracy. I prefer a republic over a democracy.

0
0
0.000
Reply
avatar
(Edited)

(IFF) you rule-out BOTH authoritarian hierarchies (AND) mob rule (democracy) (THEN) what the heck is left?

What is your personal idea of "the most perfect society (that's still realistically) possible"?

And by the way, a republic is just a hybrid of authoritarian and democracy. Mixing the two together doesn't solve either "problem".

0
0
0.000
Reply
avatar

Many people choose to be victims.

Trump constantly complains about being a victim.

Ben Shapiro even wrote an entire book about how the sweet and kind conservatives are being "bullied" by all the horrible mean libtards.

Should they stop CHOOSING to be victims?

0
0
0.000
Reply
avatar
(Edited)

People are victims. But people can also rise beyond that to become victors. When I say that I'm a victim, then I'm addressing some of the problems. But the bigger problem would be if I never ever tried to get out of that hole. Some people can live in denial. Some people end up ignoring the root causes and symptoms. It is true that people are being bullied. People are victims. But that doesn't mean we cannot at least try to become victors. I encourage people to find the key to escape the prisons and mazes they may be lost in.

0
0
0.000
Reply
avatar

People are victims. But people can also rise beyond that to become victors.

Are you suggesting that people "choose" to be victims?

Are you suggesting that people "choose" to be victors?

And now you're saying that you've personally "chosen" to be a victim?

Why would you do that?

Why don't you just "choose" to "get out of that hole"?

Are you "living in denial"?

Is it true that Trump is being bullied?

Wait a minute, I thought you said people could "choose" to be victors?

Now you're saying they should "at least try to become victors"?

How would you describe what "escape" looks like (just, you know, your personal utopia)?

0
0
0.000
Reply
avatar

People make different choices at different times. We can call a particular choice being a victim or not. We can choose to call a particular choice as getting out of the hole. Knowledge is power. So, sometimes, as Diamond & Silk puts it, we may not know that we are on democratic plantations. When people are given knowledge, then they may know better at that point. After that, some of them may make better choices because of the info and everything. That's good. So, our job is to bring knowledge to as many people as possible. Yeah, people seek after personal utopias to some extent, allegedly, it seems, it appears, and that is good in contrast to possible alternatives to that.

0
0
0.000
Reply
avatar

People make different choices at different times.

I agree.

0
0
0.000
Reply
avatar

When people are given knowledge, then they may know better at that point.

It's not that complicated.

All they need to know is this, "Never compromise your personal ethics (value hierarchy) for anyone, under any circumstances." - end of story.

0
0
0.000
Reply
avatar

Many people agree with you on this. But some people make choices that aligns with greed, selfishness, the lust for more and more power, influence, wealth, pleasure, etc, even at the cost of other people. Right now, military are aware that globalists have their robot armies that are there to replace the armies. Amazon and others are in on that. So, globalists are moving into their armored fortresses in places like New Zealand. They are planning to order the drones, the machines, to murder the human soldiers. But the good news is that the military knows this and they will execute these globalists when the globalists do try to initiate the launch of the Sky Net as seen in the Terminator movies. Globalists are also trying to create zombies, etc. So many things are happening in the world right now, both good and bad.

0
0
0.000
Reply
avatar

Most people choose fake versions of federally enforced peace and security over risky freedom.

Do you realize that "risky freedom" only empowers MOBSTER ETHICS?

Have you seen what happens when the electrics and phones go out?

0
0
0.000
Reply
avatar
(Edited)

Mobsters can try to use anything to their advantage. Mobsters are weeds. So, dirt might be empowering the weeds. But dirt also empowers the flowers. People should have solar power. People should not rely too much on power, on phones, etc. People do better, historically, in small local community tribes as opposed to the larger cities found in and during the fall of the Roman Empire.

0
0
0.000
Reply
avatar

Have you ever tried to build a solar panel from raw materials yourself?

I'm pretty certain you need some sort of corporation to manufacture those.

And without a gardener, the flowers will always lose to the weeds.

Flowers can't defend themselves.

0
0
0.000
Reply
avatar

I plan on writing articles to help people buy and maybe make solar power panels and other things. Well, one step at a time. Right now, I'm drawing a flowchart of the Internet. I'm trying to help people understand the Internet so that we can continue trying to build decentralized Internet systems for getting around ISP, DNS, ICANN, etc.

0
0
0.000
Reply
avatar

These are generally true no matter what.

These are generally true, EXCLUSIVELY when dealing with (adequately large) GROUPS of people.

These statistical patterns do not apply to individuals.

These statistical patterns do not apply to all geographic areas and time-scales.

All data is sample-biased.

0
0
0.000
Reply
avatar
(Edited)

Generalities do apply to individuals. I need water. I am an individual. But I need water. Most people need water. That is a generality. But it is specific to an individual (me) at the same time. It can be specific to individuals. It is a generality. It is specific at the same time. Sounds like a paradox. And some paradoxes can be true. I love paradoxes. I love what sounds like contradictions which aren't actually contradictions if fully understood. But at surface level, people discredit contradictions. It is true, as a generality, that contradictions might be flawed. That is generally true. But some contradictions can be individualistic in the sense that they can be true even if they look like they are not true.

0
0
0.000
Reply
avatar

Generalities do apply to individuals.

Generalities do NOT apply to individuals.

What you keep describing are FACTS (which are not generalities).

Please, perhaps you can explain to me exactly what you mean when you say "generalities".

0
0
0.000
Reply
avatar

Generalities are facts. It is a fact that your body is made out of over 75% water which means you need water. It is a fact that if you don't drink water, then you die. That is a fact. So, generalities apply to individual. So, therefore, perhaps it is indirect. Perhaps, you are focused on things that may be direct. I'm speaking of indirect application and connection between things.

0
0
0.000
Reply
avatar

It is true, as a generality, that contradictions might be flawed. That is generally true.

I AGREE.

HowEever, FACTS are not "generally true".

FACTS must be TRUE (by their tautological definition).

0
0
0.000
Reply
avatar
(Edited)

Facts are true. But perception of the facts can be flawed. A fact can be like a tree. Now, I'm looking at the tree through a foggy window of perception. Facts are absolute, objective, eternal, accurate, universal. Facts are elements of truth. Our job is in trying our best to see things as clearly as possible. We are blind men looking at the facts of the elephant.

0
0
0.000
Reply
avatar

Now, keep in mind that African American business men were beginning to make more and more money in the late 1800's and even more in the early 1900's. Different groups, including democratic groups, begin finding ways to stop that.

Yes, they "found ways" (freedom-in-action),

Click to watch 9 minutes,

0
0
0.000
Reply
avatar

Some people break patterns and they do extraordinary things. We should always encourage people to fulfill their potential.

Well stated.

0
0
0.000
Reply
avatar

That's when I say: Heteros should not be allowed to marry either, but marry anyway without permission. !invest_vote

0
0
0.000
Reply
avatar

truly impressive

I did not remember to know that a word like "Pantheism" existed. Next to Panentheist it's the only one that I'm not familiar with even though it sounds like the color of my glasses. No wonder I don't care about anything else so far. And frankly, I still don't care so mutch about it. I care about me, family, friends. And strangers are friends I don't know yet. Thanks for sharing. !invest_vote

0
0
0.000
Reply
avatar

I don't disagree as I care about those things too. So, we are the same, you and I.

0
0
0.000
Reply
avatar

Upvoted by @aagabriel for having similarities to the #informationwar tag, posts like this anyone can add the tag #informationwar so we can more easily find and upvote them! (by @aagabriel)

  • Our purpose is to encourage posts discussing Information War, Propaganda, Disinformation, and Liberty. We are a peaceful and non-violent movement that sees information as being held back by corrupt forces in the private sector and government. Our Mission.
  • Discord, website, youtube channel links here.

Ways you can help the @informationwar!

0
0
0.000
Reply