My concern with theological arguments of correlation imply causation.

Discussion in 'Religion & Philosophy' started by robini123, Nov 18, 2022.

  1. robini123

    robini123 Well-Known Member

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    My concern with theological arguments of correlation imply causation.

    My intent is not to anger. My intent is to challenge.

    So what is an argument of correlation implies causation? It is when we take two variable and tie them together with an assumed causal connection. For example immediately upon farting there is an earthquake which I then correlate as having a causal connection to my flatulence. Yet just because I passed gas does not mean it caused the earthquake.

    Problematic real world example of the dangers of correlating variables and assuming a causal connection.

    There have been a number of times during my lifetime that the news reports a parent murdering their children saying that god told them to do it. Thinking that a god is telling a parent to murder their children is an ugly example as how correlating two variables can lead to disastrous outcomes. Correlating the thoughts in our head as being moved by the Holy Spirit is a huge logical leap with seemingly no checks and balances to vet and catch errant thoughts that can lead to dangerous beliefs and behaviors.

    If we allow arguments of correlation imply causation to stand then all correlations become valid such as farts cause earthquakes or god caused an earthquake to punish the sin of the community. When you add authoritarianism like monotheism to the mix it can become quite dangerous.

    Through arguments of correlation imply causation we can connect any two variables and assume a causal connection. The problem is that our assumptions are often biased and it is our nature to fill in the gaps of our knowledge with assumptions that support predetermined conclusions aka confirmation bias. Given the choice to confirm our most sacred beliefs or objectivity challange them we tend towards the former as the latter could lead to the loss of a cherished belief and plunge us into an existential crisis.

    A belief in a deity can and has moved many to great acts of compassion, yet for many others it has led to great acts of evil. So the question becomes how can we distinguish between our good thoughts and our evil thoughts that we then perceive as good? I have yet to find an objective answer to that as when we are being evil we tend to perceive ourselves as being good.
     
  2. WillReadmore

    WillReadmore Well-Known Member

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    The relationship between correlation and causation is that if there is a correlation, that MIGHT be an indication of where to start looking for causation.

    And, many times a correlation is a TOTAL JOKE.
    [​IMG]
     
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  3. Dirty Rotten Imbecile

    Dirty Rotten Imbecile Well-Known Member

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    Ever since my wife cut margarine out of our diet we have lost weight and have been doing it like bunnies. I’m never leaving her!
     
  4. robini123

    robini123 Well-Known Member

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    The graph illustrates the point beautifully. Thanks for posting it.
     
  5. DEFinning

    DEFinning Well-Known Member Donor

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    Now if that had been per capita margarine consumption, in Maine-- or had the divorce rate been a national statistic, as well-- then I would not dismiss that striking correlation, so quickly.
     
  6. WillReadmore

    WillReadmore Well-Known Member

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    LOL!
     
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  7. DennisTate

    DennisTate Well-Known Member Past Donor

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    I did not study much into this topic but......
    I have heard assertions that certain influential people were actually THEISTIC SATANISTS who met with Stanley Milgram Lucifer Satan and other demons in
    higher invisible dimensions of space and time after performing certain rituals such as drinking blood..........

    .... Satan as he meets with people like Anton LaVey and Karl Marx and others......
    tells them to tell others that they are Atheists.......

    .... although they are obviously Theistic Satanists.......
    who actually worship Satan... because in a world with no Creator / God of Abraham YHWH who created former Covering Cherub Hillel who is now ... Stanley Milgram Lucifer Satan........
    ....... Satan is the god of that world.... .where he has no competition!!!!!!!



    Is my comment on topic at all.... or am I terribly misunderstanding your challenge to us?
     
    Last edited: Nov 26, 2022

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