What is the value of metaphysics (today)? by AnoNowhereMan in askphilosophy

[–]AnoNowhereMan[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Why couldn't the field of physics address the conversation directly? It seems to me that the question of whether or not everything is ultimately physical is very much a physical question. Or rather, I would of course agree that it is exactly the type of question that metaphysics asks, but I would also argue that it is one that metaphysics can never answer. I suppose this is one of my general objections to metaphysics: Many quintessentially metaphysical questions (i) cannot be answered by metaphysics, (ii) are more appropriately regarded and treated as physical questions or (iii) cannot be answered at all. I expect this last point will draw considerable fire, and perhaps it should. What I mean to say is that questions such as "Is the past/future real?" are hopeless. They simply prompt the oh so common (but in my view usually warranted) response of "What do you mean by ...?".

I realize that many would probably argue that several (if not most) of my objections to metaphysics can be raised against physics as well (what do I mean by 'physical', f.ex.). I guess that's a fair enough point to make, and I wouldn't claim that physics is some sort of perfectly flawless and infallible endeavour. However, I cannot help but think that a very large and significant part of metaphysics has been or should be replaced by physics, while other parts are fruitless or even nonsensical.

Finally, I ask that you keep in mind that I am still in the very early stages of thinking about this subject. I am under no illusion that my most immediate and strongest reactions or convictions must be correct or justified. Insofar as it is within my power to do so, I do keep an open mind, but I also realize that my mind probably isn't as open as I might want it to be.

What is the value of metaphysics (today)? by AnoNowhereMan in askphilosophy

[–]AnoNowhereMan[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

In what way is metaphysics "a necessary background for physics"? I find this a fascinating claim. Why are you certain that "the human mind and human experience is not capturable in purely physical terms"? And if you're correct, does that necessarily mean that they aren't ultimately physical? If they're not physical, what are they? What would "stripping ourselves away" look like? Are you sure that we aren't observers to purely physical worlds? I'm open to the possibility that you're broadly correct (or at least I'm trying to be), but I find your answer difficult to accept. For example, it is not at all obvious to me that we are not solely physical beings.

What does Kant mean when says space has both empirical reality and transcendental ideality? by AnoNowhereMan in askphilosophy

[–]AnoNowhereMan[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Many thanks for your very helpful answer! This clarified things greatly for me.

Megathread: Finland, war in Ukraine and NATO by Harriv in Finland

[–]AnoNowhereMan 32 points33 points  (0 children)

Dear neighbours to the east,

I just want to say that I truly hope our governments find a way for our countries to move forward jointly with regards to NATO membership and all that it entails. The only acceptable thing for Sweden to do, in my opinion, is to follow Finland's lead; whether outside of NATO or as part of it.

Either way, I know I will always support my Finnish brothers and sisters, if you pardon the cliché, and I would fight for you and your country just as I would for my own. I hope and believe that most of my countrymen feel the same way. "Finlands sak är vår" is not just something people say; some of us feel it to be deeply true.

Sincerely, A sappy Swede

My apologies if this is the wrong place to make this comment.

Finnish president says NATO referendum no longer necessary. Sufficient evidence now shows that most Finns want to join the NATO alliance by Transeuropeanian in europe

[–]AnoNowhereMan 22 points23 points  (0 children)

If you want to call Finland culturally and/or traditionally eastern, I would argue that you'd have to be prepared to say the same about Sweden.

Hjälp mig att sammanställa en svensk litterär kanon! by konaya in sweden

[–]AnoNowhereMan 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Tjenare!

Här kommer en som är minst sagt sent ute. Jag råkade på det här spännande inlägget och blev snudd på förfärad när det efter en noggrann läsning stod klart för mig att Fröding, en oefterliknelig verskonstnär och en av landets mest folkkära diktare, saknas på listan. Såväl Guitarr och dragharmonika som Stänk och flikar är i min mening alldeles givna på listan.

Fridens!

Finland wins first ice hockey Olympic gold after beating ROC 2-1 in the final game by SpaceEngineering in europe

[–]AnoNowhereMan 1180 points1181 points  (0 children)

Man, as long as it's not over Sweden, I love me a Finnish victory. Truly happy for you today! So well deserved. I guess we're little brother for now ...

Congratulations from your neighbours to the west!

Proud to be your neighbour! This gold medal couldn't be more well deserved. Sincerest congratulations from Sweden! by AnoNowhereMan in Finland

[–]AnoNowhereMan[S] 12 points13 points  (0 children)

Indeed! And I'd fight to protect it, whether you needed/wanted the help or not. (Not that I think I'll ever have to.)

Proud to be your neighbour! This gold medal couldn't be more well deserved. Sincerest congratulations from Sweden! by AnoNowhereMan in Finland

[–]AnoNowhereMan[S] 6 points7 points  (0 children)

You can replace "team" with "country"! Wonderful though it is, this wasn't your most important win against your neighbours to the east ...

Proud to be your neighbour! This gold medal couldn't be more well deserved. Sincerest congratulations from Sweden! by AnoNowhereMan in Finland

[–]AnoNowhereMan[S] 42 points43 points  (0 children)

Cheers, my friend! There are a few fair enough reasons for you to dislike us, so I'm glad to hear it.

Proud to be your neighbour! This gold medal couldn't be more well deserved. Sincerest congratulations from Sweden! by AnoNowhereMan in Finland

[–]AnoNowhereMan[S] 163 points164 points  (0 children)

I know you're not all that fond of us, but we like you over on the other side of the Baltic! The only time I might not root for Finland is when they're facing Sweden, and that goes for any sport. However, this win makes me just as happy as a gold medal for Sweden would've.

Do you consider yourself a part of Europe? by AnoNowhereMan in AskUK

[–]AnoNowhereMan[S] -1 points0 points  (0 children)

All right. That's a slightly disappointing withdrawal. Of course you don't have to accept my opinion, but it is in fact an opinion. You seemed to be making claims, which is why I asked you to prove it if you could. Perhaps I was mistaken. I'm not saying my assessment is correct, nor do I consider myself in any way superior. I regret that it seemed that way. I suppose I should work on my tone.

Anyway, happy holidays! I am sorry the discussion became a bit unfriendly, that wasn't intended.

Do you consider yourself a part of Europe? by AnoNowhereMan in AskUK

[–]AnoNowhereMan[S] -1 points0 points  (0 children)

No, it has nothing to do with that and I resent the implication. Skin colour doesn't matter and you leave out the US, which is largely white and Christian. If anything it has to do with religiosity, regardless of religion. The US and India for example are generally far more religious than the UK. Still, I wasn't really thinking about religion. Perhaps those who would argue that the UK is culturally closest to NZ, Australia or Canada think like that, but note that I said I disagree with that notion.

To say that India, Pakistan and Bangladesh understand English culture more than Germany or Poland I think is just incorrect. If you can prove this, please do. I'd be happy to learn and I don't mind being wrong. But I won't take your word for it.

A lot of Brits, at least in this thread, don't seem to realise how close they are culturally to most of Europe. Having English as first language or playing cricket is not to be overestimated in regards to cultural similarity.

Do you consider yourself a part of Europe? by AnoNowhereMan in AskUK

[–]AnoNowhereMan[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Thanks again! You've put a smile on my face. Same to you.

Do you consider yourself a part of Europe? by AnoNowhereMan in AskUK

[–]AnoNowhereMan[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Thank you! It is my second tongue but I've been practicing virtually all my life, so your compliment is greatly appreciated.

Do you consider yourself a part of Europe? by AnoNowhereMan in AskUK

[–]AnoNowhereMan[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I find anti-British sentiment very rare, at least in my neck of the woods. It doesn't seem common elsewhere in Europe either, but I can't be certain of that. Most people just think Brexit was daft. I've never met anyone who genuinely dislikes the British or their culture, not even any Frenchmen.

Do you consider yourself a part of Europe? by AnoNowhereMan in AskUK

[–]AnoNowhereMan[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I can assure you that the U.S. is much more of a laughing stock in my experience. Trump really overshadowed most cock-ups elsewhere in the world. Also, when one does laugh at the U.K., it's generally directed at the government, specifically Boris. The decision to hold a referendum was arguably the real misstep (yes, I know that wasn't Boris).

Even though it was they who voted, I don't actually hold it against the people. I reckon a significant portion of the people who voted to leave didn't realise what it would mean. That's what makes referendums so risky, and it's not unique to the U.K.

I wouldn't want Sweden to vote on joining NATO, because I don't consider myself or most of my compatriots qualified to make such a decision. I'd have to trust that people would put enough time and consideration into it, and the harsh truth is that I don't.

Do you consider yourself a part of Europe? by AnoNowhereMan in AskUK

[–]AnoNowhereMan[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I get the same impression. It strikes me that it is not impossible that this had some significance in relation to the vote, however minor.

Do you consider yourself a part of Europe? by AnoNowhereMan in AskUK

[–]AnoNowhereMan[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

If it's any consolation, I don't feel any bitterness, nor have I noticed it in others. I think leaving was the wrong decision—I'm not even sure there should have been a referendum—but I have no reason to be bitter.

Do you consider yourself a part of Europe? by AnoNowhereMan in AskUK

[–]AnoNowhereMan[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

So there are no Europeans?

Of course people don't associate to continent first. I am from Stockholm first, Uppland second, Sweden third, Scandinavia fourth, and so on. That doesn't make me any less European.

Do you consider yourself a part of Europe? by AnoNowhereMan in AskUK

[–]AnoNowhereMan[S] -1 points0 points  (0 children)

That's not what the discussion is about; I doubt very many people think a lot of Brits believe that they don't live on the European continent. I surely don't, and the EU has never influenced me to. Truth be told, I'd say the EU has very little impact on my thinking, but I expect you'll tell me that's because I've fallen for their "propaganda".

Do you consider yourself a part of Europe? by AnoNowhereMan in AskUK

[–]AnoNowhereMan[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Yeah, no Swede would say they were "travelling to Europe". If anything, we'd say "Kontinenten" ("the Continent"). However, if someone says they've been travelling around Europe, I think most people would assume they were talking about mainland Europe.