1 Introduction I had my first in-person debate recently, against against Bryan Caplan at Vanderbilt University. Jonah Franks did a wonderful job organizing it, as did the Vanderbilt philosophy club, and it was wonderful meeting all the cool people who showed up. I also was able to meet Gavin Ortlund, for he happened to be near the debate—meeting him was wonderful. His public persona is absurdly nice, and you sometimes wonder with people like that whether they are really that nice or it’s an act. In his case, he really is that nice and it was very fun talking about the existence of God and the truth of Christianity with him (I’m sold on the first now—but only about 60% sure—though not yet on the second).
Really good debate. It was great to see these arguments presented and met with unconvincing responses yet again.
Just a quick question because I always have little reservations and confusions about anthropics because it’s difficult: if you are Adam and Eve and you know that you are the first two people, does this not mean that there was a 0% chance that you’d be the first people? Is it a problem to allow the hypothetical Adam and Eve to have a 0% chance of being the first people, or is it fine because there’s no competing better explanation? What about the more specific evidence “I exist now”?
excellent work, and great to meet you in person finally!
Really good debate. It was great to see these arguments presented and met with unconvincing responses yet again.
Just a quick question because I always have little reservations and confusions about anthropics because it’s difficult: if you are Adam and Eve and you know that you are the first two people, does this not mean that there was a 0% chance that you’d be the first people? Is it a problem to allow the hypothetical Adam and Eve to have a 0% chance of being the first people, or is it fine because there’s no competing better explanation? What about the more specific evidence “I exist now”?
Huge W Adelstein.
But I have to ask again (because it came up), what leads you to believe the laws of logic precede God?
Would love a detailed treatment of evidence for various miracles/supernatural events, and what theory you think best fits them.