Acutally, quantum mechanics suggests that it is totally possible that a purple ball could pop into existence in your kitchen at any moment. It is, however, highly, highly improbable -- so improbable that it is almost totally unlikely to occur in the life span of the universe. I'm not sure where the "logical" fallacy against something being created from nothing comes from -- physics allows for particles to be created essentially out of nothing in a number of circumstances, as long as certain balances, like the net charge and so on are preserved. And is that really any more difficult to swallow than an omnipotent, all powerful being who has existed for all time (where did he -- she, it, etc. -- come from?). I don't know that you, Wayne, are aguing for a religious position, or just looking at the question from all angles, but it seems odd to me when anyone with religious beliefs about creation, etc. starts dealing in logic.
Now my own suspicion is that the Universe is not only queerer than we suppose, but queerer than we can suppose. -- J.B.S. Haldane ----- Original Message ----- From: Wayne Eddy<mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]> To: Killer Bs (David Brin et al) Discussion<mailto:brin-l@mccmedia.com> Sent: Monday, August 04, 2008 2:43 PM Subject: Re: The First Event ----- Original Message ----- From: "William T Goodall" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]<mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]>> To: "Killer Bs (David Brin et al) Discussion" <brin-l@mccmedia.com<mailto:brin-l@mccmedia.com>> Sent: Tuesday, August 05, 2008 7:07 AM Subject: Re: The First Event > > On 4 Aug 2008, at 21:59, Wayne Eddy wrote: >> Seems to me that something impossible happened at least once in the >> history >> of everything. > > > If it happened it wasn't impossible. > But logically, that means that it is possible something (Say a purple ball) could be created from nothing in your kitchen tomorrow. > Logic Maru _______________________________________________ http://www.mccmedia.com/mailman/listinfo/brin-l<http://www.mccmedia.com/mailman/listinfo/brin-l> _______________________________________________ http://www.mccmedia.com/mailman/listinfo/brin-l
