If I believe something that cannot be proved, aren't you entitled to say it's illogical and absurd?

Answer 1

Yes

Answer 2

Short answer: Yes and No

Long answer to Yes: Yes, because I'm entitled to say anything I like.

Long answer to No: There are many things that most of us believe in that cannot be proved. Saying that something is illogical and/or absurd simply because it cannot be proved is therefore in itself somewhat illogical and absurd. Even in science there are many theories that have historically and in the present day been generally accepted as true even without conclusive proof. It is therefore generally acceptable (and even logical and not absurd (antonym for absurd?)) to believe in things that cannot be proved. It is however totally illogical to continue believing in something when it has been disproved. In other words a statement or theorem can only be categorized as illogical or absurd by a reasonable person if concrete evidence to the contrary exists (usually a counterexample or conflicting proof).

Answer 3

I think saying illogical and absurd may be a bit strong. It really depends upon what the belief is. I mean, if someone believes that in 3 days time the entire world is going to transform into a lemon, then yes you'd be entitled to say that.

If however your talking about religion (which judging from the topic I can only assume you are) then saying its absurd may be a little on the strong side. You'd be quite entitled to say "I'm sorry, but I just don't believe in that stuff. But if you can show me some concrete evidence then I'll consider changing my mind.

People shouldn't forget that it is not the job of the none believer to disprove the things s/he is being told, it is the job of the believer to to prove the things that they are saying.

Answer 4

Not necessarily, if it is logically self consistent then it might be useful - theories in string theory are at this time untestable.

However, I expect you're talking about the abrahamic sky-fairy. Of course thats an illogical and an absurd theory but not just because we can't prove its true. Its full of contradictions - it exposes its surreality by warning people about thinking for themselves 'doubting thomas'? and encouraging blind obedient faith.

Those religions are anti-human and anti-intelligence. Crutches for the weak.

Answer 5

If you believe something that cannot be proved, I have the right to disagree with you. Calling it logical and absurd is a matter of preference as to the way I choose to express that disagreement.

If a person believes that the DNA code is the result of an explosion of nothing caused by nothing billions of years ago, this cannot be proved. But it may be logical to the mind that has been trained to believe and accept it.

I disagree that complexity, order and design are the products of time and chance but I choose to use mild language in expressing my disagreement.

Show N Tell

Answer 6

Well, that's a pretty broad question. I believe the sun will come up on Jan 15, 2050. But I won't be there to prove it.

Answer 7

Not necessarily. All of us believe things that we don't quite comprehend, and often that can't be proved. It is human nature to believe, by which I mean to say that without belief of some sort in something, we would be unable to function.

Answer 8

I take it you're talking about proving whether or not God is real. No, it's not absurd because God set things up this way. He stays hidden so that only those who believe in Him will share in His reward. Just because you can't see Him doesn't mean He's not there. Once you come to Him He does reveal Himself to you and then you know for sure. But when we tell other people, they don't believe us even when He has done miracles in our lives.

Answer 9

Yes Kitty I would say believing in evoluton is Illogical. I wouldn't go so far as to say absurd though.

Answer 10

NO.
By what right should I say that.
I cannot for instance prove the Pythagorus theorem (Many can) but I do not think it either illogical or absurd.
Your question is illogical.