Are humans animals?

[Free]

The author of Ecclesiastes made observations. As an explanation for these observations, he posited a deity. But deity is not testable, and makes no useful predictions. Some of the author's observations are false, some evidently true, and some may have an indeterminate truth value. But we can explain the observations without reference to any deity, simply reactions to environmental stimuli to include the physiological responses of the author.

I'm not so sure you've understood what the author is saying. The book is mainly about the pointlessness of life without God, of a life that lives for itself only, and so pursues hopes and expectations that are all vanity. But it is also about how God is in control and man should pursue those things which God gives. As the last two verses in the book state:

Ecc 12:13 The end of the matter; all has been heard. Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the whole duty of man.
Ecc 12:14 For God will bring every deed into judgment, with every secret thing, whether good or evil. (ESV)

The point being: Ecclesiastes is not about science. It is observation without testable hypothesis or predictive value.

I really don't understand your point here, as no one, including the author of Ecclesiastes has ever said the book is about science. You brought science into it and so are arguing against something that no one is arguing.

I did not post a question about science.

I know, that's why I don't understand why you keep mentioning science.

 

[Anathemark]

I'm not so sure you've understood what the author is saying. The book is mainly about the pointlessness of life without God, of a life that lives for itself only, and so pursues hopes and expectations that are all vanity. But it is also about how God is in control and man should pursue those things which God gives. As the last two verses in the book state:

Ecc 12:13 The end of the matter; all has been heard. Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the whole duty of man.
Ecc 12:14 For God will bring every deed into judgment, with every secret thing, whether good or evil. (ESV)

The author points out by observation that life, wisdom, learning et cetera are all meaningless in the long run. Observations can be repeated, and falsified or supported. Deity cannot be falsified or supported. So, the author's assertions about a deity are unsupported. The assertion of a deity is unnecessary by Occam's Razor.

I really don't understand your point here, as no one, including the author of Ecclesiastes has ever said the book is about science. You brought science into it and so are arguing against something that no one is arguing.

I made no assertion about science in the OP.

I know, that's why I don't understand why you keep mentioning science.

You apparently haven't noticed that the discussion has been moved to the forum clearly labeled "Christianity and Science". It was the moderator who insisted that the question was about science.

 

[Free]

The author points out by observation that life, wisdom, learning et cetera are all meaningless in the long run.

Yes, but only if pursued outside of belief in God.

Observations can be repeated, and falsified or supported. Deity cannot be falsified or supported. So, the author's assertions about a deity are unsupported. The assertion of a deity is unnecessary by Occam's Razor.

The book presupposes that God exists; the author isn't trying to prove he does.

I made no assertion about science in the OP.


You apparently haven't noticed that the discussion has been moved to the forum clearly labeled "Christianity and Science". It was the moderator who insisted that the question was about science.

I noticed. If this is more philosophical and theological, which it now appears to be, I can move it to the Theology forum if you would prefer.

 

[hawkman]

Title of this post .

Are humans animals?​

That is not about biology.

Buddha

scientific method

quantum theory

Second Law of Thermodynamics

neurochemical

I did not post a question about science. I asked whether the cited verse, taken in context, was regarded as true or untrue.

Occam's Razor

I never did see a question in the original post . You know, the box thingy like where I am writing now . I like to be able to quote the question from the OP but I can't .

 

[Anathemark]

Title of this post .

Are humans animals?​

I never did see a question in the original post . You know, the box thingy like where I am writing now . I like to be able to quote the question from the OP but I can't .

 

[Anathemark]

I guess you didn't notice the title of the thread.