Regression to something (Introduction)

by David Turell , Thursday, September 01, 2011, 20:22 (4832 days ago) @ dhw


> You can argue with equal logic, and equal inconsequentiality, that if everything has a cause, there cannot be an uncaused first cause, and so there has to be an infinite regression to something.-Exactly. 'Regression to something' equals "first cause" If there is nothing at first, there will be nothing now (Vic Stenger to the contrary).
> 
> The 'first cause' argument is a philosophical placebo.-No, it is not. It is a logical concept.-
> Why not admit that we're confronted by an insoluble mystery, and join me on the fence of the don't-knows-can't-knows? Oh, and beware of Greeks bearing gifts.-You are right. The first cause is an 'insoluable mystery', but it must be there lurking in the distant past, and a gift from the Greeks.