How does one know what is possible and isn't possible?

Started by FreethinkingSceptic, May 16, 2025, 08:15:00 PM

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FreethinkingSceptic

Simply saying that something is impossible because it isn't viewed as currently possible within the laws of physics is erroneous, since the laws of physics constantly change, and what is viewed as possible 1,000 years from now will be entirely different. Physics is just an approximation of the laws of the material universe, and there are likely things that people would have viewed as impossible even before modern physics existed.

For example, most people 1,000 years ago likely wouldn't have believed they could walk through a solid wall, and while modern physics didn't exist then to explain why, most people likely would have still made this observation on the basis of "common sense". This is also usually the reason that people dismiss the literal resurrection of Jesus Christ, and why people during the days of Christ dismissed his resurrection - namely, that it is "common sense" that people can not come back to life. They didn't need a detailed physical explanation of what happens to the human body upon death to come to this conclusion.

Though, does anyone really know that? Have they actually died and seen so for themselves, or are they just assuming so on the basis of common sense.

aitm

If it is not currently possible, it should indeed be considered impossible until such time it is. Kinda how common sense works as well.
A humans desire to live is exceeded only by their willingness to die for another. Even god cannot equal this magnificent sacrifice. No god has the right to judge them.-first tenant of the Panotheust

Gawdzilla Sama

I wanted to test my fall monitor. Steerman biplane, 15,000 feet. Jumped. It noticed. Well done, fall monitor, well done.
We 'new atheists' have a reputation for being militant, but make no mistake  we didn't start this war. If you want to place blame put it on the the religious zealots who have been poisoning the minds of the  young for a long long time."
PZ Myers