This thread... does it exist?

[Hicks]

The scientific method requires empirical evidence to support any theory for it to be verifibly true. Tautologically, a theory cannot be empirically true unless observed to be true. This [theory of this thread existing] can only be verified as long as this [thread] is observed. It follows that this thread does not exist empirically unless observed. Therefore, if you do not observe this thread, IT DOES NOT EXIST, empirically.

As a corollary, anything that is not observed does not empirically exist, and you should swiftly find a mirror and open your skull to empirically verify that you have a brain as it cannot be empirically determined to exist unless observed.

After verifying that I have a brain, I discovered that there was no one there to observe me observing that I empirically observed my brain; therefore, I ceased to exis-

[DSMatticus]

As a corollary, anything that is not observed does not empirically exist, and you should swiftly find a mirror and open your skull to empirically verify that you have a brain as it cannot be empirically determined to exist unless observed.

Why you denying the antecedent, brah?

[Hicks]

Every person with a head who has had their skull opened in an autopsy has a brain, and inductively reasoning therefore I and those at home have a brain in our skulls also. However, that is some number less than 100% certain do to the nature of inductive reasoning.

Empirically true theories must be capable of being observed to be true to be true, otherwise those theories are not empirically true regardless of how much inductive evidence is presented.

As an aside, even seeing is not believing, as there is no way for you to be 100% certain that what sense data your inductively assumed brain receives has not been altered to mask that you are really a brain in a jar or some program running in some super-computer or any of an uncountable number of variations of that theme. Truthfully? Your entire existence is based on the faith you have in your senses which in turn is based on separate experiences that you combine to form an inductive lens to impose order on an existence that cannot be empirically proven. Truthfully? Empericism leads directly and inexorably to Solipsism, and one so led is doomed to be beaten to death with chairs.

TLDR: Your assumption that you have a brain in the absence of direct, personal observation boils down to wishful thinking. In moderation, that is not a bad thing.

[Winnah]

It's all a dream. That's what the butterfly told me.

[Chamomile]

Huh. I didn't realize this community was big enough to spawn memes.

[DSMatticus]

Huh. I didn't realize this community was big enough to spawn memes.

Then you should go suck a barrel of cocks.

Edit: Seriously, put that in quotes and google it. #1 is theprgsite, talking about us. #2 is just us. I find that amusing.

[Dog Quixote]

Of course it exists...now.

But when I log of my computer for the night...will it still exist?

[fbmf]

[TGFBS]
Locked because it is pointless. Even by our standards.
[/TGFBS]