I’m not sure how you come to your conclusion that these people “get away with saying things that cannot be true.” You do realize that you haven’t presented a logical argument throughout your Op, correct? BTW, you seem to have missed HoS attempts of explaining to you (truth and logic) the differences in relation to your Op...
Let’s begin by defining what a logical “argument” consists of:
That said; let’s define the term “logical argument” from a philosophical perspective. IOW’s, you presented an “argument” in your Op, but a “philosophical argument” should begin with defining terms, involve deductive reasoning to believe a premise is true and then go about setting two premises which are followed by a valid conclusion to those premises, correct?
First, concerning your Op, I could make an “argument” that especially what you said concerning Scandelon, by my observations of his arguments (debate) against you his arguments are generally philosophically based and he is “trying” to set premises to draw out the truth toward coming to a conclusion. As a matter of fact I often sit back and chuckle at his efforts to hold you to more than one premise at a time so that a simple logical conclusion can be arrived at. I chuckle at the evasive tactics you use to avoid coming to a “philosophical logical conclusion” and I get a kick out of his patient demeanor with you. So then, in your Op you speak of frustration and lack of progress in debate and speak of logic. I find that statement hilarious especially after I dropped by the other day and read in another tread of you criticizing others that they need to take a class in philosophy and logic. You now offer an “argument” about logic, you add to that a conclusion, but in doing so you simply demonstrated once again that you have missed the point involving the use of the basic critical thinking skills learned along with basic logic 103 that gives one the tools to engage in a “true philosophical debate” (argument) which teaches of the goals to draw out the truth when presenting an argument. That is why I laughed at you starting this tread.
In my first reply (
http://www.baptistboard.com/showpost.php?p=1944587&postcount=17 ) I did not offer a philosophically logical argument, nor do I now within the paragraph above.
Above, I simply gave you my opinion, I added in a few horse laughs, some rhetoric, offered an explanation, some of it was personal and could even be considered Ad Hominem; I “argued” with you but none of this would be considered a philosophical logical argument. With a lot of work it and sticking to focusing on specific aspects of my reply it could be turned to one, or better said “several”, IF my opponent understood and adhered to the principles needed to do so. If I want to I could submit an argument suggesting that I could prove you don’t use a working knowledge involving philosophical principles of debate. But, I’m really not here trying to put you down, admittedly I take some pleasure in teasing and poking others at times, but what I would prefer is to actually make some progress in a debate. Frankly, you want to talk about frustration? I have given up the idea of making “progress” on this board because it is too easy to get caught up in “meaningless” argument, one that will not work towards the goals of logically drawing out the truth, but they merely end in (“then catch me if you can” because my opponents here seem to believe avoiding getting to a conclusion is a form of winning an argument. That is their goal! “Not losing an “argument” rather than getting to the truth in constructive argument” and they do NOT understand how to stay the course in “philosophical debate”…) this is not a “Debate Board” in the true philosophical sense, it is a “Board for Argument” with no guided, ethical, or meaningful purposes or in some cases it is simply a “Discussion Board”.
Concerning the error on this board, personally, I’m really not interested in the typical “fast back and forth meaningless argument” here (I remember when you PMed me once and asked me to respond faster, but I didn’t bother to address that request) because my goal is to take the time to think conclusions out, nail issues and claims down and get to the truths in the matter. I can fast-track argue with the best of them but such has little value. I don’t mind a good thought out simple discussion either, it doesn’t have to be a philosophical debate, but what I have learned I can expect to get in return for my efforts here are generally nothing more than cheap thoughtless comebacks completely disregarding the points I have taken the time to outline and address...
I’ve spent a lot of time on this board over 8 years but I’ve long realized it is well past time that I move on to a more productive format that understands, engages in and enforces ethical debate practices. I’ve recently discovered a board which does, although its main subject is more centrally focused on one theological interest, which offers to challenge me in that important area and gives an opportunity to grow in my goals of coming to understand and logically support and defend the truths behind my soteriological position.
Second, concerning your Op’s “conclusion” - It is often repeated by the Calvinist that, “God is Sovereign”.
Yet, I would suggest that both sides would agree that God is Sovereign. To begin with, it is not even logical to begin an argument and come to a conclusion from one premise. A true, “philosophical argument” would begin then with an issue over what does “God’s Sovereignty” involve in relation to His judgment? There is an obvious question regarding the definition of God’s Sovereignty. Otherwise it is
meaningless to simply keep repeating that “God is Sovereign” as it often is! Why? It is being used ambiguously to avoid claims and issues and used to beg the question rather than establish premises in an argument on which the conclusion must rest though first defining and holding to that definition to maintain a truth regarding the conclusion.
So, let’s see some progress. Just take all the above FWIW. I want to see you be logical about the following. I want to see if you really “ have it figured out”?
Luke, are you willing to focus on a second premise to complete a logical argument regarding one of the favorite expressions of the Calvinist, “God is Sovereign”?
To draw out the truth in the MEANING from the statement “God’s is Sovereign”, IOW’s, to give “MEANING” to what God’s Sovereignty consists of involving His creatures abilities, truth and God’s judgment over them one might ask, “How does God’s Sovereignty relate regarding His Divine judgment over His creatures? (Deterministically or Providentially?)”
Is God “Deterministically Sovereign” over His creatures:
Necessarily, All of God’s ways are judgment in truth.
God holds man responsible for the actions He controls.
Therefore, God’s judgment involves holding man responsible for God’s controlled actions in truth.
Is God “Providently Sovereign” over His creatures:
Necessarily, all of God’s ways are judgment in truth.
God holds man responsible for his own volitional actions.
Therefore, God’s judgment involves holding man responsible for his own volitional actions in truth.
Luke, in order to logically draw out the truth in the meaning of God being Sovereign, - Can we define God’s Sovereignty as Deterministic or Providential? Or will you (try to) hold that both true?
The logical necessity here is, “All of God’s ways are judgment in truth.” (Deut 32:4)
Regard logical "truth" and God's nature - "God is Truth". Can God deterministically control the actions of man and His judgment of man is in truth?