The hysteria isn't fact, no; but myths tend to have been synthesised from different factual elements. No matter how fantastical our myths get, no matter how all-powerful and magical our gods are, if you just take some time to look at the elements that comprise them, you'll find similarities to elements of reality. I mean, the Christian god is supposed to have created us in his own image - so he apparently looks like a human, though probably far prettier - and he has fairly human values of forgiveness, retribution, morals, etc. Werewolves are humans who turn into wolves. Why don't they turn into something that doesn't exist?
It's all well and good to say your werewolf argument is set in the present and that in the present we know werewolves are fiction - but the fact is, there are people in the present who believe werewolves (among other things) are not fiction. Deluded, perhaps, but they believe it.
Why shouldn't we debate things from hundreds of years ago, if there's still something to debate? Aside from the fact that debating is fun, engaging in discussion about things allows different points of view to come forth and people's beliefs to be challenged. Debates are part of the progressive process.
It doesn't prove their existence, no - but I didn't say it did :P I'm just sayin', people base myths on things they see in reality. Werewolves came from humans with hypertrichosis. Dragons came from dinosaurs, or people looking at smaller lizards and going, "Wait, what if they were huge?" Satyrs came from some freak wondering what would happen if humans and goats interbred. And so forth.
When people can't explain things, they make up stories because humans can't stand not having an explanation. That's where religion came from :3
Yes know that, I ended with those word precisely for that reason. I don't have any desire to get into an argument over politics or religion. Reasoned discussion off-site yes, but internet drama isn't my thing.suffice it to say that on some level I agree with you but despite the fact that I consider myself 'Left' I can't help but support them. and the Platypus I know it was a weak example but I was pressed for time. I have bigger things to thing about atm.
Oh God damn it! I committed grammatical error in my last comment. I wish I could send it to the Russian front. But I'm sure you know what I meant to type. right?
'45? do you mean the Nazis or BUF? I can't deny that the BNP grew out of a Facist group, but they have moved much more to the centre in recent years.
I don't agree with all of they're policies but I no longer trust the main parties and the other small parties don't appeal to me. but hey each to their own eh?
Aug 27, 2009 12:48pm
I'm awesome too!
Aug 15, 2009 5:47am
Aug 14, 2009 7:48am
Jul 28, 2009 1:30am
Jul 9, 2009 10:47am
Jul 8, 2009 8:46pm
It's all well and good to say your werewolf argument is set in the present and that in the present we know werewolves are fiction - but the fact is, there are people in the present who believe werewolves (among other things) are not fiction. Deluded, perhaps, but they believe it.
Why shouldn't we debate things from hundreds of years ago, if there's still something to debate? Aside from the fact that debating is fun, engaging in discussion about things allows different points of view to come forth and people's beliefs to be challenged. Debates are part of the progressive process.
And a biased philosopher is a bad philosopher :P
Jul 7, 2009 8:37pm
When people can't explain things, they make up stories because humans can't stand not having an explanation. That's where religion came from :3
Jul 7, 2009 4:08pm
Jul 6, 2009 5:45pm
Jul 6, 2009 4:21pm
I don't agree with all of they're policies but I no longer trust the main parties and the other small parties don't appeal to me. but hey each to their own eh?