Combining Philosophers

All the ideas for Anaxarchus, Roger Penrose and St Peter

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3 ideas

13. Knowledge Criteria / D. Scepticism / 1. Scepticism
Anaxarchus said that he was not even sure that he knew nothing [Anaxarchus, by Diog. Laertius]
     Full Idea: Anaxarchus said that he was not even sure that he knew nothing.
     From: report of Anaxarchus (fragments/reports [c.340 BCE]) by Diogenes Laertius - Lives of Eminent Philosophers 09.10.1
15. Nature of Minds / B. Features of Minds / 1. Consciousness / e. Cause of consciousness
Quantum states in microtubules could bind brain activity to produce consciousness [Penrose]
     Full Idea: I propose that microtubules in nerve cells could give rise to a stable quantum state that would bind the activity of brain cells throughout the cerebrum and in doing so give rise to consciousness.
     From: Roger Penrose (Could a computer ever understand? [1998], p.329)
     A reaction: This seems to offer a physical theory to account for the 'unity' of the mind (which so impressed Descartes), but I don't quite see why being aware of things would ensue from some 'quantum binding'. I daresay 'quantum binding' occurs in the Sun.
29. Religion / D. Religious Issues / 1. Religious Commitment / e. Fideism
Always be ready to give reasons for your beliefs [Peter]
     Full Idea: Be ready to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear.
     From: St Peter (21: First Epistle of Peter [c.50], 3:15)
     A reaction: This quotation is the rational theologian's standard response to pure fideism.