"The ultimate triumph of science"

[Moco Loco]

Originally Posted by Tsyal Makto

I think I understand what you're trying to say. Obviously a reality must exist for us to have arisen, but that still doesn't mean we don't define "how" ourselves, through outward observation, and the existential questions through inward observation. (IMO, because we view reality through ourselves, what is outward and inward are both equally important, valid, and need to be defined if we wish to truly live the human experience).

My point is simple: "How" always has to exist. "Why" does not.

Originally Posted by Tsyal Makto

But the fact that intention can play such a role in the creations of any universes, period, is a testament to the power we might hold if the many-worlds theory turns out to be true. IMO this is a matter of quality, not quantity.

The number of universes is the quantity. The near infinite types of universes is the quality. Neither of these (quality or quantity) are independently affected by the decisions we actually make. Only the individual universe is affected. You could lay in bed every day for the rest of your life, but in other universes, you could still be going out. Or, you could go out same as always in this universe, but there would be another where you stayed in bed every day. Regardless of which universe the "you" I'm typing this response to is experiencing, they both will come into existence. They will exist regardless of what you do, of any decision you ever make. The split of a universe into other universes is unrelated to intention. TBH, I thought it was undermining to your argument to bring it up.

Originally Posted by Tsyal Makto

There's "debate" and then there's "debate." I have no problem with discussion, but I want to avoid things getting heated, as they so often seem to happen on this forum. I guess a good way to avoid this is to always reiterate that we are discussing opinions, and that everyone avoid asserting their opinions as fact. That's why I've been making an effort to say "My $0.02" to more and more of my posts, to prevent seeming too assertive.

If I am ever disrespectful to you, I expect you (or someone) to call me out on it in some manner, and I'll provide you with the same courtesy. Asserting your opinion is no crime, as long as you are allowing for the possibility of my opinion in some fashion. At least, these are the rules I go by for myself, unconventional as they may be