Posts by Martin

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With Einstein and the models of modern physics the universe does not expand into anything.

This statement is misleading. As of current models and observations, both the universe and the space in which it exists are in accelerated expansion. The expansion of space seems to add so much that the distances between our galaxy and the most distant still observable galaxies seem to increase with more than the speed of light. The continued dilution of matter on the largest scale, the increase in entropy and the further development of stars will make the universe much different from now.

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Comments at "Philosophy Matters" indicate that the article lacks depth, is a waste of time reading it.

"Carbohydrate Restriction (Adkins or Keto)" may produce stunning weight loss but both Adkins and Keto are controversial because they are unhealthy for most people.

"Carbohydrate Restriction by cutting down sugar and starch and increasing complex carbohydrates with fibers but not animal fats" is a healthy version of carbohydrate restriction. It would incur reduction of total calory intake, too.

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If the body does no more release water by urine, about the only other way to get rid of significant amounts of water is to stop dehydrating the content of the large intestine. Therefore, dysentery makes sense as a consequential symptom. That method does not have the fine regulation of the kidneys and likely leads to dehydration. Dehydration can easily be fatal. Alcohol is likely to accelerate death then. The evidence with respect to Epicurus committing suicide may not be conclusive enough but it cannot be dismissed either.

The alcohol would worsen the dehydration and may have multiple other effects under that condition.

Just one detail to add to the list of ancient texts indicating suicide as an option for Epicureans under extreme circumstances:

On his last day, Epicurus drank undiluted wine. With the dysentery he was in, this might have been suicide at least in the sense of accelerating the upcoming death.

There was a presentation with more details on this speculation that Epicurus himself might have committed suicide at one of the Epicurean symposia in Greece a few years ago, but I could not find it in my collection of references now.

At first sight, Mommsen points out inconsistencies/problems with the reconstruction of the meaning but does not come to a conclusion within the German/Greek text quoted in #103.

By the way, August Mommsen is an example of cutting-edge research carried out by high school teachers in Germany around the 19th century. Georg Ohm is maybe the most famous example. He experimentally showed the law which was later named after him.

At that time, at least some teachers at high schools in Germany were called professor.

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