It's a major error to believe that a philosophy, by its nature, cannot be supported by objective real-world reasoned analysis.

The function of a philosophy is to allow human beings to deal with the real world in a proper manner. Much of the history of human tragedy involves philosophies that refuse to relate in any way to the real world.

As long as discussions of this type are grounded in the premise that philosophical concepts are no different in essence than a favorite color or food, the discussions can't go anywhere useful.

Keep in mind that just because an idea can be proven false doesn't mean that it will be discarded, or that an idea that can be proven true will be accepted. Never underestimate mental inertia. You can provide data until you're blue in the face, but if people prefer the fantasy, they'll stay with it until dragged away from it kicking and screaming.

It takes a lot to snap a stubborn mental habit. It's no coincidence that most epiphanies are preceded by serious trauma of some kind.

Remember my saying about simple answers to big questions?