The Double Dichotomy Proof of God

[John J. Bannan]

THE DOUBLE DICHOTOMY PROOF OF GOD


1) A metaphysical dichotomy between the set of all possible all inclusive states of existence and no states of existence proves that no states of existence cannot be the case, because our universe is real.

2) A metaphysical dichotomy between the set of all possible all inclusive states of existence that can become real and the set of all possible all inclusive states of existence that cannot become real being those possible all inclusive states of existence that contain two logically possible but contradictory states proves that the set of all possible all inclusive states of existence that cannot become real cannot be the case, because our universe is real.

3) Because our universe had a beginning and does not need to be real, and because something must be real without our universe being real due to the fact that no states of existence cannot be real, then there must be something real without our universe being real proving that all inclusive states of existence that can become real must be possible in reality.

4) Because the set of all possible all inclusive states of existence that can become real is infinite because one can imagine any given universe with the addition of just one more thing ad infinitum, then there cannot be a probability for any given universe because the set is infinite.

5) But because the universe is real, then there must be something real which determines what becomes real among the infinite set of all possible all inclusive states of existence where said determination is not based on probability or random chance.

6) Because something can be real and our universe not be real, then there must be a power to create the real such as our universe, and as there is a power to create the real, then there must be a power to determine what is real based on an order of preference.

7) Because the set of all possible all inclusive states of existence that can become real is not inherently ordered, and because it is possible to determine based on preference which possible all inclusive states of existence come into reality, then there must be a real eternal constraint that determines through will and intellect to allow any or all of these possible all inclusive states of existence to become real.

8) Because the actualization of any or all possible all inclusive states of existence that can become real requires the constraint to actualize them, then the constraint cannot be made and therefore must be infinite pure act without moving parts.

9) Said constraint must have power over all possible all inclusive states of existence that can become real being omnipotent and omnipresent.

10) Said constraint must have knowledge of all possible all inclusive states of existence that can become real being omniscient.

11) Because the mind of the constraint is omnipresent and hence within all of us, our minds are contained within the mind of the constraint which calls all of us to be Sons of the constraint.

12) Hence, a single being exists who is eternal, omnipotent, omniscient, omnipresent, is not made, and has a will and intellect and we call this being God.

[John J. Bannan]

[Replying to post 108 by FarWanderer]

It is metaphysically impossible that 1=2. However, neither 1 or 2 can ever be Real. If you ever see a Number 1 or 2 fly by you, please take a picture of it for me.

[John J. Bannan]

[Replying to post 109 by Zzyzx]

What is the difference between you and a squirrel? You can ask questions about your own existence.

Now, it seems to me that one resigned to not asking such questions and searching for answers is simply wasting one of the very things that makes you unique in the animal kingdom. A real waste and shame, frankly.

[Jashwell]

[Replying to post 107 by Jashwell]

Metaphysical possibility ---> 1.....X...4 There is a possibility X=3.

Possibility -----> Janet .........X...........Dave. There is a possibility X is named Carl and he works at a pub.

This really isn't explanatory... at all.

It is metaphysically impossible that 1=2. However, neither 1 or 2 can ever be Real. If you ever see a Number 1 or 2 fly by you, please take a picture of it for me.

1 and 2 are both real, but trivialities aside it is logically impossible.
Nothing to do with so-called metaphysics.

[FarWanderer]

[Replying to post 108 by FarWanderer]

It is metaphysically impossible that 1=2. However, neither 1 or 2 can ever be Real.

Okaaaay. Is there some reason it's not "metaphysically possible" for the number 542 to be the state of existence, while it is "metaphysically possible" for nothingness to be the state?

[Zzyzx]

.

What is the difference between you and a squirrel? You can ask questions about your own existence.

If someone regards "the difference between you and a squirrel" as being the ability to question existence I seriously question their knowledge of biology as well as their judgment.

Now, it seems to me that one resigned to not asking such questions and searching for answers is simply wasting one of the very things that makes you unique in the animal kingdom. A real waste and shame, frankly.

It seems to me as though there are far more important questions for which to seek answers than "your own existence"; questions such as: '

How can I best conduct my life with respect to the real world in which I live and the people with whom I associate?

How can I make sound decisions that yield positive results?

How can I best communicate with others?

How can I continue to enjoy a fulfilling, challenging, changing, satisfying life?


Pondering "my existence" or "why am I here" or similar questions is beneath my radar. Absence of "answers" had never interfered with my life in any way. I leave such ponderings to those inclined to muse about such things (or to relate them to their religious opinions and beliefs). Since the "answers" are nothing more than conjecture, I regard those questions as a waste of time that could be devoted to more important, immediate and applicable concerns.

[John J. Bannan]

[Replying to post 114 by FarWanderer]

The number 542 in itself is metaphysical in that the number 542 is a concept. However, my dichotomy is proven through reference to reality itself. We have no idea whatsoever of "542" being the case. However, we can grasp what pure nothingness would be if it were the case, because we could imagine the absence of all things and even the absence of space and Void itself. I cannot imagine "542" being the case, so I reject it out of hand. Consequently, there is no good reason to offer "542" as a true metaphysical option, but there is good reason to offer pure nothingness as a true metaphysical option. If you would like to explain what "542" being the case would entail, please be my guest. Perhaps, you are more imaginative than I am.

[John J. Bannan]

[Replying to post 115 by Zzyzx]

Going about life's business ignorant of the prospect of eternal life in Heaven is a position of cognitive dissonance. You claim meaning in life, but without eternal life, there is no meaning in life. From your perspective, you will die and never remember a thing about any of your choices and actions. Consequently, under your philosophy, nothing you do matters in the least bit - and yet, you irrationally insist that it does.

[JoeyKnothead]

From Post 117:

...
You claim meaning in life, but without eternal life, there is no meaning in life.

What a sad state of affairs.

I find much meaning in my life, regardless of your inability to show there's an afterlife.

I find meaning in today, not in some unprovable "tomorrow" you can't show anyone'll get to.

...
Consequently, under your philosophy, nothing you do matters in the least bit - and yet, you irrationally insist that it does.

Sure it does. Getting to see the youngn's grow up, watching through their eyes as they do all the aweing and learning about this wonderful planet. That right there matters to me, 'fore it'll sure chap my sitter if anyone tries to interfere with 'em a-doin' it.


How does that change if we can show there actually is an afterlife?

For me, it doesn't, 'cause like I said, I live for today, not the afterlife you can't show to exist.

[Zzyzx]

.

Going about life's business ignorant of the prospect of eternal life in Heaven is a position of cognitive dissonance.

Correction: cognitive dissonance is the mental stress or discomfort experienced by an individual who holds two or more contradictory beliefs, ideas, or values at the same time, or is confronted by new information that conflicts with existing beliefs, ideas, or values

When one understands the meaning of the term they realize that when one does NOT hold contradictory beliefs, as between a real world and an imaginary world, they are not in a state of cognitive dissonance.

Further, if one is "ignorant of the prospect of eternal life" as you propose, there is no conflict.

Further, the "prospect of eternal life" is an OPINION held by some that has not been shown to be anything more than the product of human imagination. There is no assurance that any such thing exists.

Further, no new evidence has been presented favoring any of the thousands of proposed "gods" or any associated proposed "afterlife."

Condolences to those who have been convinced that their life has meaning only with the assumption of an "afterlife."

BTW, using big words in debate without apparently understanding their meaning is not impressive or convincing.

You claim meaning in life, but without eternal life, there is no meaning in life.

Correction: In your OPINION life has no meaning "without eternal life." That may apply to those who believe in a proposed "afterlife", but does not apply to those who do not accept that unverified proposal.

From your perspective, you will die and never remember a thing about any of your choices and actions.

Agreed. Can you demonstrate that after death a person does retain a memory of their choices and actions (with evidence more substantial than opinion, conjecture, myth, legend and unverifiable ancient texts)?

Those who have been taught or indoctrinated to believe in an "afterlife" may THINK there is memory after death, but that is just their opinion. There is no assurance they are correct outside their own mind and imagination; however, many attempt to demean those who do not share their imagined conditions.

Consequently, under your philosophy, nothing you do matters in the least bit - and yet, you irrationally insist that it does.

Correction: Exactly the opposite is true in my case and under my "philosophy." I maintain that every decision and action I make DOES matter in my life and perhaps the lives of others and perhaps in society and the environment. I have no need to imagine "gods" or "afterlife" to give my life meaning – but leave that to religionists to apply to their life, not mine.

Other than multiple errors, assumptions and misconceptions, thanks for the reply.

[John J. Bannan]

[Replying to post 118 by JoeyKnothead]

I can only point out the obvious to you. When you are dead, you won't remember a thing about your kids. Sad, but true nonetheless. Without eternal life, nothing you do matters at all. You can't even enjoy the prospect of being remembered, because you won't remember a damn thing when you're dead.