So, here is what I was starting to say. This new way of looking at the universe states that beyond our "visible" or potentially "knowable" 13 billion light-year diameter universe is an infinity of space and time, or who knows, anti-space and anti-time. But when you put this into a mathematical equation, then you end with meta physical chaos.
As you know (or at least I've said--but I certainly wasn't the first person to say it) mathematics is the language of nature. Another way of saying it is that mathematics is the language of what is. Now, in my pro-Christian camp of thinking, this is one of the supporting truths. Because you can know the universe through math alone. Einstein knew atomic energy was real through his brain and a caulk board, using mathematics. He didn't discover nuclear energy through experimental physics.
So when you, as the article suggested, reduce this concept to the mathematical you have a total negation of all we know. It is simply true that when you divide any number by infinity, you end up with zero.
First we will talk about one simple concept and that is of knowledge. If we know everything there is to know about the visible universe (and we know less than 1% now) then this universe is still a fraction of the whole. So we know 100% of this fraction. But when you express that fraction as X/infinity (can't use the symbol for infinity as the bog doesn't have it) the answer approaches 0 to the point that it is 0 or the same as 0.
So, when it comes to our knowledge of all that is, then our knowledge is 0. But then the mathematical equation does more. When you apply it to metaphysics, you end up at the same place. If we are 1 (or 1,000 or even 1,000,000 as it doesn't matter) when you place it above infinity as a fraction of what is . . . we become the non existent. You can apply this in the area of morals or any area and you always end up with 0.
So, in summary, if the universe is infinite, then we, for all practical purposes, don't exist nor ever will.
We are less than an anomaly I was going to say a brief blip in time but if the infinite universe has infinite past and future (if time exist there) then once again, our existence is reduced to zero. Even if the universe has existed for 14 billion years, that is still 0 time (1,000,000,000 years/infinite time = 0). Sure you can say "approaches 0" but really it does mean 0.
Even with the finite universe of 14 billion light years, we already ran into the problem of total insignificance of our being. You can not have a spontaneous big bag, a spontaneous evolution of the elemental and then the geological and then the biological and have meaning. Another equation that makes no sense. It is at this juncture the atheists use their faith that is no less a shot in the dark than the evangelical's faith. They live their lives as if something mattered and it does not. Knowledge doesn't matter, the advancement of humanity doesn't matter. The universe couldn't care less if human's went extinct today. The universe doesn't give a damn if all life forms went extinct today. It doesn't give a damn if all matter collapsed and vanished overnight. But still the atheists lives as if they have meaning.
I will stop here. But that was my thought of the day. :>)
4 comments:
This new way of looking at the universe states that beyond our "visible" or potentially "knowable" 13 billion light-year diameter universe is an infinity of space and time, or who knows, anti-space and anti-time. But when you put this into a mathematical equation, then you end with meta physical chaos.
My old DM used to say that regarding quantum physics and subatomics, "Physics turned into Metaphysics years ago, but nobody will admit to it."
The universe couldn't care less if humans went extinct today. The universe doesn't give a damn if all life forms went extinct today.
Tell that to all the thin grey ponytails in their seats-for-life in Sacramento, laying heavy burdens upon us all because "The PLAAAAAAANET Will THAAAAANK US!!!!"
Very thoughtful postings.
I'm glad you do this.
JMJ,
A little pushback (even though ultmately I agree with you).
That little sideways 8 does indeed represent the entry of metaphysics to the realm of physics and science. In my mind it's the clarion call of nihilism. BUT... and this is a big but, not all atheists are finding meaning in life based in a "faith" in saving the Planet or leaving a legacy of the world being better than they found it.
Most [atheists] I come across find meaning in the same place I do... namely their personal relationships and love of their neighbor. Regardless of apologists' braying on otherwise, one does not need god to see the depth and life in loving others. It's the "law written on our hearts", in a manner of speaking. (Regardless of where it came from, it nonetheless is "there".) In fact, the love of others is in many ways more urgent and important to some atheists, since this infinitesimal life is all there is.
Of course mileage may vary, as it does with believers of all stripes. I have encountered people to whom nihilism is the only logical result of their atheism. When asked about why they, then, are still here wasting oxygen, the retort is usually a belief in strict determinism or some duty of opportunity. Bringing up love usually pisses them off.
My experience with christians should remind me that no one holds a monopoly on cognitive dissonance.
Thanks,
--Justin
Justin, I don't see it as "push back" but just another facet and I agree with you.
Both on the Christian and non-Christian (including the atheists)rely on everyday distractions (love, movies, video games, collecting old cars) with the pretense of meaning to get through the day and avoid even thinking about the big picture. I know the younger people I talk to simply say that they don't care if anything is there or not. The only thing that matters is the warmth they feel from their lover's arms tonight.
Makes me think of the band, "My Chemical Romance."
I remember an old Francis Schaeffer discussion when he was telling the story of crossing the sea back to the states in a passenger steamer (cir 1955). He was having tea with a Jewish atheist who was on his honeymoon. They just finished having this discussion as the atheist was trying to convince him that nothing was really there (meaning nothing out of nothing). As they were done and he was heading back to his stateroom, Francis looked at him and said something like (and remember these were the days when many newly weds "consummated" their marriage on their honeymoon)when you hold her tonight . . . think about it . . . is she there or not?
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