Alright First Blog...this is a very short idea that came to me about four months ago, but of which I only really bothered to share with my brother. I am aware that this theory runs on the basis of logic, and that i can be argued against with ideas such as the ability to defy logic is reserved specifically for God. With those arguments in mind, unfortunately, to me this idea just...makes sense.
Also, I would like to thank my good friend Oliver Hunt for the inspiration to start my own blog with his film blogs at http://newfilmblog.blogspot.com Whether you watch films every now and then or often, his insight into films is great and is well worth checking out, especially since the films he reviews are often relevant to today's films (eg. The Wrestler) Ok that's enough with the advertising, as the main reason for inspiration is simply just actively writing about what you love, and although I think a lot about the kind of stuff that interests me, I never really try to explain my thoughts properly...so et voila, I have a blog.
Obligatory Notice: I do not mean in any way to offend anyone who has conflicting opinions or ideals, I am merely stating possible theories, which I may not necessarily believe in. I also greatly appreciate constructive criticisms and arguments against the points I make, however, I do not wish to have people slandering my opinions with comments/arguments that are unfounded (excluding religious arguments, although whether they are unfounded or not is debatable), and nonsensical (unless, course, your talking about illogicality, which is naturally nonsensical)
The Impossibility of Perfection
Note that since the meaning of ‘Logic’ is vague, and possibly unusable here, I am using it to replace the idea of that which can ultimately be achieved, or that which is possible, for the sake of making this idea easier to understand and more accessible. In addition, Perfection is refering to the ultimate perfection, the true meaning, so to speak, as opposed when someone may consider something 'perfect' for an individual task.
Take into account:
1. Perfection: The state of which one can achieve anything.
2. Impossibility: One that cannot be achieved.
3. Logic: That which can be achieved.
God is considered perfection. However, the meaning of perfection is a being that can achieve anything. By this, this means that the being would be able to defy logic itself. However, simply defying logic would not even mean perfection. It must be able to defy each and every logic, as of which it will be able to become a perfect being. But, if perfection is defined as that that defies logic, that cannot be possible, and the being that strived and succeeded in perfection has indeed defied logic, this mean that the laws of logic are themselves rewritten around the very basis of this that defies logic, and has now become logic, therefore making the being, once again, imperfect. As such, it is impossible for any being, let alone God, to indeed ‘become’ perfect, as this is an impossible concept, and a being cannot exist without itself being possible.
This argument and viewpoint is taken from the idea that we are ‘able’ to understand and comprehend any action or existence, for the sake of argument. (We are not arguing from a human standpoint, but instead from one of omniscience)
Interesting points, I'm liking.
ReplyDeleteOne thing, where are you getting your definition of perfection from? If you search for the definition of perfection on google the first result that comes up is:
"The state of being without a flaw or defect."
This is very different to your definition and might be thought to have an affect on the logical view of the concept of perfection, but if you follow it through you come to the same conclusion.
The concept of perfection is of course fairly absurd as it is based on opinion rather than fact. For example I am currently listening to a very good song by the Eels which I might define as perfect (suggesting that I believed the combination of sounds made it the ultimate song and that it could not be improved upon in any way). I don't think this in fact; I'm sure that it could do without the pause halfway through (guess the song anyone?) but if I did feel it was perfect, it could not be so as there is certainly someone in the world to whom the song would not be perfect and thus making it imperfect.
One could suggest then that if there was an object that every single person (and possibly lifeform) on the planet (and even possibly in the entire universe conceivably) thought was absolutely perfect, then it actually would be by definition. Since the odds of this are inconceivably low; and since there is almost certainly no way to actually assertain whether every sentient being in the universe did really see said object as perfect, it would seem that nothing can ever be truly perfect. At least, that is my definition of perfection, which seems to be largely subjective. Even if you take the definition: "the state of being without a flaw or defect" as the defintion of perfection, there would be someone that would argue that it was not perfect because it lacked a flaw or defect.
Inevitably though the definition becomes irrelevant and we come back to your argument that the concept of perfection is indeed a logical impossibility.
Heh it's quite fun having these little philosophical discussions over the internet, nice idea with the blog I'll keep checking for more.
u still got problems phrasing this.
ReplyDeletewhen u told me this, u sed according to christianity, god is almighty, omnipresent etc (which is disputable). if he was able to do anything, then he could do the impossible, which would mean that it was possible. therefore there is no such thing as the impossible for god, so he cant do it.
Thanks for summing it up easily Alex.
ReplyDeleteAnd Owen, the definite by perfection in the sense I am portraying it is absolute perfection, a state in which a being can achieve anything and everything, essentially omnipotence. I am not referring to perfection in the form of an opinion, as it is portrayed in most cases.
As for your music example, that would be an example of individual perfection, in which that song has been defined 'perfect' by you for a specific task: to bring you 'pleasure' through music. As you said, opinions differ, and that song may not be perfect to another music listener.
In contrast, my perfection is one that is purely materialistic, focusing more on the ability for something to achieve goals, as opposed to whether it, or anyone else for that matter, believes that these goals are perfect or not. I am not so much defining perfection, than using the word to describe the concept of a being that can achieve anything. (I may subsitute the word for omnipotence, should I feel the need)