Cheating the Ferryman, Is there Life After Death, The Daemon.

This is the forum for all who are interested in the theory of what may happen to consciousness at the point of death as explained in the books 'Is There Life After Death - The Extraordinary Science Of What Happens When You Die' and The Daemon.

Infinity vs Determinisim

This section exists to facilitate discussion about the links between ITLAD/CTF and two of the oldest philosophical traditions on the planet - Shamanism and Huna. Shamanism is arguably the oldest mystery tradition in the world. Cave paintings from paleolithic times show figures involved in Shamanistic rituals that can still be found today among many traditional cultures. These traditions also contain profound ideas about the relationship between the human mind and external reality. Huna is one of the original arts and sciences of healing and spiritual development and is a part of the original teachings of the peoples of the earth which were centered in Hawaii on a continent which now, no longer exists. All that remains physically of that land are the mountain peaks of the island chain called Hawaii.

Moderator: aloha_gary

Infinity vs Determinisim

Postby SAB » Sun Jan 09, 2011 12:34 pm

I was thinking earlier about the concept of infinity and I asked myself, does the concept of infinity in itself refute the concept of determinism? If something is infinite, or has an infinite number of possibilities, then by definition an outcome cannot be determined. Ie it is (to state the obvious) infinite as opposed to finite. How do materialists therefore reconcile themselves with the concept of infinity (if at all). I am sure there will be many who see infinity as not necessarily something that exists in reality but merely something that is used as a kind of short cut within mathematics to avoid going through what is perceived to be every deterministic outcome. But then I started to think about paradoxes and how in some instances they become paradoxes because they do not follow a deterministic outcome. If we keep Zeno's paradox in mind then there is no reason logically that something cannot be divided by half for eternity, even if it is only a number. Therefore, if I can conceive of infinity then surely it must exist in reality; even if only as a thought. If infinity can exist in my head as a thought then does that mean that there can be no determinism when it comes to thoughts, inspirations and ideas? If this is so what then must replace determinism? Does infinity, point the way to free will? Is this why an observer is required to collapse the wave function? In an odd sort of way then, does it take free will to allow the perception of determinism to manifest even if the latter is only an illusion? Can determinism therefore be viewed as the logical outcome to a choice or observation made from free will because, in essence, free will = infinity?
User avatar
SAB
 
Posts: 287
Joined: Sat Mar 13, 2010 4:18 pm

Re: Infinity vs Determinisim

Postby Elew » Sun Jan 09, 2011 7:13 pm

I would say, that it may depend on whether the action is from inside of the collective, or outside of it.
Elew
 
Posts: 613
Joined: Mon Aug 09, 2010 4:18 pm


Return to Esoteric Philosophy

Who is online

Users browsing this forum: No registered users and 0 guests

cron