PotentialismTheory.com
by David Birnbaum
Potentialism Theory
“Sequenced Summa”
[ a quasi-Loop ]
via 16 points
Summa's handling of the key inter-related issues in
Philosophy / Metaphysics / Theology / Science
Note to reader: Over the course of its two volumes,
Summa Metaphysica handles almost all issues on multiple-levels
– ranging from a stripped-down thoroughly “secular level”
through a richer, more textured and nuanced “religious/spiritual level.”
At the request of an array of “interested parties” –
ranging from young students through teachers to journalists to scientists –
the sequence below presents the stripped-down secular level –
with a few references (needed even in this stripped-down version)
to a Theistic perspective in 3 of the 16 component parts here.
The Cosmic Spinal Column of Potential
1) Is there an eternal something?
Classic term for question: "Eternal Origins"
Quick-formulation of Summa's response as regards this question: Summa proposes that Potential/Possibility is eternal. Indeed, it is the only concept/dynamic that we can conceptualize with certainty as being eternal.
SUMMA ICON: POTENTIAL/POSSIBILITY IS ETERNAL
SUMMA METAPHYSICA
The position of the Entrenched Dogma: no position or answer
Components of the Summa hypothesis as regards this question:
1a) By Definition
By definition, Potential/Possibility is eternal.
It is self-evident that Potential/Possibility is eternal.
1b) Infinite nesting
· Quest for Potential ( Quest for Potential ( Quest for Potential
ad infinitum
· Note our shorthand notation:
Q4P∞ = Quest for Potential ( Quest for Potential ( Quest for Potential
1c) Key components of (each) Q4P =
( Traction-Survival ( Deployment of Potential Array ( Extraordinariation
( Note that Extraordinariation is my term, and is explicated
in preliminary form in the last two points of the sequence unfolding below... )
1d) The m.o. – modus operandi – of Q4P
Macro-Holistic Optimization (my term)
Q4P∞ surveys the cosmic chessboard, and giving extra-weight to
proximity-factors, calibrates/choreographs/iterates the “next move”
for overall cosmic optimization of Potential.
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POTENTIALISM THEORY
2a) How did things “get started”?
Classic term for question: embryonic Cosmology-Cosmogony
Quick-formulation of Summa's response: Q4P 'breathes-fire' into the equations of Physics-Mathematics.
SUMMA ICON: EMBRYONIC POTENTIAL
The position of the Entrenched Dogma: no answer
Components of the Summa hypothesis as regards this question:
The precise nature/origin of primordial/abstract Physics-Mathematics is unclear.
[See also Seth Lloyd, Programming The Universe, published by Alfred A. Knopf © 2006: “As soon as the universe began, it began computing. At first, the patterns it produced were simple, comprising elementary particles and establishing the fundamental laws of physics.” (p. 3)]
The eternal equations of Physics-Math are in a symbiotic relationship with Infinite Potential.
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SUMMA METAPHYSICA
2b) How did the universe as we know it come into existence?
Classic term for question: (classic) Cosmology-Cosmogony
Quick-formulation of Summa's response: The equations of Physics-Math, integral to Quest for Potential, seeking after their fuller potential, sought realization and embodiment. They continuously set-the-stage for the next layer of reality…leading in due course to igniting the Big Bang.
SUMMA ICON: EQUATION-POTENTIAL
The position of the Entrenched Dogma: no answer
Components of the Summa hypothesis as regards this question:
As we are dealing in metaphysical-realms, it is challenging to get much more detailed than we are already.
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POTENTIALISM THEORY
2c) What else is happening?
(in parallel with #2a above)
Classic term for question:
Quick-formulation of Summa's response: The Cosmic Womb of Potential, a higher-level engine of potential, is ever-evolving and in-gear…
SUMMA ICON: THE COSMIC WOMB OF POTENTIAL
The position of the Entrenched Dogma: not applicable
Components of the Summa hypothesis as regards this question:
We are dealing with an ultimately infinitely nested situation, i.e.
Cosmic Womb of Potential (Cosmic Womb of Potential (Cosmic Womb of Potential….
Meaning, there are many ’faces’/facets to Potential:
Quest for Potential∞, Infinite Potential, Cosmic Womb of Potential and related.
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SUMMA METAPHYSICA
3) What are the prime goals of the Cosmic Womb of Potential?
Classic term for question:
Quick-formulation of Summa's response: A prime goal of the Cosmic Womb of Potential is a reality-universe.
SUMMA ICON: METAPHYSICAL POTENTIAL
> REALITY-POTENTIAL
The position of the Entrenched Dogma: not dealt with
Components of the Summa hypothesis as regards this question:
A reality-universe is not the end-goal of the Cosmic Womb of Potential.
Rather, the reality-universe becomes "the platform" for a possibly infinite plethora of potential.
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POTENTIALISM THEORY
4) What Ignited the Big Bang?
Classic term for question: Origins of the Big Bang
Quick-formulation of Summa's response: PUSH and PULL dynamics ignited the Big Bang. Note that Push/Pull would parallel the dynamics of childbirth.
PUSH: The equations of Physics-Math will split the “0”-Point and ignite the Big Bang.
A few billion years later, Einstein et al. will split the atom and unleash an atomic bomb explosion.
The equations will treat the “0”-Point as a Cosmic Portal to Reality; they will split the “0”-Point and unleash its Potential (power) to ignite the Big Bang and with it, our universe.
PULL: The extraordinary potentials down-the-road [see the very last two points at very end] – which include the super-expansion of consciousness – both in breadth and depth - layer-on a crucial ‘pull-force’ and ‘guidance’ towards retroactively igniting and guiding creation (the Big Bang aka The Genesis Point). I call this a “Cosmic Leveraged Buyout” - “cosmic bootstrapping”. See Summa II: section Beta: “The Cosmic Tool Kit.
SEE ELABORATION – “Pull” below.
SUMMA ICON: THE “0”-POINT PORTAL;
Cosmic Leveraged Buyout
cosmic bootstrapping
The position of the Entrenched Dogma: a variation on “randomness”
Components of the Summa hypothesis as regards this question:
SUMMA METAPHYSICA
The equation will split the “0”-Point into
Positives and Negatives
Female and Male
Good and Evil
Positive & Negative energy
Regular & Dark matter
amongst other dualities
Note: We have not explicated the “0”-Point, but we are not the first to refer to same vis à vis cosmic origins.
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POTENTIALISM THEORY
5) Why is the universe so Finely Tuned?
Classic term for question: Goldilocks Enigma
Quick-formulation of Summa's response: At the splitting of the “0”-Point,
the equations, integral to Quest for Potential, quite-precisely calibrate the universal constants necessary to set-the-stage for eventual life.
SUMMA ICON: THE GOLDILOCKS POTENTIALIZERS
The position of the Entrenched Dogma: Some scientists offer variations on Multiverse theory. They assert that with enough universes, anything is possible.
I believe that the reasoning is fatally flawed. Aside from failing rudimentary rules of probability, the multiverse-makes-anything-possible reasoning violates Occam’s Law of Parsimony.
Components of the Summa hypothesis as regards this question:
With respect to the Entrenched Dogma, the Goldilocks Enigma vectors all non-Theistic metaphysics to at least consider the equations as “prime suspects” in the cosmic drama.
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SUMMA METAPHYSICA
6) If there is a divine, what is the divine's essence/origin?
Classic term for question: Theogony
Quick-formulation of Summa's response: Quest for Potential is transcendent and overarching and infinite. Potential was the catalyst for life and sustains it. Consequently, by definition, Quest for Potential qualifies as a “divine dynamic,” albeit not a deity.
Whether or not this dynamic is a “religious divine” manifested in the classic God of Israel or related, is open to debate. Summa very carefully takes no position on this particular debate.
Note that the “religious version” would not be as metaphysically lean (pure) as the non-religious position. On the other hand, the “religious version” is more textured, and, of course, has the not insignificant potential cosmic benefit of greater “spiritual potential.”
From his perch as a metaphysics writer, the author believes that either position is viable, as in any event it is anchored by Infinite Potential.
SUMMA ICON: THE METAPHYSICAL GOD OF POTENTIAL
The position of the Entrenched Dogma: There is no transcending dynamic
Components of the Summa hypothesis as regards this question:
We are all an integral part of this transcending dynamic. Thus, we are all simultaneously both mortal – and divine.
Through a theistic lens –
see the name of God as explicated at the biblical “Burning Bush” saga
Eheyeh asher Eheyeh
I WILL BE THAT WHICH I WILL BE (Book of Exodus 3:14)
i.e. I am the God of Potential
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POTENTIALISM THEORY
7) Does Man Have Freedom?
Classic term for question: Freedom Question
Quick-formulation of Summa's response: As Freedom is integral to Potential, and Potential is the core cosmic dynamic, Man has Freedom. And privacy.
SUMMA ICON: MAN’S FREEDOM IS INTEGRAL
TO POTENTIAL
The position of the Entrenched Dogma:
Components of the Summa hypothesis as regards this question:
Note: Summa I (God and Evil) is heavily focused on this issue.
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SUMMA METAPHYSICA
8) How/why does Life emerge?
Classic term for question/issue: Origin of Life
Quick-formulation of Summa's response: Q4P establishes/generates/facilitates ever-more dynamic ‘platforms of potential’ (my term) to launch the still next stage(s) of Potential. Cosmologist Paul Davies writes (p. 228 of Goldilocks Enigma) that “the history of the universe is one in which fundamentally new phenomena emerge at successive thresholds of temperature, energy, or complexity.” I might add, ‘or of fuller - consciousness/emotion/information/awareness/versatility and force-multiplier ability’.
SEE ELABORATION – “Platforms of Potential” below.
SUMMA ICON: ‘platforms of potential’
The position of the Entrenched Dogma: all random chance
Components of the Summa hypothesis as regards this question:
Thus, life is quite central, and indeed pivotal, to the cosmic drive and cosmic order. It is not trivial and/or accidental as per the contemporary majority (‘entrenched orthodoxy’) academic hierarchy view.
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POTENTIALISM THEORY
9) Does Quest for Potential∞ Impact Evolution
Classic term for question:
Quick-formulation of Summa's response: Conceptually, Evolution is correct. Quest for Potential is embedded in Natural Selection as its key "driver".
SUMMA ICON: POTENTIAL-IMPACTED EVOLUTION
The position of the Entrenched Dogma: see Wikipedia article on Evolution plus Wikipedia article on Natural Selection
Components of the Summa hypothesis as regards this question:
Q4P∞ impacts the evolutionary process via its Macro-Holistic Optimization tool.
Q4P∞ = ( Survival-Traction ( Panoply of Potential ( Extraordinariation
Summa maintains that Q4P∞ is significantly impacting both the “mutations” and the natural selection.
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SUMMA METAPHYSICA
10) What is Man’s purpose?
Classic term for question: Purpose Question
Quick-formulation of Summa's response: Man’s purpose is to seek his potential.
SUMMA ICON: PURPOSE-POTENTIAL
The position of the Entrenched Dogma: none
Components of the Summa hypothesis as regards this question:
Meaning, a specific individual's purpose is unique to the inherent and unfolding potentials of that specific individual.
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POTENTIALISM THEORY
11) If there is a divine, why is there gross evil?
Classic term for question: Theodicy
Quick-formulation of Summa's response: As the purpose of Man is to reach for his potential, and as Freedom is integral to potential, the potential Divine is (virtually) unable to interfere with Man’s freedom.
SUMMA ICON: FREEDOM POTENTIAL IS INVIOLATE
The position of the Entrenched Dogma: not applicable
Components of the Summa hypothesis as regards this question:
Intervention in Man’s freedom would be the equivalent of “cosmic suicide.”
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SUMMA METAPHYSICA
12) Consciousness: How did it evolve; why is it ever-increasing?
Classic term for question: Consciousness Question
Quick-formulation of Summa's response: Quest for Potential∞ seeks after its potential, and “consciousness” is on the route towards Extraordinariation (the amorphous end-goal of Quest for Potential∞)
SUMMA ICON: CONSCIOUSNESS–POTENTIAL
The position of the Entrenched Dogma: no answer
Components of the Summa hypothesis as regards this question:
It is possible that Q4P∞ defines the outer contours of its own (non-mechanistic) consciousness by the consciousness-level achieved by Mankind.
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POTENTIALISM THEORY
13) Love: How does it fit into the scheme of the Cosmos?
Classic term for question:
Quick-formulation of Summa's response: It is possible that the potential for love was a primary motivator in the equations’ endeavor to craft a universe – with ultimately sentient beings therein – to thus be-in-a-position to potentially both receive and give love.
SUMMA ICON: LOVE–POTENTIAL
The position of the Entrenched Dogma: no answer
Components of the Summa hypothesis as regards this question:
It is hard to define love, and, as they say, love is elusive. But it is possible that the equations ached for its realization, to the extent that it was a primary motivator for creation of the universe.
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SUMMA METAPHYSICA
14) What is the purpose of the universe?
Classic term for question:
Quick-formulation of Summa's response: The purpose of the universe is as a designated vehicle and platform for realization and optimization of potential.
SUMMA ICON: POTENTIAL-REALIZATION
The position of the Entrenched Dogma: There is no purpose to the universe, and the universe has no end-goal.
Components of the Summa hypothesis as regards this question:
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POTENTIALISM THEORY
15) What is the ultimate cosmic goal?
Classic term for question: Teleology
Quick-formulation of Summa's response: The ultimate cosmic goal is EXTRAORDINATRIATION.
SUMMA ICON: EXTRAORDINARIATION-POTENTIAL
The position of the Entrenched Dogma: There is no ultimate cosmic goal
Components of the Summa hypothesis as regards this question:
Quest for Potential∞ is probing and searching for
...the elusive Extraordinariation
ultimate –
grandeur…elegance…beauty…symmetry…fulfillment....consciousness…
harmony…artistry…symphony…spirituality...perfection…humanitarianism…
romancing… love….parenting...meaning...altruism…mercy…
– plus possibilities and potentials as yet not precisely known to either us or to Quest for Potential∞ itself
In combination, the possible outermost-limit realization of the myriad potentials above – known and unknown – would define extraordinaration.
In parallel to the concept of Infinity, extraordnariation is a goal to be sought, but conceptually not ever quite-fully realized.
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SUMMA METAPHYSICA
16) Is there a self-dynamizing (my term) Cosmic Loop here?
Classic term for question: Reality from Nothingness?
(In jewish philosophy) Yesh m’Ayin?
Quick-formulation of Summa's response: Extraordinariation down-the-road is retroactively a key ‘guidance’ and ‘impetus’ for Creation/The Big Bang/The Genesis Point.
Deploying eclectic contemporary scientific jargon to the above, it can be proposed that the universe is self-Causal and/or self- Explanatory and/or self-Actualizing and/or self- Dynamizing and/or self- Sustaining and/or self- Enervating - aside from and related-to the universe being ultimately self-Observing and/or self-Participatory and/or self-Comprehending and/or self-Explaining and/or self-Organizing and/or [ultimately] self-Aware. You are by now aware of my key thrust of the universe as self-Iterating. These are all profound topics, but just noting the jargon alone noted here gives one a glimpse into the basic thrusts of discussion. [see the same well-organized and relatively lucid Davies book Goldilocks (cited above) chapters 1, 9, 10, Afterword) for some general amplification and chapters in-between for more in-depth.]
SUMMA ICON: self-dynamizing & guiding
Cosmic Loop
The position of the Entrenched Dogma: all is random
Components of the Summa hypothesis as regards this question:
see my “Cosmic Leveraged Buyout” plus “Cosmic Bootstrapping” references noted above in Question 4. Note that schematically, our Q4P is eternal, but then in concert with Physics-Mathematics and assorted other dynamics (discerned herein and in Summa proper to the best of our ability)
Q4P embodies itself as our self-iterating, fully-integrated universe, incorporating, as well, you and me.
SEE ALSO ELABORATION – “Pull” below.
POTENTIALISM THEORY
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ELABORATION – “Pull”
Owing to the particularly radical nature of this proposition, I cite here several buttressing sources from the mainstream contemporary scientific community. See the following:
#A John A. Wheeler, “World as a System Self-Synthesized by Quantum Networking,” IBM Journal of Research and Development vol. 32, no. 1 (1988), p. 4.
#B Cosmologists J. R. Gott III and L.-X. Li, “Can the Universe Create Itself?” Physical Review D, vol. 58 (1998], p. 023501.
#C Astronomer Fred Hoyle who concludes that “the Universe is seen as an inextricably linked loop…Everything exists at the courtesy of everything else”. The Intelligent Universe [London: Michael Joseph, 1983), p. 248.
#D Cosmologist Paul Davies, The Goldilocks Enigma, chapter 10 How Come Existence? sub- section “Loops in Time” (pps. 251-254) (© 2006 by Davies, First Mariner Books edition, UK ) for survey overview, plus citation to Davies’ own prior causal loop-theory article “Closed Time..” in Natural Physical Science , vol. 240, (1972), p. 248.
In the Afterword finale’ to his 2006 Goldilocks ‘survey masterwork’, Davies concludes that the optimal eventual cosmology [he was not aware of Summa Metaphysica 1988, 2005 at that point] would contain the following components:
# Davies - “something unexpected has to be accepted as a given”
[ Summa proposes Infinite Potential (Q4P inifinitely iterated & nesting .]
# Davies - “and the rest of the explanatory scheme constructed on that…”
[ Summa does just that.]
# Davies – [potentially] a closed explanatory or causal loop
[ Summa has a quasi-closed explanatory/causal loop (see PULL just-above).]
# Davies – [maybe even] a backward-in-time causation whereby the universe creates itself…self-contained”
[ Summa incorporates a similar integral component – see PULL - just-above.]
SUMMA METAPHYSICA
# Davies – “something self-activating...self-consistent loops capable of understanding themselves with (at least the potential for) life and mind
[ Summa comports to this checklist, as well. But articulates just one loop.]
Note that only the suis generis proposed concept of Quest for Potential infinitely nested & iterated
- and then inserted as centerpiece to a nuanced metaphysics - could pull-off the multi-tasking Davies is looking for. = because only Potential/Possibility can be posited with conviction as being eternal ( see point 1a above).
Davies is clear that the scientific community is looking for a mathematical formula. So here is the deal:
1) Q4P ( Q4P ( Q4P is a conceptual formula.
2) Science has been looking in the wrong zone. It should have been looking in a conceptual zone - as opposed to a mathematical zone – for an ultimate eternal dynamic. Mathematics may be linked-at-the-hip to the dynamic, but the dynamic would be the ‘fire breather into the equations’ – and not vice versa.
ELABORATION – “Platforms of Potential”
Thus, some salient ‘platforms’ of the post-Big Bang cosmic order (some more directly relevant to us than others) -
13.7 billion years ago: The Big Bang
At 13.7 billion years ago minus one micro-second:
quarks and gluons congealed into protons and neutrons
At 13.3 billion years ago: electrons and nuclear particles combined into atoms
At 13.2 billion years ago: gravity exerts its pull
At 12.95 billion years ago: supernovas…and the consequent 98 (discovered) natural terrestrial elements ultimately necessary for humans. (My conjecture is that the final number might be precisely 100.)
At 12.7 billion years ago; galaxies
4 billion years ago: life on our own planet
3.9 billion years ago: photosynthesis
see also: | www.PotentialismTheory.com/ParadigmChallenge/ www.SummaMetaphysica.com(main book site) |
DAVID BIRNBAUM PHILOSOPHY / METAPHYSICS
re: Cosmology
The proposed Summa SuperLaw equation is:
Q4P∞ > C+ > E+
see the following links:
SuperLaw1000.com
Glossary1000.com
TheBirnbaumTheorem.com
TTOE1000.com
contact info:
Summa Metaphysica
David Birnbaum: DBprivate@aol.ciom
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DAVID BIRNBAUM PHILOSOPHY / METAPHYSICS