Graham Priest on the Philosophy of Nothingness, Everything, and Paradox | Living Mirrors #134
Oct 29, 2024
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Graham Priest, a distinguished philosophy professor at CUNY, dives deep into the intriguing realms of nothingness, paradox, and existence. He explores how our understanding of objects is defined by their contrast to nothingness. The conversation weaves through the evolution of logic, discussing its complexities and implications. Priest examines the nature of time, the distinction between perception and reality, and the duality of 'everything.' He also delves into the paradox of nothingness, drawing insights from various philosophical traditions and meditative practices.
The relationship between objects and nothingness is foundational, as objects rely on nothingness to be identified and recognized.
Paraconsistent logic allows for the coexistence of contradictions without collapsing into chaos, revealing a nuanced understanding of truth.
Nothingness is not merely an absence but is seen as a generative source of reality, crucial for the emergence of existence.
Deep dives
Understanding Objects in Relation to Nothingness
An object is defined as something that stands in contrast to nothingness, much like a hill stands out from a surrounding field. The concept posits that reality is made up of objects, which rely on a background of nothingness to exist. This idea draws on metaphysical views, arguing that without the distinction from nothingness, an object cannot be identified or recognized. Thus, the relationship between objects and nothingness is foundational; reality itself is contingent upon the existence of nothingness as its ground.
The Role of Logic in Philosophical Exploration
Logic serves as a rigorous framework for analyzing ideas and reasoning about them, particularly through the application of mathematical techniques that evolved in the 20th century. These methods allow for precise formulation, aiding in the exploration of complex philosophical concepts. Additionally, contemporary logic reveals that a range of logical systems can exist, challenging previously held assumptions, such as the validity of the principle of excluded middle. This adaptability poses the intriguing question of how logical constructs relate to realities we perceive.
Contradiction and Paraconsistency in Logic
In classical logic, encountering contradictions typically suggests a flaw in the reasoning, as all conclusions then become valid, leading to the principle known as explosion. However, paraconsistent logic allows for contradictions to exist without rendering all other claims true, rejecting this explosive outcome. This approach holds that some inconsistencies can coexist without causing chaos, thus maintaining a coherent system. The philosophical implication here is that some statements might reflect truths about reality, suggesting a nuanced understanding of contradictions and their relevance.
The Generative Nature of Nothingness
Nothingness is conceptualized not merely as an absence but as a foundational, generative source of reality, akin to the way a hill contrasts with the field around it. Some philosophical traditions, including certain interpretations of Taoism and existential thought, hold that nothingness possesses the potential to create and influence the phenomenological world. This notion suggests that everything emerges from this infinite expanse of nothingness, which allows for continuity and emergence in existence. By viewing nothingness as the generative ground, one acknowledges its critical significance in shaping reality.
The Ineffability of Nothingness and Its Implications
The paradox of discussing nothingness arises from its inherent ineffability—while it can be spoken of, true comprehension eludes our language. This philosophical conundrum has appeared across various traditions, as thinkers describe the limits of what can be articulated about nothingness. Despite its ineffability, engaging with the concept remains vital for understanding reality and existence itself. Ultimately, confronting the nature of nothingness challenges assumptions and broadens the discourse on metaphysics and existence.
Graham Priest is a philosopher and logician and of distinguished professor of philosophy at the City University of New York (CUNY). He is the author of many books including Logic: A Very Short Introduction, from Oxford University Press, Everything and Nothing, co-authored with Marcus Gabriel and One: Being an Investigation into the Unity of Reality and of its Parts, including the Singular Object which is Nothingness.
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