Delve into Borges's story 'Tlön, Uqbar, Orbis Tertius' exploring idealism invading reality. Discuss the metaphysics of holes and the fluid nature of identity. Explore the impact of Toulon on reality and the dangers of seeking ultimate certainty in a chaotic world.
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Quick takeaways
Beliefs shape reality on Tlön, where seeking objects can create duplicates based on belief.
Tlön's transition from materialism to idealism blurs the line between perception and reality.
Story warns against applying rigid intellectual frameworks to metaphysics, critiquing ideologies like Nazism.
Finding solace in personal tasks amidst metaphysical uncertainties emphasizes the value of individual purpose.
Deep dives
Unveiling the Fictitious World
After a conversation with a friend about a memorable quote, the protagonist discovers an encyclopedia missing an entry on the fictional land of Uqbar. Further investigation leads to a secret society creating a fantastical world called Toulon within Uqbar, rooted in extreme idealism.
Metaphysical Exploration
The story delves into Toulon's culture, where idealism rules, denying the permanence of objects and time. Concepts like Barkley's monism and the denial of time are vividly portrayed.
Paradoxes and Heresies
Toulon's thinkers grapple with intriguing paradoxes and heresies, challenging the continuity of existence and exploring questions of identity and reality. The inventive Nine Copper Coins paradox sparks debates on the nature of objects and their temporal presence.
Philosophical Thought Experiment
Through Toulon's metaphysical quirks and philosophical musings, the story presents a thought experiment questioning the essence of existence, perception, and the boundaries of reality. These explorations showcase a world governed by whimsical idealism and intellectual intrigue.
The Creation of Reality Through Belief
Beliefs shape reality on the fictional planet Tlön, where the act of seeking an object can create duplicates. If two individuals seek an item like a pencil, one may find the real item, while the other discovers a 'ronier,' a secondary object formed by belief. This phenomenon exposes the power of belief to influence and shape the perceived reality.
Metaphysical Shifts and Idealism
The story explores a gradual shift from materialism to idealism on Tlön, where centuries of collective belief alter the fabric of reality. The populace transitions from a materialist worldview to embracing philosophical idealism. This transition blurs the distinction between perception and reality, demonstrating the profound impact of ideological shifts on the metaphysical nature of existence.
Hubris and Metaphysical Consequences
The narrative warns against the hubris of attempting to apply order and rigor meant for one domain, like chess, to the realm of metaphysics. By misusing intellectual frameworks for understanding reality, ideologies akin to dialectical materialism and Nazism are critiqued. The tale underscores the dangers of rigid belief systems and the potential 'metaphysical vertigo' caused by failing to humbly accept the limits of human understanding.
Contemplation of Meaning and Relativism
Amidst the existential uncertainties, the protagonist finds solace in focusing on a task at hand, translating 'ron.' This act symbolizes a retreat from the chaos of conflicting realities and metaphysical uncertainties, emphasizing a search for personal meaning amidst the elusiveness of universal truths. The narrative hints at the futility of grappling with unknowable realms and the inherent value of finding purpose within individual endeavors.
In the famous words of the idealist philosopher George Berkeley, “To exist is to be perceived.” Our ideas and perceptions are the fundamental objects in the universe; there is no real world beyond them. Hume wrote (I think) that Berkeley’s arguments don’t admit of the slightest refutation, and they don’t inspire the slightest conviction. On Earth, that may be true. On Tlön, it’s false – the people there are “congenital idealists.” Their language, philosophy, literature, and religion presuppose idealism. It’s their common sense. And their philosophy starts to encroach on their reality. But what happens when we read and hear about Tlön – can their idealism invade our “real” world? Will we start to lose our metaphysical bearings? David and Tamler talk about Borges’s invasive, unsettling story “Tlön, Uqbar, Orbis Tertius.” Please listen so we can exist!
(And speaking of things that may or may not exist, we also discuss the metaphysics of holes.)
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