Known, Unknown and Unknowable

Zelalem Mekonnen started this discussion 14 days ago.

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When it comes to knowledge, there are three categories. Things we know, things we don't know, and things that are unknowable.

Religion and mysticism can come from confusing the unknown with the unknowable.

Religion can provide a protection against the reality of facing the unknown, which is the only way to create knowledge.

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Zelalem Mekonnen’s avatar

By definition, there is nothing in the unknowable, since it can't be known. One can rationally and with confidence move on and not even entertain anything that claims to be 'beyond human understanding.'

Criticized1
Dennis Hackethal’s avatar

By definition, there is nothing in the unknowable, since it can't be known.

This isn’t true. There are unknowable things. Look up uncomputable functions, see eg

So there are things that computers like our brains can never access – there are fundamental, natural limitations.

In this context, I think of mysticism as restricting criticism and preventing error correction, ie creating a man-made barrier for reason. That’s different.

Criticism of #3968
Zelalem Mekonnen’s avatar
2nd of 2 versions

The sentiment of the sentence stands. Even with uncomputable functions, one shouldn't waste time in trying to solve them.

Criticism of #3973Criticized1
Dennis Hackethal’s avatar

Then I suggest revising #3968 so that it still captures the sentiment without containing factual falsehoods.

Criticism of #3978
Zelalem Mekonnen’s avatar
2nd of 2 versions

"Man simply invented God in order not to kill himself, that is the summary of universal history down to the moment."

Dostoevsky

Benjamin Davies’s avatar

Why haven't all atheists killed themselves?

Criticism of #3970Criticized1
Zelalem Mekonnen’s avatar

Not meant literally.

Criticism of #3985