Zarathustra
Let Go Of Your Team
- Joined
- Oct 31, 2009
- Messages
- 8,110
Will you deny that 2+2 = 4? Or that the surrounding physical world can so precisely and accurately be defined (if not exactly understood) by physics?
By the words "logic" and "reason", I meant theoretical (but practical) constructs such as math and physics, not the simple misuse of words (that "philosophers" are so fond of using). I don't think that you can prove to me 2+2 =/= 4, however I can prove to you 2+2 = 4. Its as simple as that. As far as I understand "logic", it is the understanding of reality (the physical world) and using this understanding (and experimentation) to further develop more understanding. Words are simply a tool I use to express this very intuitive "logic" to other people. I know exactly what you mean by the "language game", but I have never fondly looked at those who play such games and call it "logic", "reason", or "philosophy".
I do my best to pursue to "truth" (understanding the actual state of the physical world). This "truth" further leads to an understanding of our existence. I don't see how this pursuit is simply a "particular game or narrative". Here, I am not going to argue about the "inherent truth" discovered through "logic" (since I don't see how 2+2 =/= 4). However, I will admit that sometimes, I myself wonder whether 2+2 = 4 and how this could be my perception (the limitation of the human mind), just like we are not able to imagine other colors.
Maybe you would like reading Wittgenstein.
He was originally a philosopher of math, who tried to prove the foundation of mathematics.
Ultimately, like those who tried before him, he failed.
That being said, I'm not saying 2+2=/=4.
I'm just saying, at least to some extent (I'm not denying that the rules we've created make sense), it is so because we've defined what "2", "4", "addition" and "equalling" mean, and, when you play by those definitions and rules, then, yes, 2+2=4.
Regardless, the much more important question is: how do you move from "2+2=4" to "the universe is meaningless"?