Absolute certainty

[Stormalv]

Here's an interesting thought... What can we actually logically know with absolute certainty? With no doubt whatsoever, that those things are correct... One thing at least is that you, if you are reading this and thinking about it and experiencing it, you exist. Your Self. You exist, there can be no doubt about that. I would also argue that you can be a hundred percent certain about mathematics. 1 + 1 can't be anything other than 2, when you picture it in your mind. I know some people will disagree on the math part, I've never understood how though... Anyone care to explain?

[nameless]

100% certainty is both anti-scientific and fanatical/delusional; the world of fundamentalism (beliefs) and it's exclusionary totalitarian horrors! 100% certainty means any critical thought is eliminated. After all, now you know Truth! Ego rather than intellect.

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How about;
1+1=1
1 drop of water added to 1 drop of water equals one drop of water.

[Khethil]

... at the risk of showing my ignorance

Originally Posted by nameless

How about;
1+1=1
1 drop of water added to 1 drop of water equals one drop of water.

Can't use math for such a broad-reaching question (one in which my sense is that, as structured, there is no answer) since mathematics is a human-created system of representations whose syntax ensures certain conclusions. It's "stacking the deck" or a "self-constructed truth". Mathematics states itself, makes up its worn rules, then states itself to be true while we step back, clapping in tearful awe at "nature".

<goes back to his "Math for Dummies" book>

[Stormalv]

Originally Posted by nameless

100% certainty is both anti-scientific and fanatical/delusional; the world of fundamentalism (beliefs) and it's exclusionary totalitarian horrors! 100% certainty means any critical thought is eliminated. After all, now you know Truth! Ego rather than intellect.

*****************
How about;
1+1=1
1 drop of water added to 1 drop of water equals one drop of water.

Yes, but now you're talking about a specific physical situation. Like I said, I'm talking about mathematics on a pure mind-level. If you imagine 1 thing in your mind, and another thing next to it, you there have 2 objects next to each other, in your mental picture, right? Absolute certainty doesn't mean that you don't think critically, but how can I possibly not exist? I simply do, there's no way of doubting that.

[Theaetetus]

Originally Posted by Stormalv

Absolute certainty doesn't mean that you don't think critically, but how can I possibly not exist? I simply do, there's no way of doubting that.

Sure there is. You could be deceived to you own existence. Call it the evil genius, the brain in a vat, or the Matrix. It is actually quite easy to doubt that you exist.

[Stormalv]

I'm obviously not talking about my physical body, or the world around me, but the Self, who I really am, the one experiencing everything.

[Theaetetus]

Originally Posted by Stormalv

I'm obviously not talking about my physical body, or the world around me, but the Self, who I really am, the one experiencing everything.

Here is where deception really comes into play because the self and others can deceive oneself as to who they really are. I don't think you can absolutely know who you are unless you understand the metaphysical purpose of humans in the grand scheme of things.

[ariciunervos]

Originally Posted by Theaetetus

Sure there is. You could be deceived to you own existence. Call it the evil genius, the brain in a vat, or the Matrix. It is actually quite easy to doubt that you exist.

Then you are certain about doubting. Will you then doubt that you're doubting ? Solipsism is strange...

[MJA]

Absolute Certainty: Life without measure is truly equal, united, undivided, univerally One, or free.

=
MJA

[nameless]

Originally Posted by Khethil

Can't use math for such a broad-reaching question (one in which my sense is that, as structured, there is no answer) since mathematics is a human-created system of representations whose syntax ensures certain conclusions. It's "stacking the deck" or a "self-constructed truth". Mathematics states itself, makes up its worn rules, then states itself to be true while we step back, clapping in tearful awe at "nature".

Hahahaha! Thats quite concise and true! Well stated!