Indubitable

Month, Day: 166, Loftiness, Questions (Grace)
Month, Day: 166, Loftiness, Honour (Justice)

By now, we are to the later of the groups that we see each month, currently being in the Motivational. The Name of this day, Questions, is a force behind science. Yet, some things are beyond questions, being indubitable.

To what does science apply in that case? That is, yes, a lot of science might very well be characterized as belaboring the obvious (paraphrase from the Devil's DP Dictionary).

SAQ #83: Know then: that which is in the hands of people, that which they believe, is liable to error. For, in proving or disproving a thing, if a proof is brought forward which is taken from the evidence of our senses, this method, as has become evident, is not perfect; if the proofs are intellectual, the same is true; or if they are traditional, such proofs also are not perfect. Therefore, there is no standard in the hands of people upon which we can rely. ... But the bounty of the Holy Spirit gives the true method of comprehension which is infallible and indubitable. This is through the help of the Holy Spirit which comes to man, and this is the condition in which certainty can alone be attained.

Does not the statement imply an operational mode in which people are central, as opposed to a systems-based method? And, in many cases, resolution will be of a new Institution, perhaps, even with computer assistance for truth checking and dispersion of results.

Remarks:

08/31/2012 -- Names, Knowledge, Independence.

Modified: 08/31/2012

Mentors

Month, Day: 166, Dominion, Splendour (Beauty)

There was an earlier suggestion that we need to think about, though we cannot comprehend, the various states of the Manifestations, who are Key, since we have been allowed Questions (science).

Notice SAQ #25: In the Gospel of John, in speaking of the Promised One Who was to come after Christ, it is said in chapter 16, verses 12, 13: “I have yet many things to say unto you, but ye cannot bear them now. Howbeit when He, the Spirit of truth, is come, He will guide you into all truth: for He shall not speak of Himself; but whatsoever He shall hear, that shall He speak.” Then, there is an explanation.

How does this happen? Is there any similarity with normal human existence? That is, are we allowed any semblance of knowing.

What about action? We all have some notion about puppetry. Is this not the motivation behind indoctrination?

These questions are such as an autodidact would bring forward; independent investigation of the truth necessitates the autodidact which essentially consists a mentor-less state.

Yet, how can one actually be mentor-less? Our parents are our first mentors (SAQ #57). In fact, they set the stage for our lives, in many ways that are permanent. If they have done a good job, it leaves one in a condition of standing on the shoulders of giants (thanks, Isaac).

In this regard, too, the counsel of God loving those who works in groups (paraphrase) applies from several perspectives. One that needs further explanation is foundational (the future - psychether).

By the way, have you thanked your parents lately (SAQ #62)?

Consider that the Glory's parents died early so that he was raised by his uncle which resulted in a different mentoring situation. Teleologically important? Reducing a type of influence? Perhaps, it was a grace to them, disallowed any erroneous motions (free will, this side).

In any case, the usual 'mentor' dynamic, of the normal human experience, did not happen. However the operational aspects unfolded, we can only know pieces. One important thing? No matter how real any similar circumstance may appear to be, it cannot be the case, according to the thousand year rule.

Now, this discussion mainly points to the time when science (ah, Brights?) will have accepted some categorical difference between humans and other creatures and when they try to attempt to use this knowledge. Somehow, limits must be fully described and supported scientifically. As mentioned earlier, for those things not in the Writings (and we do not know this yet),
the Universal House of Justice will be central.

Remarks:

02/24/2010 -- Ascendant to Transcendent.

Modified: 03/11/2010

Consistency

Month, Day: 166, Questions, Questions (Glory)

Some of the brights look to maintain multivalued positions which might be one factor leading toward relativism. Or, it could be that this technique dampens the advent of those things that weaken consistency. After all, it seems to help maintain positions that are not as supportable as they seem, at this time.

So, it can be interesting to hold juxtaposed positions when considering audacity's methods which can allow some type of polarity assessment. Such as, on the matter of degrees of talent, and station, there are many things to consider.

For instance, there is the principle of respecting the law (various things to discuss here) and others. Too, we know that all types of roles are necessary for a sustainable civilization; some of these roles may receive more favorable attention than others. Yet, all are deserving of respect, especially in the context of work being worship.

In the scheme of things, though, there is the 'king' role albeit that those in a representative type of society may wonder who fits in there. As an aside, one may remark that the modern CEO is not unlike, many times, some of those who may have been aristocratic by birth. Other examples could apply.

But, consider the following.

Aqdas #84: How great the blessedness that awaiteth the king who will arise to aid My Cause in My kingdom, who will detach himself from all else but Me! Such a king is numbered with the companions of the Crimson Ark—the Ark which God hath prepared for the people of Bahá. All must glorify his name, must reverence his station, and aid him to unlock the cities with the keys of My Name, the omnipotent Protector of all that inhabit the visible and invisible kingdoms.

Aqdas #189: We have appointed two signs for the coming of age of the human race: the first, which is the most firm foundation, We have set down in other of Our Tablets, while the second hath been revealed in this wondrous Book. ... Notes #194: One of the signs of the maturity of the world is that no one will accept to bear the weight of kingship. Kingship will remain with none willing to bear alone its weight. That day will be the day whereon wisdom will be manifested among mankind.

So, we see the role, its necessity, the myriad ways that it may be played, the potential rewards of having the role, and more. Also, we know that it's not something to pursue, meaning, of course, that actual pursuit most likely would encompass problematic themes and events (too many examples throughout history to mention here).

Yet, that necessity has no possibility of diminishing to zero any time soon. That is, the role will be played. If it were always political in context, then the dilemma may less somewhat. But, it is not, therefore consideration, and discussion, is apropos.

And, not in any way being glib or disrespectful, a question has to be asked: does a role on the UHJ imply a sort of collective kingship or any type of epitome for the human existence? That is, ought that be the goal of a Baha'i.

Well, actually, we know that half of the population is not included in the mix which fact ought to help determine the answer. Yet, the answer also has to look at the autodidact's position as it may apply to independent investigation of the truth.

Remarks:

12/22/2011 -- We will need to get back to the brights (Christopher, et al).

12/27/2009 -- There are lessons to learn from the SAQ.

Modified: 12/27/2011

Ah, Knowledge

Month, Day: 166, Will, Sovereignty (Grace)

Will operates within the twin duty framework with one of the duties being to know. That presupposes all sorts of things, as what does it mean to know?

Well, some claim internalization of a master's lessons is one way to know. Yes, that does seem to work in some cases, however note that the extreme mode of this is the zombie who is both a servant and an idiot. Is that the Will of the Creator?

Besides, with the Manifestation not being here, and there not being any representation of that Being on the planet, to whom is the subjection to point. Oh, don't say UHJ as are we expecting some embedded circuitry with which we'll all be controlled like mindless robots (apologies here, as some robotic functions are going to be fairly sophisticated -- yes, implying that the Turing test will be strongly met)?

You see, mostly that knowing type mentioned above is a superposition. Ah, thankfully, the generation gap, and the grave, prevents such from happening ad infinitum.

Well, we'll see that there are many ways to know, however we cannot just jump to that and avoid what the next couple of days will bring.

Science, again

Month, Day: Perfection, Sovereignty (Perfection)

Only a couple of more days to the Operational. As it has been said, science is how we know God's creation (audacity), and we can honor being.

Some fore thoughts might be in order, to set the stage.

First, we have access to the proper sources.

Aqdas #183: Say: This is the infallible Balance which the Hand of God is holding, in which all who are in the heavens and all who are on the earth are weighed, and their fate determined, if ye be of them that believe and recognize this truth. Say: This is the Most Great Testimony, by which the validity of every proof throughout the ages hath been established, would that ye might be assured thereof

Then, we can differentiate using our understanding.

SAQ #47: For example, if a man of his own mind and intelligence collects some elements and combines them, a living being will not be brought into existence since the system is unnatural. This is the answer to the implied question that, since beings are made by the composition and the combination of elements, why is it not possible for us to gather elements and mingle them together, and so create a living being. This is a false supposition, for the origin of this composition is from God; it is God Who makes the combination, and as it is done according to the natural system, from each composition one being is produced, and an existence is realized. A composition made by man produces nothing because man cannot create.

Of course, as said before, none of us can do this infallibly. No, but there is a functional equivalent in the new way, namely the UHJ. Think of it this way, for measures, we have agreement based upon some physical property and congruence of thoughts on interpretation. So, it goes for other standards. Similarly, we'll have some type of device to record the UHJ's insights on a decision, implying a computational framework and the associated 'truth' engineering. By the way, this does beg the question of the role in logic (propositional or whatever) for contents from the Writings.

And, we do have the right to try to push back the frontiers of knowledge. Science is based upon Questions and the quasi-empirical.

Why audacity? Well, to stand up to the disclaims of the Lights and the Brights, for one thing. We really need to integrate from the disparate views created by reductionism and materialism, partly through the growing facilities that we'll see from our ubiquitous computational (via mineral, via biology, and via spirit) prowess.

Yes, no limit (The key: Obey Me and I will make you like unto Myself. I say Be and it Is. You will say Be and it will be.).

Remarks:

09/17/2010 -- God's gift of science.

11/23/2009 -- Motivational thoughts.

09/26/2009 -- An issue for the Operational view.

Modified: 09/17/2010

Upward

Month, Day: Loftiness, Sovereignty (Justice)

Last year, the first one, there were only three posts during the Fast: Light, Power, and Honour. This year there are only three: Glory, Perfection, and today. There'll be no other until the New Year (166).

Each day brings new themes. And, they can stack in an accretion of knowledge. Hence, the basis for an ontology.

Too, we'll traverse these again, more slowly, as each month grinds through its days.

Expect more on the theme of the groups: Transcendent, Teleological, Operational, Motivational, and then Ascendant.

Not only do we go round and round, never ending or repeating (and, this we can know), we pass through, and react to, something that we can describe (more on this later), with science, since we can ask Questions.

Partly due to the fact that we do not have the Manifestation here, we have experimentation (the essence of true science) and the inevitable conflict resolution (UHJ).

Remarks:

03/11/2020 -- Still doing Groups (patterns).

12/06/2009 -- The Motivational implies goals and actions.

10/11/2009 -- Will, an operational imperative for science.

05/29/2009 -- The Transcendent baffles.

Modified: 03/11/2020

Mercy of Might

Month, Day: Might, Mercy (Glory)

From the Tablet of the Seven Questions (Lawḥ-i-Haft Pursish) p3.8: If thou desirest to be freed from affliction, recite thou this prayer which hath been revealed by the Pen of the All-Merciful: “O God, my God! I testify to Thy unity and to Thy oneness. I beseech Thee, O Thou Possessor of names and Fashioner of the heavens, by the pervasive influence of Thine exalted Word and the potency of Thy supreme Pen, to aid me with the ensigns of Thy power and might, and to protect me from the mischief of Thine enemies who have violated Thy Covenant and Thy Testament. Thou art, verily, the Almighty, the Most Powerful.” This invocation is an impregnable stronghold and an indomitable army. It conferreth protection and ensureth deliverance.

Some may see the use of Might and Mercy together as a contradiction, however there are several ways of looking at these two. For instance, why would not the epitome of Might show Mercy? Would not a solely destructive Might be anathema to any type of progression or construction (sorry for bordering on the tautological)?

One place where Mercy is not shown is in science (or, scientism, if you would), and this probably goes along with the strong leaning toward evolution and what it entails in conceptual terms, such as the notions like 'the survival of the fittest and others. Even in mathematics, many get the idea that a single false case can completely trash a theorem; generally, the more constructive attitudes allow that errors can be corrected and weaknesses shored up.

But, in the winner-take-all framework of the modern age, any would have to be fairly audacious when venturing outside the mainstream of thought, indomitable indeed. Of course, questions about operational foundations and methods would continue, hopefully augmented by UHJ participation in establishing the proper philosophical view. And, do we not know that there will be more Manifestations?

Remarks:

08/14/2009 -- We're starting the Operational, soon.

Modified: 08/14/2009

Mercy and Might

Month, Day: Mercy, Might (Majesty)

One aspect of this would be those sole roles of leadership, such as the Manifestation being without peer, the Doctor doing as he wishes, the military leader making decisions, and so forth.

Democracy, alone, is contentious.

Would there ever be a day when the decision role could be from a committee? Well, yes, in one sense, as we see with the UHJ. Yet, from the UHJ to all others does not exist a command thread.

Of course, even in the command situation, of which there are numerous types, the individual still has will, to the extent that this is not overridden by various means that, when applied, are counterproductive anyway.

Modified: 07/26/2008

How we know

Month, Day: Glory, Questions (Justice)

‘Abdu’l-Bahá, in the SAQ #40, notes how we know a couple of different ways which need to be better understood as both are important to human affairs.

The first way is familiar to anyone who has taken a course in an educational institute (which will be predominately all humans, at some point) or who has worked mechanically or who has performed scientific experiments. It is a way of effort, not necessarily in the form of a cramming session.

The second way is intuitive and has fallen out of favor in modern times. This latter way is how the Manifestations know, ‘Abdu’l-Bahá says.

The first method is "the outcome of effort and study," whereas the second method " is an existing thing; it is an absolute gift." Both are required for a balanced science. The prior post discussed how our study of Creation must be augmented by UHJ input. Essentially, this input would be of both types. It will be interesting to look at this further.

Since we know that another Manifestation will not be here for several 100s of years (with 1000 years being the most usual separation), the intuitive method will have limits for the individual and for groups, except that the UHJ limits will be lessor (think of infallibilities as being nested just like topologies).

Both types of methods can be used to resolve issues related to our 'quasi-empirical' limitations.

Remarks:

09/06/2009 -- Essentially, more is undecidable than we like to admit, basically due to our talent for success (ergodicity, essentially) keeps the hubris refreshed (generation by generation).

08/16/2009 -- The Operational group is approaching, and ontology is primal. One area of focus, as suggested by this post, will be mind-body studies. Somehow, insights from the Writings ought to have importance, teleological and operational.

05/29/2009 -- The Transcendent baffles.

Modified: 09/06/2009

Creation based science

Month, Day: Glory, Words (Grace)

Of course, science deals with Creation, and we can allow for many other terms for the physical existence that we all share (Nature, Life, ..., ). The quasi-empirical issue, though, addresses how we, as part of what we study, cannot separate ourselves, even through mathematics.

If we leave aside for the moment that science can deal with how we know God, we, basically, need to base our science on what we can study. ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, in the SAQ #16, notes a couple of things that could help found the basis, namely "in exterior existence there is nothing that is not material" and "in the exterior world there is nothing that is not sensible" .

So, the Creation that we'll study is both material and sensible. That is, we can know it, even if the method of knowing is remote via sensors and computation. Too, though, the intuition of the human will come into play, including that which is Divinely-inspired (UHJ's contribution to the ontology).

Those arguments related to Creationism can be left aside, too, as what we can study is there; for much of the case, as we've already seen, questions of origin are 'immaterial' (pun intended).

Remarks:

09/17/2010 -- God's gift of science.

02/24/2010 -- Ascendant to Transcendent.

10/11/2009 -- Will, an operational imperative for science.

10/02/2009 -- World embracing, at its best.

09/06/2009 -- Essentially, more is undecidable than we like to admit, basically due to our talent for success (ergodicity, essentially) keeps the hubris refreshed (generation by generation).

08/05/2009 -- We'll look at SAQ #37 more in the context of how the Teleological influences.

05/29/2009 -- The Transcendent baffles.

Modified: 09/17/2010