Originally posted by DoctorScribbles [b]I take Rand's statement to mean that contradictions don't manifest in reality. That is, it is never the case in any actual universe that both A and Not-A are true, where A is any claim about the way the universe is.
We shouldn't forget Hegel's lesson here: reality is filled with contradictions. Of course, those analytic philosophers know very little of hegelian dialectic, and they take 'contradiction' to mean something quite different than Hegel did.
The point is that when you try get hold of A in itself, the negation of A (not-A) appears at that very moment. Think of, for example, the homofobic culture raising its head here and there (I'm referring to the radical right-wing opponents of male homosexuality particularly in the USA). What is the proper way to punish homosexuals for their "violation against nature"? Raping, of course, the so called "gay bashings" - performing the very act that is the cause for punishment. Doesn't the opposites of each other unite (coincide) here in reality? Or another, a bit more conservative example: the one who claims to be completely tolerant and liberal usually cannot tolerate one thing if asked about it: that is intolerance, racism. So, the thoroughly liberal consciousness clearly has something which was supposed to belong to the nature of its opposite. Yet another: we all know very well that the acts that are forbidden by religion are also practiced in the name of religion.
Originally posted by knightmeister The answer to this question is yes - but he would have to choose not to lift it. He would be restricted by his own choice and will.
"he would be restricted by his own choice"... i dont get that, why would you restrict yourself by your own choice... confusing.... if god made the rock, god could lift the rock
Originally posted by eatmybishop "he would be restricted by his own choice"... i dont get that, why would you restrict yourself by your own choice... confusing.... if god made the rock, god could lift the rock
No, if God decides that he will not lift the rock and makes a promise to himself that he won't then because God's nature is morally perfect and he never lies then the rock cannot be lifted. A mother perfect in love "could" murder her baby , but in reality such a mother can't.
Originally posted by knightmeister No, if God decides that he will not lift the rock and makes a promise to himself that he won't then because God's nature is morally perfect and he never lies then the rock cannot be lifted. A mother perfect in love "could" murder her baby , but in reality such a mother can't.