Known, Unknown and Unknowable

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Zelalem Mekonnen’s avatar
Zelalem MekonnenOP·​#3968·​

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*Linked to by #3989
Dennis Hackethal’s avatar
Dennis Hackethal·​#3973·​·​Criticism

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.

Zelalem Mekonnen’s avatar
Zelalem MekonnenOP·​#3977·​
1st of 2 versions·​latest

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

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