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3 ideas
16165 | For Aristotle God is defined in an axiom, for which there is no proof [Aristotle, by Frede,M] |
Full Idea: Aristotle is committed to the view that strictly speaking there is no proof of the essence and existence of God. There will be a real definition of him as an axiom of special theology, and then a deduction of theological theorems. | |
From: report of Aristotle (Metaphysics [c.324 BCE], God) by Michael Frede - Aristotle's Conception of Metaphysics p.94 | |
A reaction: The cynical response would be 'why not start with a Great White Rabbit, then?', but I presume one must read what Aristotle says (late in 'Metaphysics') to understand why this particular axiom is chosen. Economy, power etc.? |
7985 | Pascal says secular life is acceptable, but more fun with the hypothesis of God [Baudrillard] |
Full Idea: What Pascal says, more or less, is that you can more or less content yourself with a secular existence and its advantages, but it's much more fun with the hypothesis of God. | |
From: Jean Baudrillard (The Intelligence of Evil [2004], p.155) | |
A reaction: Pascal will be a bit startled when he reads this, but it is a lovely way to present his idea. It suddenly sounds much more attractive. Life would be much more fun if we lived according to all sorts of startling beliefs. Relating your life to God is one. |
610 | The world can't be arranged at all if there is nothing eternal and separate [Aristotle] |
Full Idea: How is there to be an arrangement of the world at all, in the absence of something eternal, separable and permanent? | |
From: Aristotle (Metaphysics [c.324 BCE], 1060a21) |