Is God a Strange Loop?
John Horgan examines Douglas Hofstadter's "strange loops" in relation to consciousness and the mind-body problem, suggesting that existence may reflect a cosmic self-pursuit and interconnectedness.
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John Horgan explores the concept of "strange loops" as proposed by Douglas Hofstadter, particularly in relation to the mind-body problem and the nature of consciousness. Horgan discusses how strange loops, which are self-referential systems that reflect and influence themselves, can be seen in various domains such as language, art, and human culture. He argues that human minds are the most complex strange loops, generated by physical processes yet capable of influencing matter. Horgan contrasts Hofstadter's reductionist views on consciousness and free will with his own belief in their significance. He reflects on a personal experience that led him to consider the possibility of God as a strange loop, suggesting that the essence of existence may stem from a cosmic self-pursuit. Horgan concludes that if God exists, it must embody the characteristics of a strange loop, emphasizing the interconnectedness and recursive nature of existence.
- Horgan discusses the mind-body problem and the role of consciousness.
- He highlights Hofstadter's concept of strange loops as self-referential systems.
- The article contrasts reductionist views on consciousness with the significance of free will.
- Horgan reflects on a personal experience that led him to view God as a strange loop.
- The exploration emphasizes the interconnectedness of existence through strange loops.
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5 commentsThe choice of those axioms and the interpretations about what those axioms might imply is a fascinating and at times outright beautiful conversation. It’s an opportunity for people to connect in a way that’s difficult to describe.
But it’s because for the most part, when dealing with others, we can understand if we agree on the axioms (whether that’s ZFC or whatever) and therefore logic is going to inevitably unite us.
Or if our axioms contradict, in which case the best outcome is peaceful disagreement.
So equation is more like this: God = God + Creation Or
God + Creation = God.
So everything is part of God but not God at same time.
This is a ridiculous claim, on the order of quantum woo. He disagrees with a cascade of data from neuroscience because it doesn't fit his preconceived notions about "god" and "consciousness" and chooses to believe in mystical unfalsifiable bullshit. Amazing what passes for "science writing" these days.
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