[MD] extricating MOQ from SOM

[Ham Priday]

Good morning, Platt, Marsha --


Platt quoted Marsha as saying:
> Here are two statements that haven't changed much
> for me, even though my perspective has changed some.
> 1. Everything-is-connect-to-everything.
> 2. Everything-is-in-a-constant-state-of-change.
>
> Are those absolutes?

Marsha (apparently) then answers her own question by saying:
> No.  If everything is in a constant state of change,
> I couldn't call these absolutes.

I agree with Marsha, and I also consider this a leading question.

We don't have "absolutes" in existence; we have what I call "finitude".
Empirical science cannot even prove that the universe is absolute.  So long
as we are observing beingness (i.e., things in motion) we are applying
nothingness to it.  Any system that includes or is grounded in nothingness
cannot be absolute.  [You may consider this Ham's 'first metaphysical
axiom'.]

HOWEVER -- Pure Nothingness is Absolute.  And it is possible to theorize a
finite universe derived from absolute nothingness, as about half of the
cosmologists have done.  Why do I open myself up to this can of worms?
Because I want to use this opportunity to establish a cosmological
principle: Absolute Truth is absolutely inaccessible to finite cognizance.
>From an existential (infinitesimal) perspective Truth is an enigma.

As a consequence, one is free to accept or reject the concept of an Absolute
Essence.  Either choice must be made on the basis of intuitive reasoning
rather than empirical evidence.  You may regard this principle as a
coincidence of Nature, but it is a metaphysical fact of existence that
insures the autonomy of the Choicemaker.  Ultimate reality is either
Absolute Essence or absolute Nothingness.  And the value of philosophy hangs
on your choice.

Since it appears that cosmological truth is denied us absolutely, life may
be viewed as a gamble in which the individual is free to choose.  As Pascal
said: "Let us weigh the gain and loss in choosing 'heads' that God is.  Let
us weigh the two cases: if you gain, you gain all; if you lose, you lose
nothing.  Wager then unhesitatingly that He is."

This, my dear friends, is metaphysical proof that "man is the measure of all
things".

Thanks for this opportunity,
Ham