"God exists"- an algebraic perspective

[greylorn]

Let’s consider the proposition “God exists”. It would seem that there is no agreement on what either of the terms of the proposition signify- people evidently have different concepts of “God”, and different concepts of “existence” (Platonists, materialists, Berkelian idealists, existentialists, Parmenedians, etc.).

Now, the lack of definite content for either of the terms would seem to mean that the proposition “God exists” makes determination of its truth analogous to trying to determine is the following equation correct, without having determined what X and Y actually equal:
X + Y = 5

Is this true? It depends upon what X and Y equal. And that is not given.

If a person chooses to accept that proposition, they can then define “God” and “exists” so that they equation holds true, e.g. “God”= that which is eternal and unchanging. “Exist”= being eternal and unchanging.

On the other hand, if a person chooses to reject the proposition, they then define “God” and “exists” in such a way as to make the equation untrue, e.g. “God”= a purely spiritual being outside the Universe. “Exists”= being as a material thing in the Universe.

So, it would appear that the debate on whether “God exists” is not of real substance. Rather the pertinent question would seem to be “what do we mean by ‘God’?” and “what do we mean by ‘exists’?”

It is therefore evident, I suggest, that the argument relates only to the definitions of the terms.

Otherwise, we are arguing whether X +Y= 10 is correct or not.

Your application of algebraic logic is incomplete, and does not make your point. The statement:

X + Y = 5

can be taken as correct at the outset, but only if X and Y co-exist within the space of real numbers. Then, defining either one sets the value for the other. (It would not do to define X=chickens and expect a sensible conversation to ensue.)

You cannot apply your simple algebraic logic to the statement, “God Exists,” because both terms of the statement represent entirely different concepts. They are in what a mathematician might call, different spaces. God is a noun; Exists is a property. Furthermore, you seem to be treating a pair of ill-defined parameters as if they represented an equation. What is on the other side of your equal sign?

Your logic is therefore inapplicable to the problem you address.

Still, your thought process seems to involve some useful notions, such as the necessity to define “God” before addressing the problem. I’ve written this a dozen times or more on CAF, to little effect. Perhaps you will have better luck.