Re: Functional Vs. Physical
Yes, that is an interesting sidenote. The “potential” is still contained within the computer. That “potential” isnt realized until the energy source is connected and turned on. The energy inside the computer hasn’t gone anywhere, put remains passive until that moment of “inspiration”.
To expand this concept a tad further with negative existence and positive existence as written by S.L. MacGregor Mathers ( 1888 )…
""The idea of negative existence can exist as an idea, but it will not bear definition, since the idea of definition is utterly incompatible with its nature. Negative existence bears hidden within itself, positive life; for in the limitless depths of the abyss of its negativity lies hidden the power of standing forth from itself.
Between the two ideas so different as those of negative existence and positive existence a certain nexus, or connecting-link, is required, and hence we arrive at the form which is called " potential existence ", which while more nearly approaching positive existence, will scarcely admit clear definition. It is existence, in its possible form. For example, in a seed, the tree which may spring from it is hidden; it is in a condition of potential existence; it is there; but will not admit of definition. How much , then, will those seeds which that tree in its turn, yield? But these latter are in a condition which, while it is somewhat analogous to potential existence, is hardly in so advanced a stage; that is, they are negatively existent.
But, on the other hand, positive existence is always capable of definition; it is dynamic; it has certain evident powers, and it is therefore the antithesis of negative existence. It is the tree, no longer hidden in the seed, but developed into the outer. But positive existence has a beginning, and an end, and it therefore requires another form from which to depend, for without this other concealed negative ideal behind it, it is unstable and unsatisfactory.“”
What we have been harping on is that there is much more behind creation than what you can see, touch, hear, smell and taste. As the plant-awareness discovery brought to light was that indeed something was occurring beyond your level of awareness.
Without that awareness, the narrow band of potential creation, it all would be considered an accident. But when the existence of all creation is supposed to be multiple ( thousands upon thousands ) of accidents, then how could anybody possibly deduce there isnt a creative force behind the scenes?
To possibly win at a lottery, the odds are millions to one of winning. The odds of you, Roel, winning is very remote. Yet, with the concept of the accidents being responsible for all creation, theoretically, you would be indicating that it would also be possible for you to win the lottery several thousand times.
Simply put, by the evidence that has been presented, is it more probable that God exists, or improbable ?