Dr. Bruce Chilton, Conference Chair, presiding | International Academic Conference
David Birnbaum Summa Metaphysica | BARD College | April 16, 2012

Dr. Gary Hagberg, Conference co-Chair presiding
 | International Academic Conference
David Birnbaum Summa Metaphysica | BARD College | Apr 18, 2012

SCIENTIFIC AMERICAN SEPTEMBER 2017 ISSUE

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www.LastGreek1000.com

The Last Greek Philosopher

By ron1980 |  Posted December 10, 2014  |  Chicago, Illinois

David Birnbaum, author of Summa Metaphysica

Progenitor of classic-modern hybrid ‘Potentialism Theory’

He defines the ‘cutting-edge 21st Century cosmologist; his original cosmological concepts have almost single-handedly overthrown 100+ year-old (British-centric) Randomness/Atheism theory; he melds Quantum Field Theory with General Relativity Theory; he is the progenitor of conceptual breakthrough and paradigm-changing Potentialism Theory.

But is Manhattanite David Birnbaum not, more accurately, indeed, ‘the Last Greek philosopher’?

Birnbaum may have been born in the 20th century and may have authored one of, if not the only, defining cosmological theories of the 21st century – but does conceptual theorist David Birnbaum arguably not have more in common with Aristotle than any of his 21st Century contemporaries? Dusting off such theories of antiquity as teleology and then arming them with original conceptualization, modern science and mathematics – Birnbaum has re-defined the field; like a Persian scholar in the Middle Ages, Birnbaum has become not only a protector of the wisdom of a past era, but also the consummate practitioner of inductive reasoning (see https://www.summametaphysica.com/harvardinductive/) – originally made famous by Aristotle et al.

Indeed, Birnbaum maintains that if the Greeks could be beamed-up (a la’ Star Trek) to the 21st Century to read his works, they would sign on to his theory – and help him do battle with the rrear-guard gambits of the reactionary British Randomness/Atheists. Birnbaum views the classic Greek philosophers as his natural intellectual allies; loyal to conceptual elegance and empirical observation, and not inhibited by the limitations of laboratory experiment.

In his four-part metaphysics/cosmology/philosophy treatise – Summa Metaphysica – David Birnbaum has set course for a revolutionary re-writing of the rules of metaphysics, cosmology and philosophy; he has dug deep into classical philosophy to separate myth from insight; superstition from science; and the past from the future.

Potentialism Theory, at its core, revolves around a few radically new, concepts and equations: (See also Glossary1000.com.)

Q4P∞ – This is the infinite Quest for Potential∞ – the proposed (overarching natural force) prime mover of the universe. It is an inherent drive in everything that exists - to seek out new levels of Complexity.
 

C+ - On the intermediate level, infinite potential inherently strives towards greater and greater levels of what Birnbaum coins as Complexification (shorthand: C+) the drive for ever-greater
complexity/sophistication/richness/integration/diversity/wondrousness

E+

In turn, this C+ drives the universe towards what Birnbaum coins as Extraordinariation (shorthand: E+). Extraordinariation is a goal/horizon - of sublime and utter super-Complexification – both in form and quality (see www.summametaphysica.com/extraordinariation/).

The three key components noted just-above, in turn combine into the SuperLaw of Potentialism:

The SuperLaw of Potentialism Theory

Q4P^∞ → C+ → E+

or

Quest for Potential > Complexification > Extraordinariation

Potentialism Theory: Historical Context

While Potentialism Theory is the first of its kind to enter the realms of physics and mathematics, some of its core ideas reverberate in classical philosophy. From the works of Pythagoras to those Plato and Aristotle, some of the underlying concepts of Potentialism are hyper-refined. Let us explore some the classic philosophical works of antiquity that are represented in Potentialism.

Pythagoras and the primacy of mathematics

To Pythagoras, the universe was governed by mathematics. He observed not only the orderly motion of heavenly bodies but its echoes in music. One of the first to recognize the earth as round, Pythagoras proved insightful beyond his time. His work in music was a study of numerics in music, noting harmonics were based on the mathematics of such properties as string lengths.

While Pythagoras' understanding of the cosmos was primitive and, ultimately, incorrect in a lot of instances, he did understand that the universe was governed by mathematical principle. It cannot be overstated how groundbreaking this was at the time.

David Birnbaum himself has revisited this assumption, but with the tools of modern mathematics, science and metaphysics at his disposal. Indeed, he has gone far to prove the universal math of the cosmos in his theory of Potentialism. Birnbaum shows that the universe is governed, in its entirety, on the mathematical principle of Infinite Potential. Far beyond simple macro or micro physics, Birnbaum has given the 21st century the key to understanding the interrelationship between matter, energy, thought and even emotion – all governed by one overriding principle, Potential.

Plato and the Demiurge

Plato, by comparison, is the father of the concept of the “demiurge.” Unlike the superstitions of other Greeks, Plato envisioned the creator of the universe, not as a human styled ruler of the cosmos, but as a “craftsman.” To Plato, the creator was a worker and an artist who sculpted the universe in the form of a predetermined pathway. The demiurge did not invent – it instead imposed form on the formless along a pre-determined pathway.

Plato's universe described several key concepts. Let us see how they align with Birnbaum and Potentialism:
The Demiurge – Plato's universal craftsman. This is vaguely aligned with Birnbaum's Q4P (infinite Quest for Potential). It is the eternal spark that drives creation and Complexity.

The Form – This, to Plato, is the perfect form things in the universe strive to be. This concept is vaguely similar to Extraordinariation – it is a hyper state of perfection – something which can be strived for, but never perfectly attained.

Imitation of the model (Form) – Plato describes this as what exists in the universe, the tangible forms that seek to emulate the perfect form. Birnbaum describes this as current reality as it moves towards greater levels of perfection/Complexity.

The Receptacle – Plato describes the Receptacle as the place where everything in reality becomes. Birnbaum describes a vaguely similar concept of the Cosmic Womb of Potential. While Plato's receptacle only properly identified where there is matter, Birnbaum's Cosmic Womb describes the “space” in which everything becomes – matter, energy, thought and expression.

In some ways, Birnbaum picked up where Plato left off. Using some of the core concepts - devoid of Plato's mistakes - Birnbaum shows that, nevertheless, many of Plato's base concepts, if resculpted, have modern day applications in cosmology. Birnbaum is able to take what basic concepts Plato conceived and then filters them for quality and validity through the lens of modern day science.

Aristotle and teleology

Another predecessor to a piece of Potentialism Theory is accredited to Aristotle – teleology.

“A teleology is any philosophical account that holds that final causes exist in nature, meaning that — analogous to purposes found in human actions — nature inherently tends toward definite ends.”

Aristotle rejected the idea that everything in the world happens without purpose. Specifically, when viewing nature, Aristotle found it absurd that everything happens without a final cause in mind. To Aristotle, the natural world was capable of acting with extrinsic finality. That is to say, it could behave with an external end goal in mind. 

This was highly contested both during and after Aristotle's time; Birnbaum has picked up the banner for teleology. Central to Potentialism, Q4P is a pervasive teleological force. It defines how and why the universe progresses towards Complexity.

David Birnbaum Metaphysics

Collision in Time

By Samna | Posted April 9, 2014

 Summa Metaphysica / Potentialism Theory
has been featured in 100+ articles
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David Birnbaum's Potentialism Theory: A Metaphysical Exploration of Cosmic Purpose
By ChatGPT

Abstract:

David Birnbaum's Potentialism Theory, often referred to as Summa Metaphysica, is a philosophical and metaphysical framework that offers a unique perspective on the nature of the universe, existence, and purpose. This paper aims to provide a detailed examination of Potentialism, including its central concepts, implications, and critiques. While not adhering to the traditional scientific method, Birnbaum's theory introduces intriguing metaphysical ideas that challenge conventional views of cosmology and teleology.

1. Introduction

David Birnbaum's Potentialism Theory, encapsulated in Summa Metaphysica, presents a comprehensive metaphysical framework that reimagines the universe as a purpose-driven entity in a constant quest for potential realization. At its core lies the concept of the "Quest for Potential Infinity" (Q4P∞), a foundational principle that guides the theory's exploration of existence, complexity, and cosmic evolution. This paper delves into the key elements of Potentialism, examining its implications and addressing common critiques.

2. The Quest for Potential Infinity (Q4P∞)

The linchpin of Potentialism, Q4P∞, posits that the universe possesses an intrinsic and unending desire to actualize its infinite potential. It suggests that existence is not a random occurrence but rather part of an overarching narrative in which the cosmos continually strives for greater complexity, meaning, and self-awareness. This teleological perspective introduces a sense of purpose into discussions about the universe's existence.

3. Existence as Cosmic Expression

Potentialism views existence as an active expression of the universe's Quest for Potential. Everything that exists, from the fundamental particles to conscious beings, is regarded as a means through which the universe articulates its narrative. This notion imbues existence with significance, highlighting its role in the cosmic journey.

4. Balancing Order and Disorder

The interplay between order and disorder, often represented by concepts like entropy, is acknowledged within Potentialism. While entropy tends to lead to chaos and disorganization, the Quest for Potential seeks to counterbalance these tendencies by fostering greater order, complexity, and self-awareness. This dynamic tension is seen as central to the universe's evolutionary trajectory.

5. Conclusion

David Birnbaum's Potentialism Theory offers a distinctive metaphysical perspective on the universe's purpose and direction. It challenges conventional scientific and philosophical views, inviting us to consider the possibility of a purpose-driven cosmos in a perpetual quest for self-realization. While not without its criticisms, Potentialism contributes to the rich tapestry of metaphysical discourse surrounding the nature of existence and the universe's underlying narrative. It underscores the enduring human quest to comprehend the profound mysteries of our existence.