Page 2: Abstract: Cognitive Cosmogenesis

Let us assume that the Universe began from a singularity that is eternal, omnipotent and absolutely simple or structureless. This singularity is formally identical to unmoved mover proposed by Aristotle around 350 bce. The medieval theologian Thomas Aquinas (1225 - 1275) used Aristotle's mover as his model for the Christian God. Here we think of it as naked gravitation. Aristotle, Metaphysics XII: vii: The divine life of the prime mover, Aquinas, Summa, I, 3, 7: Is God altogether simple?

Because of its initial simplicity the singularity begins with no means of representing information. It therefore differs radically from traditional gods that are considered eternally omniscient.

Nevertheless, like Aristotle's eternal mover it is conscious, enjoying the pleasures of creation by reflecting upon itself, generating new ideas. Here the mechanism of this reflection operates in John von Neumann's abstract Hilbert space. Following Aristotle, we model the singularity as an intelligent entity, hence the title Cognitive cosmogenesis. John von Neumann (2014): Mathematical Foundations of Quantum Mechanics

Omnipotent and omniscient gods are understood to have created the Universe as a finished product designed from eternity. The creator imagined here proceeds slowly by evolution and testing, that is by random variation and controlled selection.

By analogy to ourselves, we imagine the emerging Universe to have two layers, mind and body. Mind, represented by quantum theory, provides variation and understanding. Embodiment, drawing energy from gravitation, makes ideas into dynamic physical structures.

The universe materializes within the singularity, becoming the physical divine mind in which we live. Aristotle's singularity exists within his eternal passive world, its immobile driver, transmitting motion from the heavens to Earth. Our Universe lives within an omnipotent physical singularity, sharing its power.

With this simple pattern our creator initially ignorant but eternally omnipotent has become our Universe and ourselves. We study it through a union of physics and theology. Physics, through observation, provides an empirical foundation. Theology, through creative imagination, leads us to understand the magnificence of our divine environment. Empiricism - Wikipedia

(created Saturday 28 May 2024, revised Tuesday 16 July 2024)

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Aquinas, Summa, I, 3, 7, Is God altogether simple?, 'I answer that, The absolute simplicity of God may be shown in many ways. First, from the previous articles of this question. For there is neither composition of quantitative parts in God, since He is not a body; nor composition of matter and form; nor does His nature differ from His "suppositum"; nor His essence from His existence; neither is there in Him composition of genus and difference, nor of subject and accident. Therefore, it is clear that God is nowise composite, but is altogether simple. . . . ' back

Aristotle, Metaphysics XII: vii, The divine life of the prime mover, ' On such a principle, then, depend the heavens and the world of nature. And it is a life such as the best which we enjoy, and enjoy for but a short time (for it is ever in this state, which we cannot be), since its actuality is also pleasure. . . . Therefore the possession rather than the receptivity is the divine element which thought seems to contain, and the act of contemplation is what is most pleasant and best. If, then, God is always in that good state in which we sometimes are, this compels our wonder; and if in a better this compels it yet more. And God is in a better state. And life also belongs to God; for the actuality of thought is life, and God is that actuality; and God's self-dependent actuality is life most good and eternal. We say therefore that God is a living being, eternal, most good, so that life and duration continuous and eternal belong to God; for this is God.' 1072b14 sqq. back

Empiricism - Wikipedia, Empiricism - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia, ' In philosophy, empiricism is an epistemological view which holds that true knowledge or justification comes only or primarily from sensory experience and empirical evidence. It is one of several competing views within epistemology, along with rationalism and skepticism. Empiricists argue that empiricism is a more reliable method of finding the truth than purely using logical reasoning, because humans have cognitive biases and limitations which lead to errors of judgement. Empiricism emphasizes the central role of empirical evidence in the formation of ideas, rather than innate ideas or traditions. Empiricists may argue that traditions (or customs) arise due to relations of previous sensory experiences.' back