Posted by Brett Zamir (12.248.114.98) on August 29, 2002 at 12:11:42:

In Reply to: Re: Evil - Nothing exists without its opposite. posted by Simeon on August 29, 2002 at 09:50:55:

Good points, Simeon...however, we can also see things by duality and by opposites. For example, 'Abdu'l-Baha in Some Answered Questions, Chapter 2 (and elsewhere) uses the idea of opposites to prove the existence of God and His attributes (without actually making the impossible claim of adequately describing them). For example (relative) poverty proves wealth, and wealth can only be known in comparison with poverty. Hunger proves there is satiation. Our relative fallible powerlessness, proves there is an infallible Power (i.e., God). God is Independent while we are dependent, and so forth.

However, also in line with your reasoning, as well as 'Abdu'l-Baha's, although there are indeed necessary opposites, this doesn't mean the opposite has a positive existence. To add to your example, just because poverty exists doesn't mean that there is such a thing as negative money (though there is debt). Just because there is God does not mean there is a living Devil. Just because there is hunger does not mean there is anti-food. etc.

In fact, I was having a hard time coming up with any opposites where both had a genuine existence (perhaps matter and anti-matter?) Any ideas? My hunch is that God's unity will imply that there are no opposites where both have an independent reality.

Brett

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