Hawking-Birnbaum: Mind of God

The Mind of God:

Stephen Hawking v. David Birnbaum

By Viksa Sharma

In 1988 University of Cambridge physicist Stephen Hawking said, “If we do discover a complete theory of the universe...then we shall all, philosophers, scientists, and just ordinary people, be able to take part in the discussion of the question of why it is that we and the universe exist. If we find the answer to that, it would be the ultimate triumph of human reason—for then we would know the mind of God....”

Coincidentally, also in 1988, independent metaphysicist David Birnbaum of Manhattan announced that he had most probably finally uncovered that very complete theory. In his three part Summa Metaphysica series, Birnbaum elucidates his original, powerful and elegant fundamental theory of the universe – the Theory of Potential. At the core of Birnbaum’s theory – his signature concept Infinite Quest for Potential (see SummaMetaphysica.com).

So, post-Birnbaum was Hawking right? Do we now – post-Summa Metaphysica – have an insight into ‘the Mind of God’? It would appear that the answer is ‘yes, definitely.’ Ironically, Birnbaum was publishing a fairly precise and very formal conceptual answer – via his Unified Formulation in Summa I – the same year that Hawking was pondering quite generally – on Cambridge’s picturesque Mathematical Bridge - what an ultimate answer might possibly imply (see https://www.summametaphysica.com/theory-outline/).

Q4P: Quest for Potential

the ubiquitous quest for infinite divine potential via Complexification

In any event, in understanding the fundamental drive of the universe, Birnbaum has found that, in so doing, the theory makes the purpose and direction of the universe clear. The Quest for Infinite Potential^∞ (shorthand notation: Q4P) is so pervasive that it is the cause, compass and goal – of the universe. Q4P guides the universe onward; it drives forward the process of Complexification (another Birnbaum-coined term, this one with shorthand notation C+). And just what is C+? This is Birnbaum’s hypothesized natural tendency of the universe is to infinitely strive for higher and higher levels of complexity/sophistication/richness/variety/wondrousness.

Birnbaum further says that the nature of Potential is so universally present that it basically ‘hides in plain sight’ (see PotentialismTheory.com/ParadigmChallenge/). This ‘hiding in plain sight’ is the case, because Potential is literally everywhere; it courses through our bodies; it courses through the universe.
Elaboration: We don't consciously think of how atoms or molecules form. We don't think of how planets come together with complex ecosystems or why our planet is so rich in continually evolving life. Mostly though, we don't usually notice that all of these things have something in common – their increasing Complexification. And that Complexification is a result of the universal and overarching infinite Quest for Potential.

A ubiquitous dynamic? Actually, it's easy not to notice. Ironically, it is even easier not to notice for those with a scientific background. We can partially thank the relentless scientific indoctrination of atheist Randomness Theory from the previous century for this. We are so constantly conditioned to believe in the entropy/decay of the universe – that it is naturally eroding and falling apart – that we fail to grasp that entropy/decay is but the collateral consequence of the prime cosmic thrust of growth/Complexification. Meaning, the ‘prime directive’ of the cosmic order is actually the very opposite of entropy/decay. And Quest for Potential via Complexification is actually happening right before our eyes – every minute of every day. Whether it is the formation of a drop of water or the creation of a child, the first notes of a symphony or an altruistic act of kindness – if we stop and look, we can see how the universe continues to grow in greater and richer complexity – and even new, varied and wondrous kinds of complexity previously never imagined. And to the Potentialist, this infinite divine quest for potential via Complexification is, indeed, “the mind of the divine” that Hawking spoke of. The ‘mind of God’ is actually a quest. God is not some remote being in some other realm. Infinite divine potential is right here, amongst us, permeating the entire universe and imbuing all of us with its life force and infinite spirit.

Analytically, one only need to juxtapose the theory against the incontrovertible evidence; all data/knowledge/science is efficiently embraced by the elegant and powerful pro-science theory of Potential and Complexification. It only takes a little observation over a longer horizon than is usually deployed.

In 1988, separated by the Atlantic Ocean, and not in direct contact, Hawking in Cambridge proposed, while Birnbaum in Manhattan disposed. The march of intellectual history – and of ideas – is often thus: Two cutting-edge players vectoring-onto the same frequency – and re-pivoting civilization.