Antinomy is a term used in logic and epistemology, which, loosely, means a paradox or unresolvable contradiction. At least for me that this season in my life, paradox feels vital to to discovery of the real. If for a moment I think have own truth or I possess a corner reality, then I am one step away from the weaponization of the very truth I sense I am drawing near. By contrast paradox invites a humility toward such claims, while opens us to learn with others. Click here to listen.

Antinomy

by V. Alan White

(chorus)
Antinomy, antinomy, antinomy
it's not merely one but it's two QEDs
antinomy, antinomy, antinomy
contradictory results from the same premises!
(Despite what one thinks--both can't be believed!)

Immanuel Kant said the world can't begin
then thought better of it, and said it can't end;
how better adjoin separate theses as these
but publicize them as Kant's antinomies?

(chorus)

Old Zeno thought space a remarkable thing
(somewhat as we think of a pig on the wing)
Achilles could not catch a Testudines
if burdened by so many antinomies

(chorus)

We search for the truth till the end of the day
but closer approaching seems farther away
an infinite effort our destiny be
the lover of wisdom's own antinomy

(chorus)

Peace, dwight

a philosophy that sings
Tagged on:         

One thought on “a philosophy that sings

  • December 8, 2004 at 9:18 PM
    Permalink

    great song. i think that it convey\\‘s the sentiment U2 was aiming for in \\\"with or without you.\\\" The only difference is U2\\‘s version isn\\‘t painful to listen to!!

Comments are closed.

Skip to content