According to Upanishadic philosophers, Brahman is beyond nature. In lecture, I explained their argument, the “Brahman is Beyond Nature Argument” (BBNA). It involves the claim that everything within the limits of nature either makes sounds, has form, is perceptible by touch, etc. However, it is not clear that this claim is true. Gravity is one thing that might pose a problem for the argument, if it can serve as a counterexample to the claim mentioned. Does the argument face a problem due to a counterexample?
Basic Instructions for Paper on the Limits of Nature
Write a paper in which you complete one (and only one) of the following two tasks:
(i) After presenting the BBNA, explain why it succeeds;
(ii) After presenting the BBNA, explain why it fails.
Note: To adequately complete either of these tasks, you’ll have to explain why it is plausible that there is a counterexample to the claim that everything within the limits of nature either makes sounds, has form, is perceptible by touch etc. Then, you’ll have to present an argument that is supposed to show the BBNA to be unsound. If you choose to complete task (i), you’ll also have to explain why the argument you presented fails. If, instead, you choose to complete task (ii), you’ll have to present and defend against an objection to that argument.
Give the paper an interesting title.
Ensure that the paper is of no more than 5 double-spaced pages, with reasonable margins and a reasonable font size (1 in. margins, 12 pt. font).
Submit your paper by uploading a file (.doc, .docx, .pdf, .txt., or .rft) through Canvas by: Mon., May 3.
