If lower level of abstraction is nonsense , but higher level of abstraction logically make sense, such as god, outerspace life, spirituality, afterlife based on near-death experience, past life based on past life memory, what does it means ? Is it means it is imaginary and false ? (Like software engineer only need how coding make sense, but do not need to know why and how hardware like silcon wafer or transistors make sense ?)
The situation you describe, where high-level abstractions make sense but their lower-level details seem non-sensical or incomprehensible, like God, does not necessarily mean that the high-level concepts are imaginary or false.
Instead, it can indicate various factors, including the complexity of the concepts, the limits of our current understanding, and the difference between abstract reasoning and detailed or technical knowledge. Let's explore this further.
### Understanding Abstraction Levels
1. High-Level Abstraction:
- God, outer space life, spirituality, afterlife, and past life memories, fall into high-level abstractions. These concepts are broad, often philosophical or metaphysical, and can be intuitively understood or believed in without needing detailed technical explanations.
- Software Engineering Example: In software engineering, high-level abstractions might include concepts like object-oriented programming, algorithms, or system architecture. These are broad ideas that guide the design and functioning of software systems.
2. Low-Level Abstraction:
- The lower-level details involve specific mechanisms, technical processes, and detailed explanations. In the context of God, these would be the precise biological, physical, or metaphysical mechanics underlying the phenomena.
- **Software Engineering Example:** In computing, low-level details include how silicon wafers work, how binary code is processed into digital signals, or how transistors function within a CPU.
### Factors Contributing to the Discrepancy
1. Complexity and Expertise:
- Specialized Knowledge: Understanding low-level details often requires specialized knowledge and expertise. For example, not all software engineers need to know the intricate workings of silicon wafers or digital signal processing to write effective code.
- Complex Systems: Both metaphysical concepts and technological systems can be incredibly complex. High-level abstractions simplify these complexities into more manageable ideas.
2. Epistemological Limits:
- Current Knowledge: Our scientific, philosophical, and theological understanding is continually evolving. There are limits to what we currently know, especially about high-level abstract concepts like the afterlife or the existence of extraterrestrial life.
- Human Cognition: The human mind has limitations in comprehending and processing extremely detailed or abstract information, especially when it involves realms beyond everyday experience.
3. Practical vs. Theoretical Understanding:
- Practical Application: In many fields, including software engineering, high-level abstractions are often more immediately useful for practical applications. Knowing how to use an algorithm can be more practical than understanding the physics of semiconductor materials.
- Theoretical Insight: High-level abstractions provide a framework for understanding and exploring ideas, even if the detailed mechanisms are not fully understood or are currently beyond our reach.
### Implications
1. Not Necessarily Imaginary or False:
- The fact that high-level abstractions make sense while their low-level details are less clear does not imply that the high-level concepts are imaginary or false. It often means that there is a gap in our detailed understanding or that the concepts are inherently complex.
2. Interdisciplinary Collaboration:
- Bridging the gap between high-level abstractions and low-level details often requires interdisciplinary collaboration. For instance, theologians, philosophers, scientists, and engineers working together can provide a more comprehensive understanding of complex phenomena.
3. Continued Exploration and Learning:
- The apparent discrepancies highlight areas for further research and exploration. Just as advancements in technology have demystified many aspects of computing, future discoveries may provide more clarity on metaphysical and abstract concepts.
Conclusion
The situation where high-level abstractions make sense but lower-level details seem nonsensical reflects the complexity of the concepts and the limits of our current understanding. This does not mean that the high-level concepts are imaginary or false; rather, it underscores the need for ongoing exploration, interdisciplinary collaboration, and the recognition of the inherent complexity of both metaphysical and technological phenomena. Understanding and bridging the gap between abstraction levels is a key part of advancing knowledge in any field. |