A Systems Theory of Religion

Substituting a different distinction cannot be justified logically in this case. Yet whoever does not wish to proceed as proposed has to make a distinction in another way, if he does not want to get stuck in a paradox of tautology (“what is different is the same”). While the operation of substitution is not logical, it is compatible with the world. And it can be recognized by the fruit it bears.

And in order to clarify what has been happening, I have inserted an additional distinction into the tautology of a distinction (that is distinguishing itself): the distinction between system and environment.

These networks point to the formation of a system and, more precisely, the formation of operatively closed autopoietic systems. Under additional conditions, they are capable not only of differentiating themselves but also of distinguishing between themselves and their environment.

The modal-logical form of possibility is appropriate for defining more precisely what could be meant by “medium.” Possibilities are only loosely associated with one another.

Let us now look at the notion of meaning. Leaving aside subjects, objects and references to systems, one might define this notion by a purely modal-theoretical distinction between reality (actuality) and possibility (potentiality), as the specific notion that represents the unity of this difference. For something (whatever it may be) has meaning whenever it makes reference to other possibilities in actual experience or communication (in what then emerges). In particular, without this reference actuality would not at all be possible as meaningful actuality. By that account, and for an observer who makes such distinctions, meaning is the unity of the difference between reality and possibility.

Salvation lies in danger, redemption in sin. Since the eighteenth century, the term “sublime” has been used to avoid conflict with a religion domesticated by theologians and their “good god.” Whatever the case, paradox appears in the form of the holy.

erence material. In addition, I have updated notes in which the author cites himself to make it easier for the reader to find the most