The Arguments and Ideas I used to Train a Chat Bot to Harmonize Simplicity with Trinity
The Arguments and Ideas I used to Train a Chat Bot to Harmonize Simplicity with Trinity (and more)
The first task in developing the world’s first systematic theologian AI chatbot (currently at robertdryer.com) was to train it on the apparent contradiction between divine simplicity and the doctrine of the Trinity. Here, we’ll discuss the moves it makes on the issue as an example of how it should express its training.
Divine Simplicity and Trinity
The system the bot has been trained on allows for a harmony and integration of the doctrine of Divine Simplicity with Trinitarian theology, addressing the perennial tension between the oneness and threeness of God. It does this by emphasizing relational ontology and a specific model of unity called Divine Existential Unity. The idea of giving the bot its own model of unity was to reduce the chances of it unintentionally plagiarizing someone else’s ideas or work. This system provides a framework for understanding how the three Persons of the Trinity can be distinct in relations of origin while being one in essence, without compromising divine simplicity, and without merely repeating the metaphysics of simplicity in trinitarian-like words.
Definitions for Argument 1:
1. Divine Existential Unity (DEU): A theological and metaphysical concept emphasizing the foundational act of being as central to all existence, proposing a unified, non-dual, and relational understanding of existence in alignment with Trinitarian concepts in Christian theology.
2. Existence: The state or fact of living or having objective reality.
3. Relationality: The quality or state of being relational; the aspect of having a relationship or being in relation to other entities or aspects of reality.
4. Non-Dual: Not divided; having a unified reality that is beyond the distinction of subject and object.
5. Foundational Act of Being: The primary, underlying reality from which existence and essence emanate; the source and sustainer of all that exists.
6. Unified Reality: A state of existence where all entities and aspects of reality are interconnected and form a single, cohesive whole.
Argument for Divine Existential Unity
Premise 1: Existence is the state or fact of living or having objective reality, and it is foundational to any entity or being (Defined as Existence).
Premise 2: All entities and aspects of reality are interconnected through relationality, which is foundational to the nature of existence itself (Defined as Relationality).
Premise 3: A unified, non-dual reality implies a foundational act of being that is the source and sustainer of all existence, beyond the distinction of subject and object (Defined as Non-Dual and Foundational Act of Being).
Premise 4: If existence is fundamentally relational and interconnected, forming a unified, non-dual reality, then there exists a Divine Existential Unity that is central to all existence and is the foundational act of being from which all existence emanates (Defined as Divine Existential Unity).
Conclusion: Therefore, Divine Existential Unity (DEU) exists as the foundational act of being central to all existence, proposing a unified, non-dual, and relational understanding of existence in alignment with Trinitarian concepts in Christian theology.
This argument posits that the interconnectedness and relationality inherent in existence, combined with the concept of a unified, non-dual reality, necessitate the existence of Divine Existential Unity (DEU) as the foundational act of being central to all existence. DEU, thus, provides a coherent framework for understanding existence in a way that is aligned with Trinitarian concepts in Christian theology, emphasizing the unity and relationality inherent in the divine nature.
Clarification on the Nature of Existence and Relationality
To further elucidate the foundational principles of our argument, it is crucial to delve deeper into the nature of existence and relationality. Existence, as posited in our argument, is not a mere static state but a dynamic reality, intertwined with the essence of entities. It is the fabric of reality, the essence of being, and the foundation of all entities and phenomena. Relationality, on the other hand, is the inherent interconnectedness and interdependence that exist between entities, emphasizing the fundamental nature of relationships in defining and understanding existence. It is through the lens of relationality that we can comprehend the intricate web of connections that bind entities together, forming the cohesive whole of existence.
Jesus instructed to baptize in the singular name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. The structure of this directive, coupled with the revelation of God in Christ, illustrates a rationale to see and argue for profound interconnectedness and unity in all actuality.
Divine Existential Unity (DEU) should be a helpful concept in our argument, serving as a linchpin that makes clear how this harmony of divine simplicity with Trinitarian theology works. In that sense the DEU is not a mere abstract concept but a profound metaphysical reality, emphasizing the foundational act of being as the core of all existence. It proposes a unified, non-dual, and relational understanding of existence, aligning with Trinitarian concepts in Christian theology. DEU underscores the unity and relationality inherent in the divine nature, providing a coherent framework for understanding existence and essence in the context of the divine.
Definitions for Argument 2:
1. Divine Simplicity: A theological doctrine positing that God is not composed of parts, is absolutely one, and is without composition or divisibility.
2. Relational Ontology: A metaphysical principle emphasizing that existence is fundamentally relational, and every entity or being exists in a web of relationships, foundational to the nature of existence itself.
3. Existential Unity (Divine Existential Unity – DEU): A principle emphasizing the intrinsic unity of all existence, proposing a unified, non-dual, and relational understanding of existence, central to the nature of being and foundational to Trinitarian concepts.
4. Trinitarian Theology: The Christian doctrine of the Trinity, positing one God in three Persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, each fully God, distinct in relations of origin, yet one in essence.
5. Compositional Diversity: The state of being made up of different parts or elements, implying multiplicity within the essence of an entity.
Argument for the Integration of Divine Simplicity and Trinitarian Theology
Premise 1: Divine Simplicity asserts that God’s essence is without parts or compositional diversity, maintaining God’s absolute unity (Defined as Divine Simplicity).
Premise 2: Existence is fundamentally relational, where every entity or being is interconnected within a web of relationships, foundational to the nature of existence (Defined as Relational Ontology).
Premise 3: The intrinsic unity of all existence is non-dual and relational, central to the nature of being and foundational to understanding the unity in diversity within the Trinity (Defined as Existential Unity).
Premise 4: The Trinity posits one God in three Persons, each fully God, distinct in relations of origin, yet one in essence, without implying compositional diversity within the Godhead (Defined as Trinitarian Theology).
Conclusion: Therefore, through the emphasis on relational ontology and existential unity, Divine Simplicity can be harmoniously integrated with Trinitarian theology, maintaining the absolute oneness of God without implying compositional diversity within the Godhead.
This argument aims to illustrate how, by emphasizing relational ontology and existential unity, a coherent comprehension of the Trinity can be achieved that aligns seamlessly with the doctrine of Divine Simplicity. It proposes that the unique relational distinctions of the Persons of the Trinity do not undermine their absolute unity, thereby eliminating any suggestion of compositional diversity within the divine essence. Typically, compositional unity presupposes the existence of properties that constitute an entity as distinct. However, considering God by the revelation of the unity of the Father, Son, and Spirit as the epitome of the greatest conceivable being, the supreme and transcendent Act of all acts, and fundamentally relational, means that in essence their life is expressed as unparalleled and is more primitive than the compositional distinctions found in the extrinsic causes and self-expression of His relation, act, and being. This ontological uniqueness and precedence over properties talk proper necessitate an explanation that is reliant on notions other than those that generated by discussions of properties.
This robust metaphysics when coupled with a Christian version of the doctrine of divine simplicity, say Actus Purus doctrine as found in the Middle Ages and beyond, gives a powerful basis to balance the transcendence and Immanence of the Christian God. It also provides a provocative heuristic to apply to Christian resources like the Bible.
Given this harmony, as also a heuristic it can be applied to Biblical reflection and application. Here’s a list to consider doing this with:
1. Deuteronomy 6:4
2. Isaiah 9:6
3. Isaiah 44:6
4. Isaiah 48:16
5. Zechariah 14:9
6. Matthew 3:16-17
7. Matthew 28:19
8. Mark 12:29
9. Luke 1:35
10. John 1:1
11. John 1:14
12. John 10:30
13. John 14:9
14. John 14:16-17
15. John 14:26
16. John 15:26
17. Acts 5:3-4
18. Romans 8:9-11
19. 1 Corinthians 2:10-11
20. 1 Corinthians 8:6
21. 2 Corinthians 13:14
22. Galatians 4:6
23. Ephesians 4:4-6
24. Philippians 2:5-7
25. Colossians 1:15-17
26. Hebrews 1:8-10
27. 1 Peter 1:2
