Metalogic: a Complete System
We will now mention a few features of this Intuitional System.
Because of the multitudes of personal meanings associated with Intuition, we are going to call this Complete System that we’ve been ineptly describing, as a System based on Metalogic. It contains logic, while is above it - looking from a grander perspective. Thus we are examining what it means to be a Metalogical System. (In the prior chapter we developed the notion that Logic, Instincts, and the Little Voice are the components of Intuition.)
If the Little Voice rings too much of mysticism, we can also refer to the Little Voice as the Directives that arise from the Subconscious.
We all use metalogic for decision making
Every human uses metalogic to a greater degree in making many, if not most, of their decisions. Metalogic is the type used in ‘weighing alternatives’. The situation does not have a right or wrong behavior, as much as better or worse. This value judgement depends, of course, upon which criteria are used.
Wedding example:
As an example: Picture the rich and beautiful girl choosing her future husband from among a multitude of suitors. She likes some because they are more sensitive and intelligent, and others because of their aggressive and dynamic sides. She likes some because they make her laugh; others because they like to do exciting things; others because of their ambition; and others because of the way they love her. Further, she doesn’t like each of her suitors for various reasons. Too much drinking and drugs with obnoxious friends. Too aggressive, too shy, too busy, too poor, too stupid, undependable, disagreeable, ugly, and a multitude of other reasons. Further, her parents like some better than the others in varying degrees depending upon their economic and social class. Her friends also pipe in with a variety of different perspectives.
Her friends, and family are all logical in their own way, just as she is in her own way. Our Bride is also smart and can understand each logical presentation. Under the influence of each logical system, she agrees perfectly - although they totally contradict each other. One tells her one thing, another the exact opposite, with equally compelling reasons. With all this well reasoned logical input from so many consistent systems, how does the future bride make the proper decision?
If she has a choice, she listens to everyone’s opinion, including her own, and then listens to her heart, her instincts. Then she makes her metalogical decision - for better or worse - till death do us part.
This is how most of our important decisions are made. Rarely is a situation so cut and dried that only one behavior is dictated. In fact, when the situation is so clear-cut - action is dictated and no decision need be made. Of course, the ultimate decision is whether to act or not, after deciding which course one would like to take. This is in the nature of important decisions.
Tarski’s Theorem proves no such thing as Logic based Truth
The logician Tarski proved that logic doesn’t contain truth itself - Tarski’s Theorem. Thus any important decision that is based purely upon logic is still based upon some underlying assumptions that are subjective. There is no such thing as absolute truth in logical or verbal systems because of these inherent features, which we’ve mentioned.
Thus at one point along our imaginary bride’s path, she made some metalogical decisions regarding her underlying assumptions. Some of these were provided by her extended family and culture. Others were derived from personal experience. The influence of these two sides is proportionate to the level of abuse or nourishment in one’s life. This is one of the topics of this paper, which we’re trying to get to.
We’re taking a stronger stand here - making a more definitive statement. Because of the inability of logic to provide truth, every important decision is ultimately based upon metalogical principles. Even if the immediate impulse seems logical, it is based ultimately upon metalogical assumptions - intuition - in this context, a mixture of logic and instinct.
Features of Metalogic: Logic to continually refine assumptions
Because Metalogic is at the base of our mental world,
It is important to explore her features.
Logic is only the tool for Metalogic.
He is always one sided, even if his logic is ‘all encompassing’.
Because of the limitations of Logic, what are his appropriate uses?
Logic has two primary roles in this context.
1) To purify the Metalogical Assumptions that accompany Decision-Making –
To determine their validity -
To question foundations.
2) To assist Metalogic in her decision-making capacity.
It is Logic’s duty to continually question the underlying motives of Metalogic,
For if the underlying motives are polluted, then the logic leads to false conclusions.
If the underlying motives are pure, then the logic leads to true conclusions.
For instance:
Many elevated thinkers feel that the underlying logic of personal gain
Is based upon a faulty assumption.
Thus any logic conclusions derived from this postulate are distorted -
Or at least counterproductive to personal transformation and growth.
This is yet another underlying assumption -
Which leads to conclusions
That are frequently diametrically opposed to those based in personal gain.
(Ah well, just getting hot and then another literary abortion. Such is my fate.)
(Our Subject getting a bit personal.)
Another Feature of Metalogic: Logic can only give advice
Any Logical System, no matter how powerful, can only see one side.
As a consequence, Logical Systems perceives themselves as Right -
Because they are totally consistent -
But can’t see out of their own box.
Thus any Logical System, no matter how powerful, can only offer advice -
Not make Decisions.
Because they can’t see the whole picture.
The ultimate decision must be metalogical,
In order to take the complete system into account.
Thus while metalogic can understand logic, the reverse is not true.
Anyone who is the midst of a metalogical decision must decide for themselves.
While each logical external and internal perspective might be totally consistent,
None of them can see the whole picture.
As an example: Left Brain Logic cannot recognize an individual’s face. While it can identify a face, it takes the intuitive Right Brain to recognize who it is. A Person with a severely damaged Right Brain can’t even recognize his own Face in a mirror.
Logic can always find flaws in Metalogic
Further every Logical System can always find flaws in the Meta-logical System because meta-logic is based in paradox and inconsistency. Therefore the Logical System perceives himself as consistently right and the metalogical system as flawed and plagued by paradox and inconsistency.
The only logical system that can handle inconsistency is one that has stepped outside in a moment of self-reflection to see that logic is ultimately limited - logically. (Incidentally this is one of the thrusts of the Zen koan - to break down the logical arrogance of the Left Brain).
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