When you discuss logic, in any form, you discuss words, definitions, and meanings. In logic the first thing you HAVE to do if you are going to have a meaningful discussion is to define your terms. That is to make sure everyone involved in the discussion knows, or believes they know, exactly what they are talking about.
On the other hand when you discuss Mapological™ thinking, you must concentrate, not on words, but on the concepts involved.
Thus the concept line™.
Therefore the first term we must determine, and agree on, is What a Concept is. And what relationship it has to words, definitions, meanings, and ideas.
I shall do this by tackling what is considered a major Philosophical / Theological issue. There are three aspects of this journey we are taking: What is Evil? Why does Evil exist? Is Evil necessary?
But before we discuss such a “lofty” concept let us set some ground rules by tackling a very mundane concept.
One there can be no doubt about. A hammer. You can look at a hammer. Touch a hammer. Hold a hammer. Swing a hammer. Smell a hammer. You can taste a hammer if you like. I would recommend cleaning it thoroughly first.
Few things can be considered more mundane than a hammer.
As a word it is very specific. It has a head, usually made of metal, attached at right angles to a handle, often made of wood. It is most often used to pound nails into wood with.
The word hammer is a concrete noun.
Evil, on the other hand is an abstract noun.
While you may be able to point to examples of it that every human being will agree is Evil, you will never be able to put it in your tool belt and carry it to the job site with you.
Thus the next blog will begin our exploration of Evil by looking at the lowly, totally innocent hammer.
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