Great chain of being: Difference between revisions

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'''The Great Chain of Being''' or ''Scala Nature'' is a medieval model of the universe and life. It outlines the perceived hierarchy of all things from the [[Christian]] [[god]] at the top down to perceived base minerals like dust.
'''The Great Chain of Being''' or ''Scala Naturae'' is a medieval model of the universe and life. It outlines the perceived hierarchy of all things from the [[Christian]] [[god]] at the top down to perceived base minerals like dust.


==Unchangeable vs. mutable forms==
An important distinction is that between the unchangeable [[spirit]] and the changing or mutable earthly-form. In the middle of these two is the human form which contains both elements of spirit and mutable flesh. Spirit through the adherence to absolute [[morals]] is considered the path to righteousness and the primal desires of the flesh are seen to drag one away from [[heaven]].
An important distinction is that between the unchangeable [[spirit]] and the changing or mutable earthly-form. In the middle of these two is the human form which contains both elements of spirit and mutable flesh. Spirit through the adherence to absolute [[morals]] is considered the path to righteousness and the primal desires of the flesh are seen to drag one away from [[heaven]].


==Rationale==
The concept of a Great Chain of Being rests on the existence of a Christian god and exists purely as a result of people trying to explain the role of the Christian god. It adds no compelling reason to further believe in a god.
The concept of a Great Chain of Being rests on the existence of a Christian god and exists purely as a result of people trying to explain the role of the Christian god. It adds no compelling reason to further believe in a god.
[[Category:Philosophy]]

Revision as of 16:07, 28 March 2012

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The Great Chain of Being or Scala Naturae is a medieval model of the universe and life. It outlines the perceived hierarchy of all things from the Christian god at the top down to perceived base minerals like dust.

Unchangeable vs. mutable forms

An important distinction is that between the unchangeable spirit and the changing or mutable earthly-form. In the middle of these two is the human form which contains both elements of spirit and mutable flesh. Spirit through the adherence to absolute morals is considered the path to righteousness and the primal desires of the flesh are seen to drag one away from heaven.

Rationale

The concept of a Great Chain of Being rests on the existence of a Christian god and exists purely as a result of people trying to explain the role of the Christian god. It adds no compelling reason to further believe in a god.