Presentation by Yulia Kopcheva: "Modification of Axioms on Positivity in Kurt Gödel's Ontological Proof"

Research intern at IL LLFP Julia Kopcheva delivered a presentation at the scientific research seminar "From the Logical Point of View" held on June 6

Abstract

In 1970, Kurt Gödel presented his own ontological proof for the existence of God. The proof sparked active discussion among researchers because it reveals a number of both logical and ontological difficulties. Firstly, this concerns modal collapse and inconsistency as well as problems with interpreting positivity introduced by Gödel.The report proposes to consider Gödel’s proof itself and possible modifications of axiomatic systems suggested by researchers aimed at resolving these difficulties. Thus, we will analyze Gödel’s ontological argument, formal derivation of modal collapse and inconsistency, and examine ontological challenges. Selected modifications include distinguishing between intensional and extensional properties, simplified axiomatics proposed by Benzmüller, and modifications through constructing ultrafilters over sets of positive properties. Within the framework of the report, an authorial interpretation of possible ontological consequences of these modifications based on Alain Badiou's teachings will be offered.