The statement that 'everything' is unknowable is a philosophical assertion that suggests there are inherent limitations to human knowledge and understanding. It implies that there are aspects of reality, existence, or the universe that are beyond the reach of human comprehension. Several factors contribute to this perspective:
Complexity: The universe is incredibly complex and vast, and human cognitive abilities have their limitations. Our brains are evolved to handle certain levels of complexity, but there may be phenomena or concepts that surpass our capacity to fully grasp or understand.
Epistemological Limits: Epistemology is the branch of philosophy that deals with the nature and scope of knowledge. Some philosophical perspectives, such as skepticism or agnosticism, argue that there may be inherent limits to what we can know, particularly regarding metaphysical or existential questions.
Subjectivity: Human perception and understanding are inherently subjective. Our experiences, biases, and cultural influences can shape the way we interpret information and comprehend reality. It is challenging to eliminate all subjectivity and achieve a completely objective understanding of 'everything.'
Unobservable Phenomena: Some aspects of reality may be beyond our observational capabilities. For instance, dark matter and dark energy in astrophysics are phenomena that cannot be directly observed but are inferred through their effects on observable matter and energy.
Incompleteness and Uncertainty: The quest for knowledge is an ongoing process, and there is always the possibility of new discoveries or revisions to existing theories. Moreover, some fields, such as quantum mechanics, deal with inherent uncertainty and probabilistic interpretations of reality.
Metaphysical Questions: Certain philosophical questions, like the nature of consciousness, the origin of the universe, or the existence of ultimate reality, may lie beyond the scope of empirical investigation and remain open to various interpretations.
While the idea that 'everything' is unknowable presents a challenging philosophical stance, it is essential to acknowledge that scientific and human understanding has made significant progress in various fields, shedding light on many aspects of the universe and the world we live in. Despite our limitations, the pursuit of knowledge and understanding continues to be a fundamental aspect of human nature and endeavor.