The statement that 'everything' is unknowable is a philosophical perspective that addresses the limits of human knowledge and understanding. It suggests that there are inherent limitations to what we can know, comprehend, or understand about the universe, reality, or existence. There are a few concepts and arguments that contribute to this perspective:
Epistemological Limits: Epistemology is the branch of philosophy that deals with the nature and scope of knowledge. It argues that there are fundamental limits to what humans can know due to our cognitive abilities, sensory perceptions, and the constraints of our minds. Our knowledge is based on perception, reason, and experience, which might not be sufficient to grasp certain aspects of reality fully.
Infinite Complexity: The universe and reality are incredibly complex, and many phenomena are interconnected in intricate ways. Understanding everything in its entirety might be impossible due to the vastness of information and the limitations of human cognition.
The Nature of Truth: The question of whether absolute truth exists or whether it is relative and subjective is a significant philosophical debate. If truth is relative, then achieving complete knowledge would be impossible as it might vary based on different perspectives and contexts.
Paradoxes and Limitations in Logic: Some philosophical paradoxes and conundrums challenge our understanding of reality and logic. For example, the "liar paradox" questions the nature of truth itself and raises doubts about whether we can comprehend everything fully.
Unknown Unknowns: Donald Rumsfeld, the former U.S. Secretary of Defense, famously spoke about "unknown unknowns" when discussing intelligence and knowledge gaps. These are the things we don't know we don't know, and they highlight that there may be aspects of reality that lie beyond our current understanding and awareness.
It's important to note that the statement "everything is unknowable" is itself a claim about knowledge, which creates an inherent paradox. If we accept that statement as true, then we are claiming to know something about the limits of knowledge, which appears contradictory.
In summary, the idea that 'everything' is unknowable stems from the recognition of human limitations, the complexity of reality, and philosophical considerations regarding the nature of truth and knowledge. It is a perspective that highlights the humility of human understanding and encourages intellectual curiosity and exploration while acknowledging that there might always be more to learn and discover.