On the absolute other

2026-08-02

A comment on the cosmic continuum.

---

1 The other is that which differs from the self in quality or degree.

1.1 Other and self with equal qualities in equal degrees are identical.

1.2 The other and the self constitute the dissimilar.

1.3 The constitution of the dissimilar is the formation of a relationship.

2 The absolute is that which has no degree.

2.1 The absolute other is that which differs from the self in quality.

3 Where there is a common quality, the dissimilar is not absolute.

3.1 The absolute other is that which has no quality in common with the self.

4 To have quality or degree is to exhibit pattern.

4.1 Pattern is that which presences have in common, regardless of quality or degree.

4.2 The absolute other is that which has no pattern.

4.3 The absolute dissimilar cannot be constituted, for relationship involves connection and thus similarity.

5 That which is reasoned about is connectable.

5.1 The connectable is the similar, at least in having presence.

5.2 The absolute other cannot be reasoned about and has no presence.

5.3 For as long as it is thought, the absolute other is not the absolute other.

6 The abstract is the common in a multitude of presences.

6.1 The absolutely abstract is that which is discerned in all presences.

6.2 Presences and abstractions, self and other, are on a continuum of pattern.

6.3 There is no absolute other as its absolute abstraction cannot be connected to the continuum.

6.4 The self and the other are equal in having pattern.

7 Pattern has no other.