summarizing the argument

Here is another attempt to lay bare the argument:




1) 2 + 2 = 4 is in some sense true whether or not the universe or anything at all exists. The interrelatedness of the definitions of 2, +, 4, and = in some sense precedes the question of existence.



2) Now define a minimal theory T that contains the statement:



“The existence of this statement is logically inevitable.”



Perhaps this could be given the expression T t for all t  [how to get math symbols to appear in the blog?]



3) T is actual relative to itself (and there is necessarily the possibility that T)



4) If the universe were T, we would not know the difference between existing in the sense of T (i.e. wherever there is a use of ““, and existence in some outside, preconceived sense.



5) The universe is T, and it admits a rational explanation for its existence, namely 1-4.