Circaseptan Rhythms (Google AI)
"Circaseptan rhythms are biological cycles lasting approximately seven days, influencing various bodily functions and behaviors in humans and other species. These innate, weekly rhythms are not merely cultural constructs but are considered to be built into living organisms and are studied in chronobiology. Examples include fluctuations in hormone levels, blood pressure, and immune system activity, and some theories suggest they might be why the seven-day calendar week was adopted in the first place."
Although circaseptan rhythms can be innate, it doesn't mean we can classify all circaseptan behaviour as innate as some behaviour will be influenced by cultural constructs (like the 5 day business week and 2 day weekend). Lunar activity is a natural process that may also influence Circaseptan rhythms with broadly 4 phases of the moon (New Moon, First Quarter, Full Moon, and Last Quarter) that work out to approximately 7 days (but not exact) and may influence biological functions (like menstrual cycles).
The question here are whether circadian rhythms enough to qualify the 4th commandment as innate moral command? Broadly, we can agree they can point to a change in behaviour that may influence our rest rhythms. (high blood pressure, lower immune system, etc... can point to a need for rest) but does it go so far as demanding the conditions detailed in the 4th commandment? Does it need to?
The question of innate morality of the 4th is part of a wider conversation addressing the innate morality of the 10 at large. Commandments 6-10 (murder, adultery, stealing, lying, coveting) can be understood as innately harmful to others, thus healthy to avoid (do not...). Commandments 1-3 are of monotheistic morality. If we can agree that monotheism is naturally discoverable, then principles of idolatry, taking God's name in vain, and graven images are implicit values baked into monotheism. Commandment 5 goes beyond merely doing no harm and is about a special honour for your parents. We can see this demonstrated innately in wildlife (ie. ducklings follow their mother) and through various social hierarchies that naturally develop. To treat your parents with respect also implicitly demands that your children treat you with respect, creating a cycle that promotes greater sustainability and longevity for yourself and your clan.
But the 4th commandment is different. The inherited "innateness" would be a reference back to creation. This may answer the question of "why the 4th" for the 10 Commandments but it doesn't answer the question of "why 7 days" for creation. When we go back to creation, no explanation is given why we have 7 days and not 6 or 8. Circaseptan rhythms may be the missing link, but is it enough to promote 4th commandment requirement or is there missing information we still need to be told to follow the 4th? What is the ultimate value that both point to, or is the goal only regarding circaseptan ceremonial rest?
"Circaseptan rhythms are biological cycles lasting approximately seven days, influencing various bodily functions and behaviors in humans and other species. These innate, weekly rhythms are not merely cultural constructs but are considered to be built into living organisms and are studied in chronobiology. Examples include fluctuations in hormone levels, blood pressure, and immune system activity, and some theories suggest they might be why the seven-day calendar week was adopted in the first place."
Although circaseptan rhythms can be innate, it doesn't mean we can classify all circaseptan behaviour as innate as some behaviour will be influenced by cultural constructs (like the 5 day business week and 2 day weekend). Lunar activity is a natural process that may also influence Circaseptan rhythms with broadly 4 phases of the moon (New Moon, First Quarter, Full Moon, and Last Quarter) that work out to approximately 7 days (but not exact) and may influence biological functions (like menstrual cycles).
The question here are whether circadian rhythms enough to qualify the 4th commandment as innate moral command? Broadly, we can agree they can point to a change in behaviour that may influence our rest rhythms. (high blood pressure, lower immune system, etc... can point to a need for rest) but does it go so far as demanding the conditions detailed in the 4th commandment? Does it need to?
The question of innate morality of the 4th is part of a wider conversation addressing the innate morality of the 10 at large. Commandments 6-10 (murder, adultery, stealing, lying, coveting) can be understood as innately harmful to others, thus healthy to avoid (do not...). Commandments 1-3 are of monotheistic morality. If we can agree that monotheism is naturally discoverable, then principles of idolatry, taking God's name in vain, and graven images are implicit values baked into monotheism. Commandment 5 goes beyond merely doing no harm and is about a special honour for your parents. We can see this demonstrated innately in wildlife (ie. ducklings follow their mother) and through various social hierarchies that naturally develop. To treat your parents with respect also implicitly demands that your children treat you with respect, creating a cycle that promotes greater sustainability and longevity for yourself and your clan.
But the 4th commandment is different. The inherited "innateness" would be a reference back to creation. This may answer the question of "why the 4th" for the 10 Commandments but it doesn't answer the question of "why 7 days" for creation. When we go back to creation, no explanation is given why we have 7 days and not 6 or 8. Circaseptan rhythms may be the missing link, but is it enough to promote 4th commandment requirement or is there missing information we still need to be told to follow the 4th? What is the ultimate value that both point to, or is the goal only regarding circaseptan ceremonial rest?
Last edited:
