original-sin

A metaphorical concept used to describe whether the causality violation implicates the origin point, determining the scale of moral condemnation.

1 chapter across 1 book

Singularity Sky (2003)Charles Stross

1. Consider the hypothetical case of a power that intends to create a localized causality violation that does not produce a light cone encompassing its origin point. (We are implicitly assuming a perfectly spherical zone of sinfulness expanding at velocity c with origin at time TO.) If the spherical volume of sinfulness does not intersect with the four-space trajectory of the power’s initial location, we are not dealing with an original sin. Consequently we do not expect the Eschaton to condemn the entire sinful civilization to damnation, or a Type II supernova; redemption is possible. However, damnation of the sinful agency that causes the causality violation is required.

This chapter presents a hypothetical scenario involving a power that creates a localized causality violation without its light cone intersecting its origin point, implying no 'original sin' in the cosmological sense. It introduces the concept of a 'zone of sinfulness' expanding at light speed and discusses the moral and cosmic consequences, specifically that while the entire civilization may avoid damnation, the individual agency responsible must be condemned. The narrator's act of underlining significant phrases suggests an analytical or investigative approach to these complex ideas.