Hexproof or protection vs “destroy all” type of cards
So I read that hexproof or protection from doesn’t protect from “affect all” type of cards (e.g. a card with “destroy all creatures” destroys even creatures with hexproof or protection).
The reasoning behind this is completely flawed on a mathematical/logical level.
Let me explain.
Hexproof or protection state the card can’t become the target of … or that it can’t be target by so and so.
That’s where your logic for the explanation comes from BUT that’s also where it breaks.
You assume, that, for example “destroy all” effect, doesn’t specify particular cards therefore it does not have a target, therfore hexproof or protection are useless.
That’s false.
The effect still has a target, otherwise there would be no effect.
“All” is the target.
“All” is a set which is the target. Just like the complex numbers is a set of numbers in maths containing all known and not yet known numbers.
Any other set of numbers is a a subset to it.
Therefore “all creatures” is the target of a spell. A creature with hexproof is a subset of that set/system. Therefore hexproof or protection are valid arguments even then, since they substract (or specify) a set from the main set (all creatures).
By having a mindset of “affect all” does not have a target you neglect that “all” is a real set of things, just like numbers or universe and imply all=nothing.
That couldn’t be further to logic, which is one of the main building blocks of this game.
If you want to insist on your “logic”, why not extend it a bit further - since “destroy all creatures” doesn’t have a target, how come it doesn’t destroy ALL creatures, including the ones in graveyards, decks, sideboards or exile?
Please fix this bullsh….it breaks my brain and the foundations of this game.
Thanks