The mathmatical definition of existence

I guess I don't have to say it any more because of the definition of "exists."I am not sure what you mean by self-referential and redundant logic. Please explain.And Drag, I am not sure what you mean by a "statement = claim." Please explain.Originally posted by Mohaamad ExistenceAny form "exists" if it has been created/assembled/ or if it is a part of something else that "exists." In summary, the concept of existence is defined by being created, assembled, or being a part of something else that exists. This idea can be seen through the statement "I exist because something that does not exist cannot question itself." However, some may
  • #1
Mohaamad
Existence

Any form "exists" if it has been created/assembled/ or if it is a part of something else that "exists."

I exist because something that does not exist cannot question itself (separate logic from above).
 
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  • #2
Originally posted by Alexander
So?

Wow...Alexander, everything becomes so clear after you post.

Mohaamad, this is the same concept of "I think, therefore I am" which is discussed in another thread, perhaps you would find that thread helpful and informative.

EDIT: As Mentat asked, if this is in fact what you mean, this idea of creation to exist conflicts with just about every current explanation of the universe, religious or scientific.
 
Last edited:
  • #3
Originally posted by Mohaamad
Existence

Any form "exists" if it has been created/assembled/ or if it is a part of something else that "exists."

So you are saying that something had to be created, in order to exist?
 
  • #4


Originally posted by Mohaamad
Any form "exists" if it has been created/assembled
or if it is a part of something else that "exists."
Prove it, please.
 
  • #5
The proof is pretty trivial.

Start by leaving the "creation" part out of the sentence.

(edited by Tom)
Any form "exists" if it is a part of something else that "exists."

This breaks down to

P-->E,

where:
P: A form is part of something else that exists.
E: A form exists.

The truth of the antecedent is determined by recognizing that being part of something else that exists can include being the whole part of that something else. It is just like, "the set of real numbers is a(n) (imrpoper) subset of the set of real numbers". The truth of the consequent follows trivially from the truth of the antecedent, which declares that such forms "exist".

Now, note the truth table of p-->r (lowercase letters are logical variables):

p...q...p-->r
T...T...T
T...F...F
F...T...T
F...T...T

Note that the only way for the above schema to be false is if a true antecedent implies a false consequent. That's important!

Now add the "creation" part.

Any form "exists" if it has been created/assembled/ or if it is a part of something else that "exists."

So now, we have changed the statement to:

(P OR C)-->E

where

C: A form has been created/assembled.

Now note the truth table of (p OR q):

p...q...(p OR q)
T...T...T
T...F...T
F...T...T
F...F...F

Note that the only way for the above schema to be false is if both p and q are false.

But earlier, we noted that the first of the two conjuncts is true. Therefore, it doesn't even matter if statement C is true or false.

Thus, the "creation" part is irrelevant to the truth or falsity of the overall statement.
 
  • #6
Drag, his statement of existence is self-referential and redundant. There is nothing to prove.
 
  • #7


Originally posted by wuliheron
Drag, his statement of existence is self-referential and redundant. There is nothing to prove.

My post basically says that, but in a much more longwided fashion LOL! :smile:
 
  • #8


Originally posted by Tom
My post basically says that, but in a much more longwided fashion LOL! :smile:

Who says logic is only for clarifying things?
 
  • #9


Originally posted by wuliheron
Drag, his statement of existence is
self-referential and redundant. There is
nothing to prove.
I don't know about self-referential and
redundant because that depends upon the
type of reasoning you apply, but I do know
that it was a statement = claim, hence it
requires proof or directions to the garbage bin.

Live long and prosper.
 
  • #10
Originally posted by Mohaamad
Existence

Any form "exists" if it has been created/assembled/ or if it is a part of something else that "exists."

I exist because something that does not exist cannot question itself (separate logic from above).

Existence is not "mathematical"...

Existence in the real world, is defined material, and is based on:
- Motion/change to occur (matter can not be distinguished from motion/change)
- Hence, time and space have to exist
 
  • #11


Originally posted by drag
I don't know about self-referential and
redundant because that depends upon the
type of reasoning you apply, but I do know
that it was a statement = claim, hence it
requires proof or directions to the garbage bin.

Live long and prosper.

No, it isn't the system of reasoning that is in question, it is the definitions of words which reasoning is based on, at least here it is for the purpose of communication. Without assuming any other assertions, his reasoning as communicated is self-referential and redundant. Here are the two assertions again:

Any form "exists" if it has been created/assembled/ or if it is a part of something else that "exists."

I exist because something that does not exist cannot question itself (separate logic from above).

To say something that is part of something else or has been created "exists" is redundant, self-referential, circular logic. It essentially says that something that exists... well... exists. Duhh! To also assert that someone cannot question themselves unless they exist is, again, redundant, self-referential, and circular logic.

You are of course free to ask Mohaamad if s/he is using different definitions for words or a distinctly different kind of reasoning, but unless told otherwise I shall assume their argument is self-referential, redundant, and circular logical.
 
  • #12
Tom, I will read over your proof later; I have not taken logic classes before but I am sure that I can understand it if I try hard enough. In the meantime, are you agreeing or disagreeing with my statement?

I am not saying that something has to be created in order to exist.

My definition of existence is a narrow principle; not a grand principle. It is logical to me to say that if some form "exists" (existence in the an ultimate, absolute, philosophical sense; a common philosophyical question is whether oneself exists, superficially we can say that we do, it is more difficult to provide a philosophical "proof.") than anything else in connection (that was created, assembled, or is a part of) with this source "exists." For example, if God "exists" and he created man, than we "exist." Or if "chemical elements such as oxygen" "exists," than any compound composed of oxygen "exists." Hydrogen "exists" because water "exist" since they are both expressed in the same dimensions. Anything that can be conceptualized "exists" however one can be wrong on "how" it "exists." Somethings may "exists" as a fragment of our imagination. Despite all of this; the bigger question to be answered is whether anything exists. Thus one can understand why it is easy for somebody who does not believe in God to questions one's existence.
 
  • #13
Mohammed,

I will look at the rest of your post later, but for now...

Originally posted by Mohaamad
In the meantime, are you agreeing or disagreeing with my statement?

I say it is a true statement, because one of the conjuncts in the antecedent (specifically, "A form is part of something else that exists") is a generalized case of the consequent ("A form exists").

The statement would be just as true without the second conjunct in the antecedent ("A form has been created/assembled").
 
  • #14
I think that everybody would have a better understanding of what I was trying to say if they read my last post. Here's part of it:

My definition of existence is a narrow principle; not a grand principle. It is logical to me to say that if some form "exists" (existence in the an ultimate, absolute, philosophical sense; a common philosophyical question is whether oneself exists, superficially we can say that we do, it is more difficult to provide a philosophical "proof.") than anything else in connection (that was created, assembled, or is a part of) with this source "exists." For example, if God "exists" and he created man, than we "exist." Or if "chemical elements such as oxygen" "exists," than any compound composed of oxygen "exists." Hydrogen "exists" because water "exist" since they are both expressed in the same dimensions. Anything that can be conceptualized "exists" however one can be wrong on "how" it "exists." Somethings may "exists" as a fragment of our imagination. Despite all of this; the bigger question to be answered is whether anything exists. Thus one can understand why it is easy for somebody who does not believe in God to questions one's existence.
 
  • #15
Originally posted by Mohaamad
I think that everybody would have a better understanding of what I was trying to say if they read my last post.

I've read it. It is not a proof of existence, but merely a description of certain aspects of existence. Two very critical aspects for philosophical discussion, especially in the western tradition, but leaves out several other important points. The validity or reality of existence, disposition of existence, and its origin are three more critical aspects upon which your description depends and are of more interest to Asian thought.
 
  • #16
According to the logic of philosophy does reality have to exist?
 
  • #17
Originally posted by Mohaamad
According to the logic of philosophy does reality have to exist?

It depends on what philosophy. Materialism clearly states there is an objective reality, which can be known.
 
  • #18
Originally posted by Mohaamad
According to the logic of philosophy does reality have to exist?

The use of the word, "reality", is too vague. If anything exists, it is "real". IOW, for something to exist, "reality" must exist.
 
  • #19
WOh woh woh.

Logic of philosophy? there is no such thing.

Philosophy - A given system of POV of reality.
Religion - A given system of POV of reality which includes a deity.
Politics - The imposition of either religion or philosophy as being universally true, and thus implying that others must take this POV.

Logic is REAL. There is no such thing as "philosophy", only "A philosophy". And it has no purpose in reality, other than to say from the creator "this is how I see things".

To implement a philosophy or a religion (which is in a way one sort of philosophy if presented right) is what politics is.

Simply trying to not only superimpose religion or philosophy, but also to force others into it.

Thus those three things are, along with religious mythology, and pseudoscience, some of the things that most hurt humanity.
 
  • #20
Originally posted by LogicalAtheist
WOh woh woh.

Logic of philosophy? there is no such thing.

Philosophy - A given system of POV of reality.
Religion - A given system of POV of reality which includes a deity.
Politics - The imposition of either religion or philosophy as being universally true, and thus implying that others must take this POV.

Logic is REAL. There is no such thing as "philosophy", only "A philosophy". And it has no purpose in reality, other than to say from the creator "this is how I see things".

To implement a philosophy or a religion (which is in a way one sort of philosophy if presented right) is what politics is.

Simply trying to not only superimpose religion or philosophy, but also to force others into it.

Thus those three things are, along with religious mythology, and pseudoscience, some of the things that most hurt humanity.

Please read the first post of https://www.physicsforums.com/showthread.php?s=&postid=30581#post30581
 

What is the mathematical definition of existence?

The mathematical definition of existence is the state of having objective reality. In other words, something exists if it can be observed or measured in some way.

How is existence defined in mathematics?

In mathematics, existence is often defined using axioms and logical arguments. For example, in set theory, the existence of a set is assumed if it satisfies certain properties.

What is the role of logic in defining existence mathematically?

Logic plays a crucial role in defining existence in mathematics. It allows us to establish the truth of statements and determine the existence or non-existence of objects based on logical arguments.

Are there different types of existence in mathematics?

Yes, there are different types of existence in mathematics. For example, a mathematical object can exist physically, abstractly, or conceptually. These different types of existence can have different implications and applications in mathematics.

Can the mathematical definition of existence be applied to other fields of study?

Yes, the mathematical definition of existence can be applied to other fields of study, such as philosophy and physics. It provides a logical framework for understanding the concept of existence and can be used to analyze and explain various phenomena in different disciplines.

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