Is Darkness Simply a Lack of Light?

  • Context: High School 
  • Thread starter Thread starter Anttech
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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the definition of darkness, specifically whether it can be defined as a lack of light or a lack of photons. Participants explore this concept from both subjective and objective perspectives.

Discussion Character

  • Conceptual clarification, Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant questions if darkness can be defined as a lack of light or photons.
  • Another participant suggests that darkness can be defined as a lack of photons striking the retina.
  • A third participant agrees with the idea of defining darkness as a lack of photons but raises the question of how to define it in the absence of a person.
  • A later reply proposes that darkness could be defined as a lack of photons in the visible spectrum, noting that other spectrums may still be present but would not be perceived by the retina.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express varying perspectives on the definition of darkness, with some agreeing on the lack of photons while others raise questions about the definition's applicability in different contexts. The discussion remains unresolved.

Contextual Notes

Participants have not fully explored the implications of defining darkness in the absence of observers or the role of different light spectrums.

Anttech
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(stupid question)

I hope this isn't a stupid question, but how can you define darkness, ie, would it be exceptable to define darkeness as a lack of light or lack of photons?

(/stupid question)
 
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A lack of photons striking the retina.
 
eh yeh that's what I thought, how would you define darkness without a person being there?... I think just lack of photons?

PS being Greek I like you signature! :)
 
Yeah, you could define it as being a lack of photons in the visible spectrum. Other spectrums of light could be present, but the retina will not respond to them. This absense of any signal from our eyes is interpreted by our brains as "darkness" or black.
 

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