Can Light Exist in Complete Darkness?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers around the concept of light existing in darkness, exploring definitions of light and darkness, and questioning the implications of such definitions. Participants engage with philosophical and scientific perspectives, considering both theoretical and observational aspects.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants question whether light can exist in darkness, suggesting that darkness is defined as the total absence of light.
  • Others propose that darkness can contain light that is not visible, such as light waves that are not dispersed.
  • One participant argues that without light, the concept of darkness cannot be perceived, leading to a discussion about the nature of absence.
  • A participant introduces the idea of quantum fluctuations in a vacuum, suggesting that while there may be "something" in darkness, it does not equate to light.
  • Questions arise regarding the context of darkness, whether it refers to a man-made environment or the natural darkness of space.
  • Some participants express skepticism about the original question, suggesting it may not be serious or well-founded.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus, with multiple competing views on the definitions of light and darkness and whether light can exist in darkness.

Contextual Notes

The discussion highlights limitations in definitions and assumptions regarding light and darkness, as well as the varying interpretations of the original question.

lilo2162
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even in darkness there is light !

this could be a stupid question
but i hope i can get an answer of some sort .

can the quote even in darkess there is light be proven?

can there be light paticules waves photon or anything else in darkness

thank you in advance
 
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Well, not if you define darkness as the total absence of light
 


Define light, define darkness. When you observe the sky in the night you are looking through a dark space that is full of light - it is just not dispersed and as such not visible to your eyes. But put something large and reflective enough in the place you are looking at (like Moon) and you will say - how bright!
 


I guess this does sound like nonsence but without light our eyes couldn't see darkness
 
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experimentum said:
I guess this does sound like nonsence but without light our eyes couldn't see darkness

Darkness is the absence of light. One does not see an absence, so your statement does not seem to make sense.
 


I guess what the saying, "even in darkness there is light" is really saying is, open your darn eye's! and has nothing to do with actual light and dark. I think that's what I meant, Ya that's it.
 
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Philosophy aside. Even in a vacuum 'darkness' there are quantum fluctuations which you can measure with the Casimir effect. That doesn't translate to 'light in darkness'. But there is 'something'. Is that what you are referring to?
 
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Is the darkness you speak of a man-made environment - designed to keep light out? Or, are you thinking about the darkness of space - where there are distant objects capable of emitting light?
 


The OP seems to have been a drive-by poster
 
  • #10


phinds said:
The OP seems to have been a drive-by poster

Unfortunately, I've read a few other threads that seem to fall into that category.
 

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