Does nature actually abhor anything?

  • Thread starter Thread starter moejoe15
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Nature
Click For Summary

Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the phrase "nature abhors a straight line" and explores various interpretations and implications of this saying. Participants examine examples in nature, such as knots and vacuums, and engage in a broader philosophical inquiry about the nature of spontaneity and ritual. The conversation includes elements of humor and personal anecdotes, as well as references to definitions and theories.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants question the validity of the saying that nature abhors a straight line, citing examples like crystals that exhibit straight lines.
  • One participant suggests that lianas and clinging plants display knots, challenging the idea that nature abhors knots.
  • Several posts humorously discuss vacuums, with some participants asserting that nature "hates" space.
  • There is a philosophical discussion about the nature of rituals, with some arguing that rituals are artificial and contradict the spontaneity of nature.
  • Participants explore the definitions of "nature" and "spontaneity," with some asserting that spontaneity is a natural characteristic.
  • One participant introduces the concept of entropy, stating that nature abhors a vacuum and is constantly filling space.
  • There is a mention of knot theory and its applications, linking the discussion to mathematical concepts.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

The discussion contains multiple competing views, particularly regarding the interpretations of nature's preferences and the definitions of spontaneity and ritual. No consensus is reached on these topics.

Contextual Notes

Participants reference various sayings and definitions, indicating a reliance on different interpretations of terms like "nature" and "spontaneity." The discussion also touches on philosophical concepts without resolving the underlying complexities.

Who May Find This Useful

This discussion may interest those exploring philosophical questions about nature, spontaneity, and the interplay between natural phenomena and human constructs, as well as individuals curious about knot theory and its implications.

  • #31
moejoe15 said:
There's a saying that nature abhors a straight line.
There's no such saying. You are mixing two separate sayings together: 1.) "There are no straight lines in Nature", and 2.) "Nature abhors a vacuum".
 
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #32
Nature abhors a change in flux
 
  • #33
Nature abhors giving away free stuff." There ain't no such thing as a free lunch".
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 69 ·
3
Replies
69
Views
7K
  • · Replies 29 ·
Replies
29
Views
5K
  • · Replies 64 ·
3
Replies
64
Views
2K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
3K
  • · Replies 13 ·
Replies
13
Views
2K
  • · Replies 34 ·
2
Replies
34
Views
5K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
1K
Replies
3
Views
2K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 20 ·
Replies
20
Views
6K