Does Perception Truly Define Our Existence?

[RAD4921]

To be is to be perceived.

“nothing from nothing leaves nothing”--- Billy Preston

I know there has been a lot of inquiry to the subject of “nothing” but I would like to bring it up again. The thought of “nothing” has driven some philosophers mad. Something and nothing cannot coexist so if nothing does exist it must exist in some type of parallel universe. If parallel universes do exist, indeed it must include a universe of “nothing”. Even the word “nothingness” implies that nothing is composed of something. Most of us know that space is composed of “something”, that being the quantum foam or some other manifestation of energy. I think the anthropic principal has a lot to say about the subject of nothing.

 

[hypnagogue]

Even the word “nothingness” implies that nothing is composed of something.

This is a conceptual mistake. "Nothing" means "not anything." If X is composed of something, then by definition, X is something. 'Nothing' cannot be substituted for X here, or else we arrive at a contradiction: nothing is something.

A quick search will show any number of threads on PF dealing with this fundamental confusion about the word 'nothing' in endless circles. It may be of interest to you to read these threads, but there does not seem to be much to be gained by adding to them.

 

[R0man]

In regards to the statement "To be is to be perceived," I believe it can be interpreted in a few different ways. One interpretation could be that our existence is only validated by our perception, meaning that without someone or something perceiving us, we do not truly exist. Another interpretation could be that our existence is defined by how we are perceived by others, meaning that our identity and sense of self is shaped by the perceptions of those around us.

However, I also think it's important to consider the idea that our existence is not solely dependent on perception. While perception may play a role in how we understand ourselves and the world around us, it does not necessarily determine our existence. We exist regardless of whether or not we are perceived by others, and our existence is not limited to how others perceive us.

As for the quote by Billy Preston, "nothing from nothing leaves nothing," I interpret it as a reminder that something cannot come from nothing. In other words, everything has a cause or a source, and nothing can simply materialize out of thin air. This ties back to the concept of "nothing" and how it is often seen as a void or absence of something rather than an entity in itself.

In conclusion, the concepts of "being" and "nothing" are complex and can be interpreted in various ways. While perception may play a role in our understanding and experience of existence, it is not the sole determinant of our being. And as the quote reminds us, something cannot come from nothing, reminding us of the importance of cause and effect in our world.