The difference between always and never

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The discussion centers on the semantic differences between "always" and "never," with participants exploring their meanings and implications. "Always" signifies an event occurring at all times, while "never" indicates the absence of an event at any time. Both terms describe infinite time spans but from opposing perspectives, suggesting they are not strictly opposites but rather two sides of the same conceptual coin. The conversation touches on the philosophical aspects of language, reality, and perception, with some participants questioning whether the discussion is merely semantic or indicative of deeper conceptual confusion. The dialogue also hints at metaphysical ideas, suggesting that the nature of existence may intertwine with these terms, leading to complex thought experiments that challenge conventional understanding.
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Does anyone know the answer to this question (i dont):

What is the difference between always and never?
 
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It's pure semantics imo, they are both infinitely regressive, but they do mean the opposite of each other none the less.

The only thing they share in common is our view of space and time, we quantify space and time, and therefore always means the opposite of never.
 
always- an event is required to take place.

never- doesn't need any event to take place.
 
always: for all time.
never: always not.
 
The dictionary can't tell you?

Always: at all times, and on all occasions
Never: Not at all; at no times or occasions.
 
Both "always" and "never" describe time period that does not end.

So, they both describe different "ever running" realities.

Always is an "ever running" presence and never is an "ever running" absence.

So, actually they are not opposites. They are two words that describe the same thing from two diametrically opposed points of view.

never being = always being in a diametrical opposition

Leandros
 
leandros_p said:
So, actually they are not opposites. They are two words that describe the same thing from two diametrically opposed points of views.

Leandros

what the hell

di·a·met·ri·cal Pronunciation (d-mtr-kl) also di·a·met·ric (-rk)
adj.
1. Of, relating to, or along a diameter.
2. Exactly opposite; contrary.

as i said this whole thread is semantics
 
Is the operation of subtraction defined for "always" and "never"?
 
octelcogopod said:
what the hell

...as i said this whole thread is semantics


correct! :approve:
 
  • #10
PIT2, are you perhaps hinting at some kind of underlying conceptual confusion regarding these words? If the question is meant to be straightforwardly as is, I don't see what could be so perplexing here. Of course, the precise meanings of the words "always" and "never" will vary as a function of usage and context, but this is no different than for any other words. In general, "always x" means x occurs often, frequently, or every time (perhaps occurring every time some other event occurs), and "never" is just the negation of "always."

Are you looking for something deeper than this?
 
  • #11
hypnagogue said:
PIT2, are you perhaps hinting at some kind of underlying conceptual confusion regarding these words? If the question is meant to be straightforwardly as is, I don't see what could be so perplexing here. Of course, the precise meanings of the words "always" and "never" will vary as a function of usage and context, but this is no different than for any other words. In general, "always x" means x occurs often, frequently, or every time (perhaps occurring every time some other event occurs), and "never" is just the negation of "always."

Are you looking for something deeper than this?

My idea was that both consist of an infinite timespan.
Without the 'x' u mention, i thought both were equal.
 
  • #12
hypnagogue said:
In general, "always x" means x occurs often, frequently, or every time (perhaps occurring every time some other event occurs), and "never" is just the negation of "always."
I would say that the negation of "always" is "not all the time", whereas "never" is the negation of "at least once".
 
  • #13
Now is Never!...Always!

All reality occurring simultaneously with the void...

Why?

Because we are pure antimatter beings!

What is seen is a projection from its origin...

A Cosmic cookie cutter gone mad...

: )
 
  • #14
The source being 'antimatter'

that 'is and is'nt'...

at the same time...!
 
  • #15
If U like philosophy one might observe that the

question comes from the answer you already have...

...the questioner is the question...the listener becomes the word

its like a big circle...they are one and the same.

Thought experiments in metaphysics and what not go nowhere...(and tend to lead to group neurosis)

Thought Experiments in the physical world can and do work...
 
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