What Does Existence Truly Mean Beyond Its Definition?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers around the concept of existence, exploring its meaning beyond formal definitions. Participants express a desire for a deeper understanding of existence, touching on philosophical implications and personal interpretations.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants express a desire to understand existence without relying on precise definitions, suggesting a more intuitive grasp of the concept.
  • One participant humorously suggests that existence might be akin to a learning process, reflecting on personal experiences over time.
  • Another participant questions the nature of existence in relation to language, implying that existence may be tied to our ability to articulate it.
  • A quote by Sir Oliver Lodge is shared, suggesting that beings may be unaware of their own existence due to immersion in it, prompting further contemplation on consciousness.
  • There is a discussion about whether a computer program can possess a conscious understanding of its existence, drawing parallels to human self-awareness.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on the meaning of existence, with multiple competing views and interpretations presented throughout the discussion.

Contextual Notes

Some statements reflect personal interpretations and philosophical musings, which may not align with formal philosophical definitions or frameworks.

Kolahal Bhattacharya
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The recent topic is about existence.I do not want the precise deinition.But, want to know clearly, what does it mean.
 
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Kolahal Bhattacharya said:
The recent topic is about existence.I do not want the precise deinition.But, want to know clearly, what does it mean.
The amazing Wikipedia again has http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Existence" even to this question.

AM
 
Last edited by a moderator:
Like Madge, the astute manicurist, says, "You're soaking in it."

but I think this problem should go into the Philosophy forums, not Physics.
 
Yeah, Intro Physics is the place for homework questions, so I'm going to move this thread. Since it doesn't meet the Philosophy Guidelines I am going to move it to GD where you all can chit chat about existence.
 
Kolahal Bhattacharya said:
The recent topic is about existence.I do not want the precise deinition.But, want to know clearly, what does it mean.

Information, micro and macro.
 
I had a look at that wikipedia thread, my God existence is sentence structure, and discussing meaning in words, so before language we could not of existed!:wink: Ontology is obviously for pedants without any imagination, or am I missing something here? I must admit I couldn't read that link without losing focus on reality.

existence is not anything in that wikipedia article that much I do know.:biggrin:
 
Just substitute 'existence' for 'life' in the old saying; it's what happens while you're busy making other plans.
 
I have been around the sun 43 times and it appears to me that existence is some sort of learning process.
 
RAD4921 said:
I have been around the sun 43 times and it appears to me that existence is some sort of learning process.
I think you are just getting dizzy :smile: :smile:

I temporarily cause a local reduction in entropy, therefore I am. :biggrin:
 
  • #10
Kolahal Bhattacharya said:
The recent topic is about existence.I do not want the precise deinition.But, want to know clearly, what does it mean.

What isn't existence?





But seriously, here's a good quote that I find a bit of a mind-trip:

"A fish cannot comprehend the existence of water. He is too deeply immersed in it."

-Sir Oliver Lodge

Another good thought:
Can a computer program ever have a conscious understanding of the computer running it?
 
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  • #11
Mech_Engineer said:
What isn't existence?





But seriously, here's a good quote that I find a bit of a mind-trip:

"A fish cannot comprehend the existence of water. He is too deeply immersed in it."

-Sir Oliver Lodge

Another good thought:
Can a computer program ever have a conscious understanding of the computer running it?

Depends on the program, with enough sophistication you may as well ask the question: does a human being have a conception of the neural circuitry that runs it? Think HAL for example from 2000: a space odyssey, he was self aware. Not beyond the bounds of conception is it?
 

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