What is the opposite of light in the balance of nature?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the concept of what could be considered the "opposite of light" within the context of the balance of nature, particularly referencing the second law of thermodynamics. Participants explore various interpretations of light, darkness, and entropy, questioning whether a true opposite exists and how these concepts relate to physical laws.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants propose that the opposite of light cannot simply be darkness, as darkness is defined as the absence of light.
  • Others argue that using black holes as an analogy for negative photons is flawed, suggesting that just because light cannot escape a black hole does not imply the existence of "negative photons."
  • There is a discussion about the second law of thermodynamics and its implications for understanding balance in nature, with some participants questioning the relevance of this law to the concept of opposites.
  • One participant suggests that light serves a function in increasing entropy and does not require an opposite to fulfill this role.
  • Another viewpoint is that the absence of something, such as light, could be considered its opposite, leading to a philosophical exploration of what constitutes an opposite in general.
  • Some participants express confusion over the terminology and concepts being used, indicating that the discussion may be more philosophical than scientific.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on the existence of an opposite to light. Multiple competing views are presented, with some asserting that opposites are unnecessary while others maintain that a more substantial opposite should exist.

Contextual Notes

Participants highlight limitations in the definitions and concepts being used, suggesting that the discussion may lack rigor in terms of established physics terminology. There is also an acknowledgment that the analogies used may not effectively communicate the intended ideas.

Who May Find This Useful

This discussion may be of interest to those exploring philosophical questions about light, darkness, and the nature of opposites, as well as individuals interested in the implications of thermodynamic principles in conceptual debates.

  • #31
the article states it clearly... there is no antiphoton hence the opposite of light is the absense of light... darkness! if a photon is a photon and an anti-photon how does that make sense... my name is Bryan... you can call me Jon because that's my name too!
 
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  • #32
shamrock5585 said:
the article states it clearly... there is no antiphoton hence the opposite of light is the absense of light... darkness! if a photon is a photon and an anti-photon how does that make sense... my name is Bryan... you can call me Jon because that's my name too!


Geeeze- darkness and light. Now I'm going to get banned. I think this may be headed into metaphysics (which is a no-no around this place).

So we're back to my first post on this thread- anti-light...aka 'dark'

Gotta love it.
 
  • #33
You got your answer you just refused to believe it!
 
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  • #34
pinestone said:
I think this may be headed into metaphysics (which is a no-no around this place).
Actually, it started in metaphysics - with the very first line about 'balance of nature' - and never left it.
 
  • #35
DaveC426913 said:
Actually, it started in metaphysics - with the very first line about 'balance of nature' - and never left it.

Yea, sorry about that 'non-physics' statement-

Entropy, entropy, entropy. I'll get it eventually...after all, who cares about the physical multiverse when you are studying physics?

:smile:

shamrock5585 said:
u got your answer you just refused to believe it!

I never said I didn't believe it. It's just a good exercise to stretch ones mind now and then.By the way, no one answered my question...what's the opposite of explode?
 
  • #36
This is asinine. It's not even worthy of GD.
 
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  • #37
russ_watters said:
This is asinine. It's not even worthy of GD.

Indeed. Thread closed.
 
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