What's the physics description of "existence" ?

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    Existence Physics
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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the concept of "existence" from a physics perspective, questioning whether physical properties and reality depend on observation and measurement. It touches on the intersection of physics and philosophy, exploring how existence might be defined or described within the framework of physical science.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Philosophical inquiry

Main Points Raised

  • One participant suggests that objects exist when observed or when their interactions are felt, referencing the idea that properties of quantum particles may only have empirical reality based on measurement.
  • Another participant argues that the question of existence is philosophical and not within the scope of physics, asserting that physics is descriptive and empirical.
  • A later reply emphasizes that the meaning of "to exist" is not something physics can address, stating that there is no physical description of existence.
  • Another participant recommends reading David Mermin's work on the topic, suggesting it may provide relevant insights.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally disagree on whether the question of existence can be addressed within physics, with some asserting it is purely philosophical while others attempt to relate it to physical observations.

Contextual Notes

The discussion highlights the limitations of defining existence in physical terms, noting the dependence on philosophical interpretations and the nature of empirical evidence.

Arman777
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Lets suppose we have an object, could be a quark or proton or a chair. Is there some physics description's that we can say, If these conditions satisfy, the particle will exist. This question may seems metaphysical but I am asking in physics perspective.
It seems like to me that things are exist when we observe them or we can feel their intereaction due to other things.
I found this

"This means that we can no longer assume that the properties we measure necessarily reflect or represent the properties of the particles as they really are. These properties are like secondary qualities – they exist only in relation to our measuring devices. This does not mean that quantum particles are not real. What it does mean is that we can ascribe to them only an empirical reality, a reality that depends on our method of questioning.

Without a measuring device to record it, there is a sense in which the recognisable properties of quantum particles such as electrons do not exist" (https://blog.oup.com/2011/02/quantum/)

So I believe that our observations makes things real ?


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This is a philosophical question, not a physical one.
 
Orodruin said:
This is a philosophical question, not a physical one.
Why do you think that way ?
 
Because what it means "to exist" is not a question that physics can or intends to answer. It is purely philosophical and depends what meaning and implication you put into the word. That is not physics, physics is descriptive and empirical in nature.

Edit: To answer the question in your thread title: "There is no such description."
 

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