Now many philosophers have created their own categories of existence, or being, which is just one of the reasons i find it important. I suppose that such a task is traditional, in a sense. But such a task is necessary in any metaphysical system. The categories i choose are meant to be very simple because the metaphysical system of reality is a manifold system; one could think of 2-D, 3-D, 4-D and quantum mechanics mixed into one system, and in a sense that is the reality we live in. The system i propose is the least difficult and burdensome, for it operates all properties at once, as we shall see ultimately.
The third property of existence is Quantity. This property is an abstract substance, because its brought about by the observer; more particularly because the observer is another Space and Motion, and understands this fact. For Motion is intrinsically and inseparably apart of Space, and each Motion and Space can be assigned a Quantity. Quantity is completely contingent on the observer, or at least in my view it is. For all things are in existence, and all of existence is one; therefore, in a technical sense, every Space and Motion is one. But Space and Motion are separate. For the form, or essence, of a thing is stable and we call it one Space, but Space must extend or is mere extension, which necessitates Motion of some kind; and Motion in turn implies an unstable state. So it would seem that the true state of Space is constant Motion, therefore constant change.To differentiate between each state of Space by means of Motion, while still maintaining that all Space is one, is the utility of Quantity.
The significance of Quantity is in the observer. And how the observer perceives Quantity can have some major effects on the system. A hypothetical may illustrate what i mean more efficiently. If reality is one Space, then the Quantity of all things are 1. If the observer considers himself/herself separate from reality, then the Quantity of all things are 2. If the observer can perceive Space separate from Motion, then the Quantity of all things are 3. If the observer perceives another Space separate from the Space of reality and the Space of the observer, then the Quantity of all things are 4. If the observer perceives the other Space, in Motion, then the quantity of all things become 5. As one can see, this system can go on ad infinitum. Mathematics is the main system that deals with Quantity exclusively, but Quantity is useless without objects to quantify, as we can see.
I believe the greatest explanation for Quantity comes from Parmenides. Here is one of his statements concerning Quantity, more specifically the number one,”But if one is, and both odd and even numbers are implied in one, must not every number exist? And number is infinite, and therefore existence must be infinite, for all and every number partakes of being; therefore being has the greatest number of parts, and every part, however great or however small, is equally one. But can one be in many places and yet be a whole? If not a whole it must be divided into parts and represented by a number corresponding to the number of the parts. And if so, we were wrong in saying that being has the greatest number of parts; for being is coequal and coextensive with one, and has no more parts than one; and so the abstract one broken up into parts by being is many and infinite. But the parts are parts of a whole, and the whole is their containing limit, and the one is therefore limited as well as infinite in number; and that which is a whole has beginning, middle, and end, and a middle is equidistant from the extremes; and one is therefore of a certain figure, round or straight, or a combination of the two, and being a whole includes all the parts which are the whole, and is therefore self-contained. But then, again, the whole is not in the parts, whether all or some. Not in all, because, if in all, also in one; for, if wanting in any one, how in all?–not in some, because the greater would then be contained in the less. But if not in all, nor in any, nor in some, either nowhere or in other. And if nowhere, nothing; therefore in other. The one as a whole, then, is in another, but regarded as a sum of parts is in itself; and is, therefore, both in itself and in another. This being the case, the one is at once both at rest and in motion: at rest, because resting in itself; in motion, because it is ever in other.”
Saturday, December 31, 2011
Friday, December 30, 2011
Categories of Existence
To better understand existence, we can start by creating properties in which existence exist. I will attempt to restrict language somewhat, thus to maintain a complete concept of all possible existences; though no one would be wrong in saying that this is incorrect, which we may see at a later time. But these properties i will consider universal for right now. There are five properties of existence; Space, Motion, Quantity, Property, Time. These are intrinsic and necessary in our reality at the very least, they can not be separated from existence or each other.
Each property is intertwined with existence so tightly that the basic concept is difficult to explain. Each term itself is arbitrary to the actual concept; a concept which i doubt any being can fully grasp except existence itself. I will still do my best to explain as completely as possible starting with Space. Space, as defined, is form; and form is length, width, and depth. When we think of Space, the subject of geometry should come into mind, or one can think of cosmology, the study of outer space. Space is the shape of a figure, and as we know, figures come in a myriad of shapes and sizes. Existence is perhaps the biggest space imaginable, and the universe, or reality, second biggest. The smallest space known is the atom or particle, which physicists measure using Planck’s constant, which is a very small number. Space and the other properties of existence, as terms, are reliant on a observer; But also, for an observer to be a observer qua observer, he/she must also exist, and is therefore reliant on existence conversely.
(Footnote: I personally simply assume we are the observers. And as i am apart of we, i must conclude that existence existed before me. I can not affirm the knowledge any events that occurred before my birth with certainty, for is is all knowledge from hearsay. The facts and evidence are adequate, however, and i can’t believe otherwise unless evidence to do so was brought to me. This is very much an issue concerning mind, which i will review latterly. Our existence itself is a mind/body paradox which should be taken into account more often than it usually is.)
The next property of existence is Motion. By Motion i mean any action; action being simply a thing done, a force exerted. Motion is easily seen in relation to Space, when Space is being occupied or changing form. Particles, the basic building blocks of existence, are in constant Motion. Motion is what brings particles together in various configurations. When particles become more restricted in Motion and Space, they clump together and form many of the objects we see around us; however though we see things “at rest,” at the subatomic they’re still in Motion, or more precisely exerting a force. In a broad scale, the primary forces that act in nature are; electromagnetic force, gravitational force, weak force, and strong force. These are more of a psychics standard of Motion. Motion comes in many different actions that create rather counter-intuitive concepts to exist.
Motion is also implied in the simple fact of an object being in Space. For Space is a pure form of extension, thus any object in Space is taking up volume in Space. But Space itself, being pure extension and a unit, doesn’t necessitate an object, because it is itself an object. However, extension is a Motion, and as such is an intrinsic Motion of Space. In the Space of reality, we only know what empirical facts tell us. Any premise that is to concern reality must have an implication of Space of some form and whatever Motion its doing. Reasons being other concepts, other Motions and Spaces, such as cause and effect; observing, observer, observed triune; and the mind-body relationship.
(Footnote: I’m going to end here for now. For the idea is starting to take shape, and just needs more information. It’s clear that the rather intrinsic properties of existence itself is spread throughout all existence. But as we separate the multiple factors of existence, it becomes more clear what existence is, and how it can be.)
Each property is intertwined with existence so tightly that the basic concept is difficult to explain. Each term itself is arbitrary to the actual concept; a concept which i doubt any being can fully grasp except existence itself. I will still do my best to explain as completely as possible starting with Space. Space, as defined, is form; and form is length, width, and depth. When we think of Space, the subject of geometry should come into mind, or one can think of cosmology, the study of outer space. Space is the shape of a figure, and as we know, figures come in a myriad of shapes and sizes. Existence is perhaps the biggest space imaginable, and the universe, or reality, second biggest. The smallest space known is the atom or particle, which physicists measure using Planck’s constant, which is a very small number. Space and the other properties of existence, as terms, are reliant on a observer; But also, for an observer to be a observer qua observer, he/she must also exist, and is therefore reliant on existence conversely.
(Footnote: I personally simply assume we are the observers. And as i am apart of we, i must conclude that existence existed before me. I can not affirm the knowledge any events that occurred before my birth with certainty, for is is all knowledge from hearsay. The facts and evidence are adequate, however, and i can’t believe otherwise unless evidence to do so was brought to me. This is very much an issue concerning mind, which i will review latterly. Our existence itself is a mind/body paradox which should be taken into account more often than it usually is.)
The next property of existence is Motion. By Motion i mean any action; action being simply a thing done, a force exerted. Motion is easily seen in relation to Space, when Space is being occupied or changing form. Particles, the basic building blocks of existence, are in constant Motion. Motion is what brings particles together in various configurations. When particles become more restricted in Motion and Space, they clump together and form many of the objects we see around us; however though we see things “at rest,” at the subatomic they’re still in Motion, or more precisely exerting a force. In a broad scale, the primary forces that act in nature are; electromagnetic force, gravitational force, weak force, and strong force. These are more of a psychics standard of Motion. Motion comes in many different actions that create rather counter-intuitive concepts to exist.
Motion is also implied in the simple fact of an object being in Space. For Space is a pure form of extension, thus any object in Space is taking up volume in Space. But Space itself, being pure extension and a unit, doesn’t necessitate an object, because it is itself an object. However, extension is a Motion, and as such is an intrinsic Motion of Space. In the Space of reality, we only know what empirical facts tell us. Any premise that is to concern reality must have an implication of Space of some form and whatever Motion its doing. Reasons being other concepts, other Motions and Spaces, such as cause and effect; observing, observer, observed triune; and the mind-body relationship.
(Footnote: I’m going to end here for now. For the idea is starting to take shape, and just needs more information. It’s clear that the rather intrinsic properties of existence itself is spread throughout all existence. But as we separate the multiple factors of existence, it becomes more clear what existence is, and how it can be.)
Thursday, December 29, 2011
On Existence/Existing
Here is a subject that many pass over everyday, in every conversation, yet never full understand; existence. I’ve been thinking about this topic lately, and have come to a few conclusions concerning; what existence is, and what does it mean to exist. What I’ve found is that not many of my concepts were all that novel, in fact, it is possible to say that none of them are actually new ideas, but rather they are subjective views of objective principles. But as i said, this subject is in every aspect of life, therefore it is not a difficult one to grasp.
Existence is the polar opposite of non-existence. this is the simplest way to begin to explain what existence is. For non-existence is more readily known than existence. Non-existence, I’ll define as; anything one doesn’t know, has never experienced, and can’t perceive with any sense. This should make non-existence not at all difficult to understand for all we our, our minds, are a configuration of knowledge, experience, and senses; and this is a simple understanding of the mind, but a useful view in this discussion. The proposition for existence is than thus; Non-existence does not exist, for if it existed than it would cease to be non-existence and become existence; existence can be known, experienced, and sensed; non-existence can’t be known, experienced, or sensed, therefore non-existence can not exist. This may sound very trivial, but it is fundamental; which will be more apparent when the features of existence are stated.
For a better understanding of non-existence, it maybe best to go over some concepts the get very close to non-existence, but never truly become it. The first stems from logic and is called negation. Negation in logic is equivalent to the English word not, which is the simplest way to define negation. When we say something is negated, we mean to say that it does not exist. But this is not true non-existence, for the thing which does not exist has been initiated, in a sense, in existence. For no one will deny that, for negation to operate, something existing, in a sense, must be negated.
(Footnote: When i say “in a sense,” I’m speaking of forms of communication, such as speech, writing, signs, etc. These are contingent on our senses, for there is not other way to experience them. And, of course, we only know and understand that which we have experienced. These are just simple ways to explain the mind and brain, and mind and body duality, which I’ll discuss at a latter time)
Another concept related to non-existence is a vacuum. By vacuum, I’m speaking more in scientific terms, and mainly the study of physics. In physics, the terms “non-existence” or “nothing” would relate to a vacuum, and a vacuum is space void of matter. Matter in physics refers to particles or atoms, both essentially the same thing; the smallest known objects that exist in the universe. These objects, in physics, are the building blocks of the universe, thus of existence. At the subatomic level, however, these objects become nothing more than pure energy. So it is impossible to be rid of all particles in a real vacuum, for every vacuum itself is a force, and therefore necessitates a particle. Also, complete empty space is still space qua space, and space when empty still contains potential, volume, and substance. Empty space, in a sense, is the purest form of existence, but not of reality.
(Footnote: Physics as i perceive it is the most fundamental principles of nature, more specifically the nature of reality. For though it is just a theory, and it may deserve a more prominent position, it explains many different motions of matter with extremely high precision. Its major flaw stems from its greatest asset, mathematics. Because reality is extremely precise in every motion, for every action is accompanied by a reaction, every cause produces an effect; this produces a constant and perfect one to one proportion. Concerning reality and quantity, this will generate very high numbers, which never even start in one to one proportions. Perhaps and example is needed in a later time.)
In Rene Descartes’ The Principles of Philosophy he states this about non-existence; “With regard to a vacuum, in the philosophical sense of the term, that is, a space in which there is no substance, it is evident that such does not exist, seeing the extension of space or internal place is not different from that of body. For since from this alone, that a body has extension in length, breadth, and depth, we have reason to conclude that it is a substance, it being absolutely contradictory that nothing should possess extension, we ought to form a similar inference regarding the space which is supposed void, viz., that since there is extension in it there is necessarily also substance.” This is in relation to the previous statements concerning empty space.
Existence and non-existence, or existence in general, is very much a paradox. However, the beginning of its whole being has no middle ground, which is, nowhere in existence can one find non-existence because non-existence does not exist. This by necessity must be the first premise of existence.
Existence is the polar opposite of non-existence. this is the simplest way to begin to explain what existence is. For non-existence is more readily known than existence. Non-existence, I’ll define as; anything one doesn’t know, has never experienced, and can’t perceive with any sense. This should make non-existence not at all difficult to understand for all we our, our minds, are a configuration of knowledge, experience, and senses; and this is a simple understanding of the mind, but a useful view in this discussion. The proposition for existence is than thus; Non-existence does not exist, for if it existed than it would cease to be non-existence and become existence; existence can be known, experienced, and sensed; non-existence can’t be known, experienced, or sensed, therefore non-existence can not exist. This may sound very trivial, but it is fundamental; which will be more apparent when the features of existence are stated.
For a better understanding of non-existence, it maybe best to go over some concepts the get very close to non-existence, but never truly become it. The first stems from logic and is called negation. Negation in logic is equivalent to the English word not, which is the simplest way to define negation. When we say something is negated, we mean to say that it does not exist. But this is not true non-existence, for the thing which does not exist has been initiated, in a sense, in existence. For no one will deny that, for negation to operate, something existing, in a sense, must be negated.
(Footnote: When i say “in a sense,” I’m speaking of forms of communication, such as speech, writing, signs, etc. These are contingent on our senses, for there is not other way to experience them. And, of course, we only know and understand that which we have experienced. These are just simple ways to explain the mind and brain, and mind and body duality, which I’ll discuss at a latter time)
Another concept related to non-existence is a vacuum. By vacuum, I’m speaking more in scientific terms, and mainly the study of physics. In physics, the terms “non-existence” or “nothing” would relate to a vacuum, and a vacuum is space void of matter. Matter in physics refers to particles or atoms, both essentially the same thing; the smallest known objects that exist in the universe. These objects, in physics, are the building blocks of the universe, thus of existence. At the subatomic level, however, these objects become nothing more than pure energy. So it is impossible to be rid of all particles in a real vacuum, for every vacuum itself is a force, and therefore necessitates a particle. Also, complete empty space is still space qua space, and space when empty still contains potential, volume, and substance. Empty space, in a sense, is the purest form of existence, but not of reality.
(Footnote: Physics as i perceive it is the most fundamental principles of nature, more specifically the nature of reality. For though it is just a theory, and it may deserve a more prominent position, it explains many different motions of matter with extremely high precision. Its major flaw stems from its greatest asset, mathematics. Because reality is extremely precise in every motion, for every action is accompanied by a reaction, every cause produces an effect; this produces a constant and perfect one to one proportion. Concerning reality and quantity, this will generate very high numbers, which never even start in one to one proportions. Perhaps and example is needed in a later time.)
In Rene Descartes’ The Principles of Philosophy he states this about non-existence; “With regard to a vacuum, in the philosophical sense of the term, that is, a space in which there is no substance, it is evident that such does not exist, seeing the extension of space or internal place is not different from that of body. For since from this alone, that a body has extension in length, breadth, and depth, we have reason to conclude that it is a substance, it being absolutely contradictory that nothing should possess extension, we ought to form a similar inference regarding the space which is supposed void, viz., that since there is extension in it there is necessarily also substance.” This is in relation to the previous statements concerning empty space.
Existence and non-existence, or existence in general, is very much a paradox. However, the beginning of its whole being has no middle ground, which is, nowhere in existence can one find non-existence because non-existence does not exist. This by necessity must be the first premise of existence.
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