 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
 |
|
||||||
|
|||||||
you are here: > UCA >
4. The concept of existence
| 4.1 | What is existence? |
|
| In chapter 2 (models and meaning) the concept of existence was outlined in summary. But when we talk about the universe, what do we mean by existence? what really is existence? | ||
| The definitions we may find in any dictionary provide some clues: | ||
| Absolute Concept-the theoretical state or fact of being independent of human consciousness in contrast with nonexistence; | ||
| Universal concept-being with respect to a limiting condition or under a particular aspect; | ||
| Absolute set-the totality of existent things ; | ||
| Reality of observation-reality as opposed to appearance ; | ||
| Reality of experience-reality as presented in experience ; | ||
| Unique life-a particular being ; | ||
| Life-sentient or living being : life; | ||
| Quality of life-the manner of being that is common to every mode of being ; | ||
| Awareness-continued or repeated manifestation. | ||
| 4.1.1 | Existence as a concept | |
| Existence begins as a concept– an idea about what constitutes existence. That is why the word has been open for debate over many years on such subjects as the definition of existence as life, or existence as matter. | ||
| 4.1.2 | Existence as an absolute set (of objects) | |
| Fundamentally, existence is about objects. When we talk about the universe, we are talking about something. Similarly, when we talk about matter (elements), we are talking about objects that can be measured and/or validated in some way. | ||
| 4.1.3 | Existence as something observed | |
| Existence is also about the process of observing something, of validating its experience. In this context existence is not just a stationary concept but an active involvement of the observer and the observed. | ||
| 4.1.4 | The simplest model of existence | |
| From all the definitions and all the various qualities attributed to the concept, the simplest model of existence is (1) an observer and (2) a thing observed . | ||
| The observer observes the object and so validates the existence of the object. The observed object exists so validates the existence of the observer. | ||
Copyright © 2008 UCADIA. All rights reserved. |
||