If the universe does not exist, why do we think it does?

Question

The universe, though we sense it as being solid, is little more than energetic fluctuations received by our senses and interpreted by our mind.

What is it that causes us to believe it is so solid and real?

And, if the universe isn't real, what is?

Answer 1

thats like the old one professor hawkings was taking about recently

'this world only looks like it does bcos we imagine it to'

this is one sense of reality, and he also said that we could probly see 'atoms' n 'molecules' if we thought of things in a different way

but that would be much too hard worrk 'imagining' everyhting all the time so we just take it as it is instead, its easier ;o)

Answer 2

The universe is all matter within space, so it IS solid. However, I believe the definition of the universe is a bit harder to define than how I simply put it because space is really relative.

But that all doesn't matter. The answer to your question is that it is solid, because the universe is the matter, not the empty space in between matter. That would be called a void.

It is real because you and I are real my friend. There may be many many universes out there, but ours is definitely real.

Answer 3

Hmm.. I sense I am solid even though I am made of atoms with lots of space between them... Therefore, since I can seem solid (and am possibly a universe to some creatures much smaller than myself), then the universe must be solid too... or, at least, the universe must think that it is solid.

Answer 4

Most people define the universe as EVERYTHING.
That is, nothing is outside of the universe.
Therefore, THEY are within the universe.
Most people consider themselves as solid and real
(though considering the space between atoms, this is silly).

Therefore, most people would use their own existance as
proof of the universe's existance.

I would buy the reasoning up until somebody said "solid
and real."

Fortunately, things don't have to be solid to be real.

Answer 5

Why do you think that energetic fluctuations are not solid?
Perhaps your understanding of the idea of a solid is misconstrued.

Answer 6

Good Grief,

Whoever told you that the universe doesn't exist?

I myself, Slartibartfast, designed at least 25% of it.
I won an award for Norway, you know.

XXX

Answer 7

because we have to conceive it sumhow. So we recognise the world wround ud as we do. The lght that bounces off things and the ways our eyes are wired, its not a matter of psychology, but anatomy.

Answer 8

Nothing is more real than the Thai food leftovers I just ate.

Answer 9

I will answer that right after I solve the question of why I can masturbate to orgasm when there is no 'real' female around

Answer 10

If the universe isn't real then everything else isn't also. Which would mean that your not really here ......