2007-01-06 19:22:03 · 12 answers · asked by zealous l 2 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
interesting question. Some scientists suspect that the entire cosmos is dependent upon observation. For instance, the conondrum of the cat and the Nucleus in the space ship.
Say that a random nucleus that happens to have qualities that will eventually kill a cat is placed into a spaceship with said cat on one end and a device which will detect the presence of the nucleus in the other. the nucleus floats freely.
If the spaceships two parts divert, there is a 50% chance of it being in either side. Either it is in the side with the cat (killing it) or it is in the side with the detector.
now the side with the detector has come to earth. some scientists postulate that until one of us ACTUALLY OBSERVES whether or not the nucleus is in the half of the spaceship with the detector, that the cat is neither PHYSICALLY DEAD OR ALIVE! it is simply in a suspended state of animation (e.g., a type of limbo). Once the nucleus is determined to be either in the half with the detector (meaning the cat is alive) or not (the opposite) then it is in this 'limbo'.
So, does the cat exist? some say that, no, the cat does not exist. Since I cannot observe you, I can determine that you do not exist. However, who is observing me to allow me to exist and postulate wheter or not you exist? I am alone, supposedly, at this moment. Rather, there is no visible presence in the room to dictate my existence or their own.
If existance is determined by observation, then neither you, assuming that you are alone, nor I should exist. However, even if there is someone in the room with you right now, you are not always observing them, so then what is observing them while you are not? do they cease to be?
We can see this is not the case. Even if you went with the idea that nothing in this life is actually 'real', one has to admit that within this psuedo-reality, certain actions have consequences. Within this reality that we onbserve through our human senses, the laws of physics and science (however misunderstood and debated they are) apply. Therefore, while this reality may not be the 'true' reality, it is at least confined in and of itself and may not act contrary to itself on its own accord (side note: I hold to this theory). It is bound by a law that is within it.
So in answer to your question, I don't think it matters what our minds believe, rather, it is dependent on some kind of constant observation from an Observer, of some kind. For with out this oritinal Observation, neither of us can "observe" anything.
PS this theory originally points to "backwards causation" which I am undertermined on my stance. also, I explained it as it was explained to me by an associate, not how my source does. I however use this theory to strike at an idea that is also presented in a theory about particles turning into waves without proper observation. However, I do not know the source or validity of that, and will not discuss it here.
2007-01-06 20:15:45 · answer #1 · answered by Justin M 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
First of all if I really believed you didn't exist I wouldn't be taking the time to write this--second if I didn't exist you wouldn't be reading what I am writing to you so frankly the question should be this --If candy and nuts were IF"S and BUT"S then everyday would be Christmas--
2007-01-06 19:27:41 · answer #2 · answered by skizzle-d-wizzle 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
You don't stop existing per se, but, you stop existing as far as I'm concerned. which for all practical purposes makes you non-existent.
2007-01-06 19:41:50 · answer #3 · answered by ? 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Only you can identify what is real to you. If you do not acknowledge my existence, then I cease to exist (for you). This does not preclude my existence, but only removes it from your reality.
... and pass that bong, while you're at it.
2007-01-06 19:27:17 · answer #4 · answered by MyPreshus 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
who said we are existing/coexisting in the first place?
2007-01-06 19:26:41 · answer #5 · answered by asphyxia derailed 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Just hold it right there, nobodies going anywhere! Hey, you got any pot left?
2007-01-06 19:27:48 · answer #6 · answered by spir_i_tual 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You have way too much time on your hands.
2007-01-06 19:29:32 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
you are physical , and therfore cannot be non-existent.
Same thing with god. It's invisible, therefore cannot exist.
2007-01-06 19:24:46 · answer #8 · answered by Cold Fart 6 · 1⤊ 1⤋
you seek mental health help
2007-01-06 19:25:02 · answer #9 · answered by Are we using our brains today 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋
im just a figment of your imagination
2007-01-06 19:25:00 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋