Atheists: Can you disprove the existence of my imaginary friend?

Question

Can you really prove to me that something that "doesn't exist" doesn't exist?

Being an atheist sure is hard work. We in some way are able to make statements about fictional objects without having our sentence declared either devoid of meaning or false.

Answer 1

No more than you can't disprove the Flying Spaghetti Monster, or that there isn't an invisible, intangible dragon sleeping in my living room. Though I'm assuming that by "imaginary" you meant "invisible", because if you're assuming from the start that he's "imaginary" then by definition he doesn't exist.

And yes, I can prove that some things don't exist. I can prove with 100% certainty that there is no highest prime number. Of course, mathematics uses well-defined objects and logic. Concepts like "God" on the other hand are incredibly vague.

And no, I don't buy the old argument of "it takes more faith to be an atheist".

Answer 2

It depends on who you ask -- some philosophers would tell you that the very fact that you can conceive of this "imaginary" friend means he/she/it therefore exists.

Some people would say that without being able to scientifically prove that he/she/it exists, it must be assumed therefore that he/she/it does not.

Still others would say that while they don't believe this being does exist, they don't disbelieve either -- and are open to the possibility.

Personally, I would have to say that since "imaginary" and "real" are polar opposites, odds are that an "imaginary" friend could not be a "real" one as well.

Answer 3

1.) The fact that you are completely unable to provide any evidence to support your own assertion that your friend exists, proves that he doesn't.

2.) Suppose I asked you to step into a transparent plastic box and asked that you insure your friend was not in the box with you. Then I fill the box with water and note how much was required. The second time I ask you to step into the box, I ask you to be sure your friend accompanies you and you assure me he's in there with you. Again, I fill the box with water. Surprise! It takes exactly the same amount of water to fill the box, thus proving your friend does not exist in the physical realm.

"But wait," you argue, "my imaginary friend never claimed to exist in the physical realm."

Then I point out that Galileo's and Newton's physics prove that the basis of reality is the physical realm. If your friend doesn't exist in the physical realm, then he simply can't exist in reality.

3.) Your question clearly states that your friend is imaginary. Assuming you are not a liar -- by definition, your friend can not exist.

...I believe I have proved, three different ways (logically, scientifically, and linguistically), that your imaginary friend does not actually exist.

Answer 4

Firstly, prove that you exist.

Even atheists are still Christian-type. Being socially engineered in civilization by a institution that specializes in mass programming of sheeple instills a cookie-cutter value-system in the bulk rabble populace. ...same world view, same materialistic-disposable type living.

Is this existence? To be a soulless consumer? To need imaginary friends because nature is no friend to the infirm?

To exist one must be separate from the world yet be a part of it.

An apple is an apple because one can recognize that it is it's own unique entity, yet still in the world.

How can your thumb twiddling separate and define you from all other rabble who twiddle their thumbs hoping that reality wont catch their evolution-delinquency?

Certainly you are some sort of biomass. ...but you are not unique from any other biomass, both physically or mentally. You even have a separate entity occupying your consciousness, ie: your imaginary friend. Proof that you are not of your own ego, nor your own will.

I am an Odinist, I am of and in nature. Being of nature, and not society, it is my opinion that you do not exist.

Do not take my word for it, take your own.

::VON GEHL AOR::

Answer 5

Well, you just told us he was imaginary so obviously he doesn't exist. But, it's obvious where you're going with this. It's a futile endeavor to try and convince someone who believes in religion that god doesn't exist. Their belief in God isn't created out of logic, it's created out of faith, imagination. I can't add a couple numbers together and prove or disprove God's existence.

Answer 6

Even if you choose to believe in God or not if you live by His word you will live a prosperous life. What really do you have to lose. Why be rude to everyone when you can love everyone, not steal, and share all the goodness in the world. I mean heck everyone is fighting for world peace rnt they, The ten commandments pretty much outline the all the things that world peace is about.

Answer 7

to qoute south park: "there is a flying spaghetti monster" Would you simply believe it because it can't be misproven, such as bigfoot, the yeti, loch ness monster, and so on and so on...Can I disprove Him?... yes.... Would you truly be open to such a discussion?... no... So believing is "blind"... would you trust a blind seeying-eye dog to lead you?....no
I believe in facts, and facts alone... therefore, instead of misproving stuff, i look at stuff thats (at least relatively) proven like the evolution theory that proofs there is no need for a god and therefore there is no god.

Answer 8

I can't disprove the existence of Santa Claus. Why would I want to? I LIKE getting presents.

Answer 9

Nope, and I wouldn't try. But there is no reason for me to believe in your imaginary friend unless you can present evidence of some sort that the friend has some sort of reality. As for evidence about god, there is no evidence whatever that any such thing exists, and a considerable amount that one doesn't. For details:

Answer 10

Atheism requires you not to believe in God. From their point of view, No god exists.

But, here's the thing: Atheism is a practiced religion because you are saying "God doesn't exist" and your doing everything to refute ANY testimony of any god. Basically your doing the opposite of what the bible is telling you, or your stealing bits and pieces from it to collaborate your belief. Example: THE LAW.

It's like a Deist saying "God created the world, then abandoned us." Understand YOU JUST ADMITTED there was a God.