Do shadows have an actual physical existance?

Answer 1

A shadow is an absence of something (eg: visible light). It contrasts with the surrounding area which is saturated with electromagnetic radiation in wavelengths which are visible to us. The shadow is caused by the inability of visible light to penetrate a solid body. Some is absorbed, some is reflected.

Thus, a shadow cannot be said to have an existence.

Answer 2

Sure! Didn't you see how Peter Pan's got away from him? How could that have happened if it had no actual physical existence?

And I know I am short, but my shadow is sometimes 6 feet tall! So it must have an existence independant of my own if it can grow by itself.

Answer 3

I like this question. Those who take realism for granted have a problem with shadows! How can they reply that they have no physical existence since I obviously can see them? What type of existence do they have if it is not physical? If they are "only" an idea created by the absence of light do to some real object, what is the status of the real object? Nice job.

Answer 4

There is a psychological component in the syntax of your question which reveals the premise. This is unsatisfactory, and it can only be corrected by re-thinking the question. A psychological question gathers only psychological answers.

To be addressed first is "the physical" and its problematic relation to "existence". Then, second, think on this odd way of predication: shadows taking on a possessive.

Could it be that it is really existence that strikes us as odd? But instead of examining this difficulty, we build these cozy syntactical traps that allow us the psychological reprieve from what existence wants - direct confrontation. With the physical we are already in motion.

The proper pre-philosophic inquiry is as follows.

What is the custom of shadows?

Answer 5

no, shadows are created by something with a physical presence. Without you there would be no shadow. The shadow is only a representation of the light you are blocking, kind of cool proof that our existence on earth is "REAL"!!

-Ever see a shadow in your dream? now that would be cool!

Answer 6

No, a shadow is merely a region of darkness where light is blocked. It occupies all of the space behind an opaque object with light in front of it.

Information taken from:

Answer 7

Only what they shadow and the cool air from the shade they make

Answer 8

All existence upon earth is an evolution of what has come down from a superconscious Eternity to be involved here in a subconscious Infinite. Evolution is the one eternal dynamic law and hidden process of the earth-nature.
I mean by the supermind a power, a level, an organization of consciousness which is not only above the human mind, but above all that can be called mind-another higher and wider essence and energy of consciousness altogether.

Answer 9

does light
or
does dark
well, i think they don't you can see them
but you cant' feel them
but they have a scientific reason
you can see them coz they exist
if u say physical what is about
what is physical?
if its a body that you can feel
well then you can't feel a shadow

Answer 10

Light.