Presence in the world...........?

Question

How can you prove that you are present in this world.............?

Answer 1

Depends on what you mean by "prove".

If you mean to show as true in any sort of absolute sense, then no. We don't have absolute knowledge of anything. That's why scientists don't use the word "proof". That's left to mathematicians and logisticians who work in very limited well-defined scopes.

If you mean to show as true beyond a reasonable doubt, then yes. I can give you some very strong evidence for the fact of my existence.

The way that science would frame this question is to form a theory, based on evidence. Let's call this theory the "I exist" theory. For this to be a valid theory, it has to meet certain criteria.

First, the definitions. What do I mean by "I" and what do I mean by "exist". We can define "I" as my physical body which would, most importantly include my brain, since most concepts of self are attached more to my mind than my extremities. Existing is defined as having a physical presence.

Second, the assumptions. Since science doesn't not rely on faith, it has to explicitly state its assumptions. This is because we don't take assumptions as absolute truth, but more like a caveat or warning of things that might turn over the theory if shown false. In this case, one assumption might be that our senses give us fairly accurate information of our world and that we can know something about reality from them.

Thirdly, the theory has to be falsifiable. This means that I have to list conditions for the theory to be true or false. Given that the definition of "I" would have to include specific information, such as date and place of birth, birth parents, and the like. Possible evidence for me not existing would have to include histories of my family that conspicuously exclude me, a lack of any birth certificate, and the like. Things that would show my existence as true would be things like photos, official documents, and the like.

Given that, I feel fairly certain that the "I exist" theory is both a valid theory (i.e. has definition, assumptions and is falsifiable) and has much evidence to back it up. Therefore, through scientific examination, I can show myself to exist.

Answer 2

This is more easily understandable if one considers the actual scale of the components of an atom. If one takes into account the fact that the neutrons, protons and electrons of an atom actually have huge spaces between them it becomes clear that the atoms that make up seemingly solid objects are made up of 99+ percent empty space.

This alone does not seem too important till you add the idea that the atoms that make up seemingly solid objects are more of a loose conglomeration that share a similar attraction but never really touch each other.

At first glance this does not really seem relevant, but closer analysis reveals that this adds a tremendous amount of empty space to solid objects that are already made up of atoms that are 99 percent space. When so-called solid objects are seen in this light it becomes apparent that they can in no way be the seemingly solid objects they appear to be.

We ourselves are not exceptions to this phenomenon.

These seemingly solid objects are more like ghostly images that we interpret as solid objects based on our perceptual conclusions.

From this we must conclude that Perception is some sort of a trick that helps us to take these ghostly images and turn them into a world we can associate and interact with. This clever device seems to be a creation of our intellect that enables us to interact with each other in what appears to be a three dimensional reality.

I hope that helps to answered your question.

Love and blessings Don

Answer 3

I am present because you can see me. There is tangible proof. God, however, must be believed in. It takes faith. People find it hard to believe in something they cannot see when it pertains to the supernatural. Odd, however, that oxygen is also invisible yet they can believe in that. It all depends on the heart...what they are on the inside...

Answer 4

Im not, i sit by myself in a darkened room, leading a pointless existence, using yahoo answers

Answer 5

we are present but in the bible tell us what we are read it-- ill let u do the homework

Answer 6

I check my mirror each morning .

Answer 7

How else would I have fingers to type this answer.

Answer 8

I own a mirror so...........