You're specifying the wrong demographic QL. It would probably be better to identify the intellectual movements that advocate solipsism and invoking materialistic science to disprove an afterlife rather than go via geography.
It's been pointed out here already that there are plenty of Westerners that aren't solipsists at all. It's more precise and accurate to point out the influence of David Hume on people rather than talk about where they come from.
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Quick update: I have not forgotten this thread, but given the site downtime eating up the majority of the day, it will be addressed tomorrow (Thursday) morning when I return to the office.
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The question again:If something has no impact on the observable universe. Does that mean it does not exist?
From a quantum understanding of reality... that's exactly what it means.
Or to quote a Vulcan axiom.
Nothing unreal exists.
It's been pointed out here already that there are plenty of Westerners that aren't solipsists at all.
Like, all of them? I don't know how big it is in philosophic circles but the only time I come across the idea is when post modern believers start assigning ideas of post modernism to non believers. Its a really weird phenomenon, and makes me wonder if it got into an apologetic book at some point.
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Regarding the subject of the thread, I think it’s time I unequivocally spell my belief on the subject.
The foundation of my belief system:
I believe all of reality consists of various densities of being, from the realm of the absolute to the realm of the physical.
These are not really separate realms, more like different modes of being, but it’s simpler for the human mind to conceive of « realms ».
From this paradigm (a Western cabalistic paradigm, in case you’re wondering), the spirit world is real. In fact, contrary to the oft-proposed viewpoint of modern materialistic thinking, the basis of our reality is not material but spiritual.
About the afterlife:
So, does a reality exist after our corporeal disappearance ?
I believe that it does.
What does « our » continued existence mean vis-à-vis our earthly persona ?
I don’t know - though I consider it improbable that we continue to be ourselves beyond death.
That is, when I’ll be dead, the man behind Quiche Lisp will be no more. Someone (some soul ?) having some indefinite relation to the past "me" will continue to exist.
So, in fine, my belief is that the afterlife exists, but that this here life, with us appearing as discrete human subjects, is unique in all eternity.
From a quantum understanding of reality... that's exactly what it means.
Where in the quantum understanding of reality does it state that "If something has no impact on the observable universe then that means it does not exist."
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"If you think you understand quantum mechanics, you don't understand quantum mechanics." -Richard Fenyman
"If you think you understand quantum mechanics, you don't understand quantum mechanics." -Richard FenymanI think I don't understand quantum mechanics. Does that mean I do understand quantum mechanics?
Does anyone really understand quantum mechanics? I mean I've never even driven a Quantum let alone see a mechanic for one.
"If you think you understand quantum mechanics, you don't understand quantum mechanics." -Richard FenymanI think I don't understand quantum mechanics. Does that mean I do understand quantum mechanics?
affirming the condensation ?
From a quantum understanding of reality... that's exactly what it means.Where in the quantum understanding of reality does it state that "If something has no impact on the observable universe then that means it does not exist."
Because of the nature of the quantum level of space. There is no such thing as a true vacuum. if something exists it interacts if by nothing else but displacement.
Regarding the subject of the thread, I think it’s time I unequivocally spell my belief on the subject.
The foundation of my belief system:
I believe all of reality consists of various densities of being, from the realm of the absolute to the realm of the physical.
These are not really separate realms, more like different modes of being, but it’s simpler for the human mind to conceive of « realms ».
Please define your terms... especially "densities of being". As well as "realm of the absolute" vs. "realm of the physical".
Because of the nature of the quantum level of space. There is no such thing as a true vacuum. if something exists it interacts if by nothing else but displacement.From a quantum understanding of reality... that's exactly what it means.Where in the quantum understanding of reality does it state that "If something has no impact on the observable universe then that means it does not exist."
"Something that has no impact on the observable universe" does not mean the same thing as a true vacuum.
How many pages are you going to dance around the concept you want to get to?
"Something that has no impact on the observable universe" does not mean the same thing as a true vacuum.Because of the nature of the quantum level of space. There is no such thing as a true vacuum. if something exists it interacts if by nothing else but displacement.From a quantum understanding of reality... that's exactly what it means.Where in the quantum understanding of reality does it state that "If something has no impact on the observable universe then that means it does not exist."
You don't understand. If an object does not have an impact on the universe, it does not exist. It exists in the observable universe unless it's so far away that it's recession speed from us is greater than the speed of light.
If you are going to argue that is in an "unobservable universe" yet in proximity with us, you've moved off of anything that can be described as a rational and/or scientific discussion.
I'm going to close with the classic Vulcan parable.
"Nothing Unreal Exists."
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From a quantum understanding of reality... that's exactly what it means.Where in the quantum understanding of reality does it state that "If something has no impact on the observable universe then that means it does not exist."
Google "The Observer Effect". But in essence, nothing exists in true isolation. Even in observing an object we make an impact, a change on it by the nature of what is required to observe.
You shine a flashlight on an object for instance, the object you view is now abosrbing photons and slightly heating up. In order to observe particles in a physics lab, it is required that we get them to interact with other particles.
And object that exists in space will curve space around it because of it's mass. It will bend the path of other matter or energy. An object can not exist without making a "footprint" as one might call it.
Drah,
So what you're saying is the Great Old Ones aren't there...
Drah,
So what you're saying is the Great Old Ones aren't there...
In the stories about them, they definitely have an impact on the space they occupy as well as anyone in the same zip code, so I'm not sure where you're coming or going with this.
Will I be run off this board if I confess to not having a Lovecraft obsession?
I'd give Drah more because I like her but whatever.
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So this thread has been resurrected from the dead by the grace of quantum mechanics and the Great Old Ones ?
Wonders never cease.
Not surprised.