THE NATURE OF EXISTENCE
The fact of existence is self-evident due to our ability to reflect upon it, as well as to experience and interact with the world around us.
We still have to distinguish between the concept of the mind in a form of idea about the existence of non-nothingness and the actual “physical” substantial existence of non-nothingness that lies in the foundation of our reality and causes all phenomena to exist. Obviously, the mental model of the existence of non-nothingness is also a part of existing being (that reflects upon itself)
But what is the physical nature of the existence of non-nothingness? What its substance?
Non-nothingness, as a concept, is a philosophical idea that refers to the existence of something, as opposed to the non-existence or absence of anything. It has been discussed in various contexts and traditions, often as a way to grapple with the fundamental question of why there is something rather than nothing.
The physical nature or substance of non-nothingness is difficult to define or describe, as it likely goes beyond our current scientific understanding and philosophical frameworks. Some philosophers and scientists might argue that the fundamental building blocks of reality, such as subatomic particles, quantum fields, or even space-time itself, represent the most basic aspects of non-nothingness.
What is physical realism The concept of existence does not mean that there should be some primordial physical substance. Let’s look opposite way: by saying “this entity is physically real” we mean the entity truly exists (and is able to interact with our senses or with other matter of the observable world that indirectly affect our perception. So this chain of interaction somehow will end in our minds so we will be able to reflect upon the fact this entity truly exists in reality. Entities that truly exist will appear in our senses and would appear “physical” to us The concept of existence does not necessarily imply a primordial physical substance. Rather, it refers to the state of being real, regardless of whether that reality is physical, mental, or something else entirely.
When we say that an entity is physically real, we mean that it exists within the observable world and can interact with other entities or our senses. This interaction allows us to perceive and experience the entity, and through that perception, we can reflect on its existence.
In this way, our understanding of existence is deeply connected to our experience of reality through our senses and the interactions that take place between entities. This experiential aspect of reality helps to ground our understanding of existence in the observable world, even if the fundamental nature of existence is not limited to the physical domain.
When we say that an entity is physically real, we mean that it exists within the observable world and can interact with other entities or our senses. Our understanding of existence is deeply connected to our experience of reality through our senses and the interactions that take place between entities — because we are composed from the truly existent entities of the existing universe Our understanding of existence is intrinsically linked to our experiences and the interactions between the entities in the observable world, as we ourselves are part of this universe and composed of existent entities. These interactions and experiences help to shape our perceptions, beliefs, and mental models of what is real and what exists.
The fact that we are composed of existent entities allows us to engage with the world, perceive it, and derive meaning from it. This connection between our own existence and the existence of other entities is an essential aspect of our understanding of reality and the nature of existence itself.
As we know for sure, that we exist (because we can think and be aware of this — this line of reasoning similar to Decarte’s statement “I think therefore I exist”). It means that the first uncaused cause (which is necessary existence of non-nothingness) — is real. It exists because we exist and able to be aware about it. So the first cause is physical in the sense I stated previously — it is real, it exists in the reality (and caused this chain of causality that defines the identity of every entity or event in the universe)
Following Descartes’ line of reasoning and the understanding of physical existence as being real and able to interact with our senses or other matter in the observable world, the first uncaused cause, or the necessary existence of non-nothingness, can be considered real and physical in that sense.
The existence of this first cause, which is the basis for the chain of causality that ultimately leads to all entities and events in the universe, is supported by our own existence and ability to be aware of and think about it. As we exist and can contemplate the first cause, it further confirms that there is a foundation for the reality we experience and the interactions we observe between entities.