THE NECESSITY OF NON-NOTHINGNESS
The concept of absolute nothingness or non-existence is inherently self-contradictory and therefore cannot be a possible reality. This line of reasoning posits that since nothingness cannot have any attributes, including the attribute of existence, it is logically incoherent to imagine a state of affairs in which there is truly nothing.
The notion that the existence of something (non-nothing) is a logical necessity arises from the idea that if nothingness is self-contradictory, it cannot possibly represent a true state of reality. If absolute nothingness is logically incoherent and cannot be an actual state, then it seems to imply that there must always be something rather than nothing.
Why the non-nothingness necessary exists?
The argument that the existence of something (i.e., non-nothing) is logically necessary if the concept of nothingness is self-contradictory is based on the principle of non-contradiction, which is a fundamental principle of logic. The principle of non-contradiction states that something cannot both be and not be at the same time and in the same respect. In other words, a proposition and its negation cannot both be true.
The concept of nothingness (non-being) is self-contradictory and therefore cannot exist, then, based on the principle of non-contradiction, the existence of its negation: something, non-nothing — becomes logicallynecessary.
The principle of non-contradiction states that a proposition and its negation cannot both be true simultaneously.
Since absolute nothingness is considered self-contradictory and cannot exist, its negation (the existence of something) must be true.
As the concept of nothingness is self-contradictory, we can conclude that it is not possible for there to be a state of absolute non-being, since such a state would be a contradiction in terms. This leaves us with the conclusion that there must be something (i.e., non-nothing), since the alternative of nothingness is not logically coherent. Then, based on the principle of non-contradiction, the existence of something (non-nothing) becomes logically necessary.
What is non-nothingness?
First of all, we 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.
The fact of our existence is self evident because of our ability to reflect upon our own existence. This fundamental understanding of existence forms the basis for our understanding of reality, and it is often the starting point for philosophical inquiry and investigation.
Decartes famously declared, “Cogito, ergo sum” (I think, therefore I am), asserting the impossibility of doubting one’s own existence, as doubt itself requires a thinking being.
This line of reasoning suggests that the very act of questioning the nature of reality implies the existence of a conscious, thinking subject. Similarly, Hegel argued that the concept of absolute nothingness is self-contradictory, as it cannot possess the property of existence. Thus, the impossibility of absolute nothingness leads to the necessity of non-nothingness, or something that inherently exists.
The argument that relies on the principle of non-contradiction to assert the logical necessity of existence if the concept of nothingness is self-contradictory. The principle of non-contradiction is indeed a fundamental principle of logic, and it states that a proposition and its negation cannot both be true at the same time and in the same respect.