@Owen phil,
Owen;156375 wrote:Hello Salima,
The proof that 'X exists' is granted if at least one property of X can be shown to be the case. F(x) -> Exists(x), for all F. ie. EF(F(x)) -> Exists(x). ~Exists(x) -> ~F(x), for all F.
I am sure I could prove it to myself and to him.
eg. that he is wearing a particular shirt, implies that he exists.
That you have dreamed that you were a rabbit, entails that you exist.
Even the process of doubting one's existence is proof of the doubting person's existence.
so how do you prove the shirt exists?
for all practical purposes, i think it really doesnt matter if i exist or not or if you exist or not, because i interact with you and that is about all there is to go on.
in the case of someone who had delusions of people who did not exist...i think it would be really hard for him to believe they did not exist, but i am told that it does happen and that people can tell the difference...but only under medication, as far as i recall.
one could say that if no one else sees these persons you do that they must be delusions-but why believe that? if they get you into trouble all the time it might be wise to try and not believe in them and see if they go away-but what if they are kindly and helpful? suppose they are a source of comfort to you should you believe they are delusions? or does it even matter?
i suppose i could say all the people in the world that scare me dont really exist...that makes the world a safe place. see how funny the mind works?
so in the case of dreams, why should i not believe that i was a rabbit for awhile...and now i am me again? it was very real, i was jumping over a fence and a fox was chasing me...and maybe i am the rabbit having a dream now. it is just really too silly to think about in a serious manner, isnt it?