Does this thread exist?

**Universal Mind** · 01-03-2009 05:12 AM

If you think it does, prove it.

**Rai Saix** · 01-03-2009 05:14 AM

Originally Posted by Universal Mind

If you think it does, prove it.

I'm using one of my five senses to see it.

**Kael Seoras** · 01-03-2009 05:24 AM

I am posting in it.

**guitarboy** · 01-03-2009 05:25 AM

This thread does not exist. I closed my eyes, forgot about it, and in my mind there was never, and never shall be, this thread.

**Rai Saix** · 01-03-2009 05:38 AM

I think he is going to have us answer this with logical, valid points, and then turn this into a religious thing where he says: If thats how you prove something exists, why can those things not be used to prove God yet you still think he exists.

**Kael Seoras** · 01-03-2009 05:39 AM

Originally Posted by guitarboy

in my mind

In your mind, no. Outside of your mind, though, it exists.

**guitarboy** · 01-03-2009 05:40 AM

Yah uhm...I was being sarcastic.

**guitarboy** · 01-03-2009 05:40 AM

Originally Posted by Kael Seoras

In your mind, no. Outside of your mind, though, it exists.

Exactly.

**Kael Seoras** · 01-03-2009 05:40 AM

sorry

**Rai Saix** · 01-03-2009 05:43 AM

Anyone agree with me?

**Xaqaria** · 01-03-2009 06:04 AM

Define exist.

**TimeStopper** · 01-03-2009 06:10 AM

Originally Posted by Xaqaria

Define exist.

Right, even things in your head could be said to 'exist'. Although after you die, these things are just markings on the brain which no longer has an interpreter. Thus these things could be argued to exist in your head, but only in some mysterious code. We can refer to a matrix-like universe where every bit of information is stored as a special type of code. When the machine that processes the matrix breaks down does the universe once contained within exist anymore? So likewise, this thread is just bits of data in some database somewhere.

**Xaqaria** · 01-03-2009 06:30 AM

Originally Posted by TimeStopper

Right, even things in your head could be said to 'exist'. Although after you die, these things are just markings on the brain which no longer has an interpreter. Thus these things could be argued to exist in your head, but only in some mysterious code. We can refer to a matrix-like universe where every bit of information is stored as a special type of code. When the machine that processes the matrix breaks down does the universe once contained within exist anymore? So likewise, this thread is just bits of data in some database somewhere.

Define things.

**Mysteryhunter** · 01-03-2009 07:01 AM

The thread is not there when nobody looks.
and nothing can exist unless it is being observed

**Universal Mind** · 01-03-2009 08:27 AM

Originally Posted by Xaqaria

Define exist.

Define define.

**Techno** · 01-03-2009 08:40 AM

Yes

**TimeStopper** · 01-03-2009 09:30 PM

Originally Posted by Xaqaria

Define things.

Ideas, dreams, thoughts, any information stored in your head. What I'm saying is that objects in virtual realities exist as long as there is an interpreter for the data. So I guess this thread exists and will continue to do so as long as the processor can read it properly.

**RedfishBluefish** · 01-04-2009 03:06 AM

Given that this post is in this thread.

It exists.

Because it is impossible for a post in a thread that does not exist to be wrong.

Haha.

**Abra** · 01-04-2009 03:12 AM

Originally Posted by Mysteryhunter

The thread is not there when nobody looks.
and nothing can exist unless it is being observed

Why? Did the universe not exist before there was life? How does that make sense?

Or are you taking "existence" to be a man-made title? (That is dangerous thinking.)

And why isn't the thread creator asking us to support our answer only if the answer is "yes"? Isn't that introducing a bias, persuading to get us to say "no" and not have to put in effort?

And why hasn't anyone recognized this as "Does the Universe Exist" thread's parody?

**really** · 01-04-2009 06:37 AM

You can't prove existence, it is self-evident.

**Eel** · 01-04-2009 06:42 AM

IT EXISTS BECAUSE I FRIGGIN SAID SO

**grasshoppa** · 01-04-2009 06:53 AM

Originally Posted by Universal Mind

If you think it does, prove it.

Well, for this thread to exist you would have to say that "there is a thread called 'does this thread exist?'". And since nothing really is, merely what it seems to be at the point in space-time based on information delivered to your nervous system, I suppose you could say that objectively this thread may not exist, but it subjectively exists for everyone to interpret in various forms. But because anyone can go on the internet and post on this thread, I would say it has to exist objectively, but can only be subjectively interpreted.

You might as well be asking "What is real?"...I suppose you did this for simplicity, even though it really doesn't simplify anything.

Mysteryhunter seems to be delving into quantum physics. I wish he would elaborate.