RE: Exist vs. Real
July 21, 2009 at 5:56 am
(This post was last modified: July 22, 2009 at 2:49 am by Ryft.)
(July 20, 2009 at 5:47 pm)LEDO Wrote: Perhaps you can tell us which definition you are using of the words; i.e., explain the difference of your terms.
It is difficult for me to describe the difference between 'real' and 'exist' at this point because I have not reached a satisfactory conclusion on the matter yet. Without committing to any particular view, I will confess that so far I am compelled to view them as interchangeable terms. And I am exploring through various thought experiments the idea that 'real' describes a set and 'exist' describes things within that set. And I am also exploring the meaning and implications of 'actuality' and how it relates to this issue and whether or not it can serve as a clarifying force. As I have indicated, I'm not done yet. The reason I posted a thread on this issue is because I felt the views and ideas from fellow members might challenge or influence my thinking on these matters, e.g., expose a weakness I hadn't considered.
But like I said, so far I am leaning toward them being interchangeable terms. Which means I may disagree that hallucinations per se exist.
Man is a rational animal who always loses his temper when
called upon to act in accordance with the dictates of reason.
(Oscar Wilde)
called upon to act in accordance with the dictates of reason.
(Oscar Wilde)
