If the universe did exist, it would be composed of you and I, trees, birds, rocks, planets, and whatever things exist in space more generally. If it were composed of you and I, we would be parts of the universe. But I am a substance--either a living organism that has parts or an immaterial soul. Either way, since I am a substance, I am not a proper part of anything else. This just follows from what it is to be a substance. If we follow Aristotle in thinking that living things are substances, none is a part of the universe. As well, if fundamental particles are substances, they are not a part of the universe either. But then from the first statement above, the universe does not exist, since if it did, the things mentioned would be a part of it.
One could hold, alternatively, that there is only a single material substance, the universe, everything else being a part of it.
![Tullius est [et Tullius non est Cicero]](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwDG4xhsMn9o9J6nFVbJuaWEgUYVbxr7B9gbOXGZ3gwOu55lJg3q0Ev-z3MhLy29603_fkvvngkYmsTvRd4BATcVzZvVOhgkPSy-GIAuaFE0sCVBc_zcTW_d2mKKeCWhMxsZhAPyqXzymO/s1600/cicero-right-1024x603.jpg)
Unlike my ancient predecessor, this Tullius hasn't had his hands chopped off. With hands attached I offer my thoughts on philosophy, religion, politics, and whatever else I find worth mentioning. I'm conservative religiously and politically (with libertarian leanings). I value reason and freedom but also traditions and "Oldthink." I relish being on the wrong side of history when history is wrong--part of a philosopher's job is to be unpopular. (Views given here may not represent my employers')
Showing posts with label universe. Show all posts
Showing posts with label universe. Show all posts
Wednesday, June 1, 2016
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