Existence and Belief: A Deeper Examination of Concepts and Realities

The interplay between existence and belief is a topic of continual philosophical and scientific inquiry. Often, the intricacies of these concepts can be better understood by breaking down the core questions and exploring various perspectives. In this article, we will delve into the relationship between existence and belief, examining how belief affects our perception of existence and vice versa.

The Question of Existence and Belief

Many of us have pondered whether something can exist without being believed in by someone. The initial question, “Can something not exist for someone if they do not believe in it,” can be simplified by rephrasing it as, “Can something exist for someone if no one believes it.” This revised question prompts a fascinating exploration of the nature of belief and existence.

The concept of belief is often intertwined with the reality we perceive. If no one believes in the existence of a phenomenon, it becomes challenging to provide evidence of its existence, as there is no shared knowledge or consensus that can be verified. The absence of belief can effectively erase the phenomenon from our collective reality, making it a reality that is only accessible within the realm of one's own belief.

Belief and the Perception of Reality

The relationship between belief and existence is further highlighted when we consider the logical implications. Generally, if people do not believe in something, it suggests a lack of evidence or a high degree of doubt. Conversely, when something is believed in, it often becomes ingrained in the fabric of reality for those who hold that belief.

For example, a giant pink unicorn orbiting Saturn might not exist in our perceptible reality, but if someone believes in its existence, it becomes a real part of their belief system. Similarly, the Loch Ness Monster, despite scientific skepticism, remains a real creature within the belief system of those who accept its existence. In this sense, belief can transform the abstract into a concrete reality within one's mind.

Visualizing Existence and Belief

To better understand the relationship between existence and belief, let's visualize it with a diagram:

Imagine a large circle representing all possible things that could exist in your reality. This includes everything from the mundane (goldfish, Honda Civics) to the fantastical (giant pink unicorn, Loch Ness Monster).

Within this large circle, draw a smaller circle representing things you actually believe exist. This smaller circle reflects your current knowledge and beliefs, which could include some or all of the items in the larger circle.

Now, consider a scenario where there is something that exists in the larger circle but lies outside the smaller circle of your belief. This represents something that exists but is not believed in by you.

In a sense, this scenario represents a grey zone between belief and reality. The existence of something unbelieved in challenges the boundaries of what we consider real and highlights the subjective nature of reality.

Belief and Knowledge: A Complex Relationship

The relationship between belief and knowledge is a nuanced one. Belief is often a consequence of the knowledge we have, but there is also an element of subjective interpretation involved. Knowledge, in its purest form, is an accumulation of information and evidence, while belief is a psychological state that can influence our perception of reality.

PhD-level epistemologists (the study of knowledge) debate the nature of belief and how it differs from a purely factual assessment. My personal perspective is that belief emerges from the pool of knowledge and awareness of what one does and does not know. We are not actively deciding to believe in something; rather, we are tapping into our knowledge base when someone asks us about it. For instance, the idea of a giant pink unicorn orbiting Saturn is so absurd that it doesn't require a conscious decision to believe in it; it simply doesn't compute within our knowledge framework.

Conclusion

The relationship between existence and belief reveals the subjective nature of reality. Whether something exists is often influenced by the belief system of those around us, and belief can shape our understanding and perception of reality. Understanding these concepts helps us appreciate the complex interplay between what exists and what we believe it to exist.