A basic fact that we can start with is that we do exist. As Rene Descartes said, “I think, therefore I am.” But is mere existence enough?
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Some scientist and some philosophers believe that the origin of the universe, or where the first matter came from, or what happened before the "big bang" or what eternal time is, may be beyond the comprehension of the human mind. Carl Sagan believed that we are a way of the universe knowing itselt.
In fact, the question of what "Reality" is has been debated among philosophers for centuries, and some people have even come to the radical conclusion that what we experience is nothing more than an elaborate illusion.
The important thing to remember is that we have a sense of who we are, and as Socrates posits, have the opportunity and responsibility, to continually examine our own lives in a quest to determine our own reality.
If you have any thoughts on this matter, or links to credible scientific or philosophical thinking on the subject of eternity, please post them here.
That’s a fascinating perspective. The concept of eternity really does challenge the limits of human understanding, especially when science and philosophy intersect. Some scientists approach it through cosmology and physics, while others suggest it may always remain beyond our comprehension. Personally, I think eternity may not just be “out there” but also something that exists within us — in the form of consciousness, memory, and the way we perceive time.
It reminds me of how science often gives us glimpses into hidden layers of reality. For example, medical imaging technologies like vascular ultrasound NYC allow us to see what’s invisible to the naked eye — the flow of blood through our arteries and veins. In a similar way, perhaps philosophy and metaphysics are tools that help us “see” deeper into the fabric of existence, even if we can never fully grasp eternity.
I’d be curious to hear others’ thoughts: is eternity something we’re a part of, or is it something that exists beyond and apart from us?