Life is a delicate, interconnected process, not a single entity.

Tamil philosophy contrasts ‘Uruvam’ (உருவம் - form, sensory) and ‘Aruvam’ (அருவம் - formlessness, abstract).

Form :

  • Physical objects (chair, body)
  • Measurable things (temperature, weight)
  • Concrete actions (walking, eating)

Formlessness :

  • Abstract ideas (love, time, gravity)
  • Emotions (happiness, fear)
  • Thoughts, consciousness

Life manifests as form, yet its essence is elusive, suggesting formlessness. How do you personally see life?

Is it primarily form, a sensory-perceivable process defined by biological functions? Or is it more akin to formlessness, an abstract concept, a set of principles beyond physical form?

Is life, in your understanding, simultaneously ‘form and formlessness’?

  • Rikudou_Sage@lemmings.worldEnglish
    151·
    1 day ago

    Time and gravity are not abstract ideas, both are measurable like temperature and weight. One is a property of space-time itself, the other is one of the fundamental forces, very likely caused by a physical particle.

    Life is simply a bunch of chemical reactions tied together in a way that allows us to think. There’s nothing beyond the physical form, even your very thoughts are tied to the chemical reactions in your brain.

    If you want a proof, simply look at anyone who has had a dramatic shift in personality after a head trauma. If there was a “soul” (or whatever you want to call it), wouldn’t their personality remain the same?

    • Tux960@lemmy.worldOP
      1·
      1 day ago

      You’ve made some valid points about measurability and the material basis of consciousness. I acknowledge your perspective. 🙂

      • Rikudou_Sage@lemmings.worldEnglish
        5·
        1 day ago

        I know what emergent properties are, though not sure how that relates to anything I said? You mean the part about consciousness?

        If so, the sentence you’re looking for is this one:

        consciousness arises out of the complex interaction of various component parts working together. No individual neuron is responsible for the processing of information or the experiencing of emotions, this is only possible through the linking of millions of neurons together

        I never claimed a single neuron is responsible for consciousness, but if you’re trying to imply that it’s somehow magical, your own source says otherwise.