Comments on: The “Puzzle of Existence” with Jim Holt

By: Mike

Mike — Fri, 15 Jul 2011 22:35:00 +0000

True nothingness cannot become something. Existence exists, and what doesn’t exist… Just doesn’t! Heisenberg applies to what appears to be inherently random behavior of fundamental particles, but the behavior of one particle is a relationship with the rest of the universe ( and vice versa). As Holt stated, how would the rules apply outside of the universe? The need to explain Existence with Creation is very human, but since what doesnt exist can’t exist, one concludes Existence has always existed in some shape or form. Not very satisfying, I know…

By: Albert

Albert — Sun, 01 Aug 2010 01:47:37 +0000

The question, Why is there something rather than nothing? is puzzling. But there is a more puzzling question: Why is there something that must not be?–the question of evil.

By: Kris

Kris — Fri, 16 Jul 2010 13:45:31 +0000

What if the answer lies outside of the intellectual structures we employ to frame it? Holt mentions existence and consciousness – might the two not be dependent in some way upon each other?

By: Howard Jones

Howard Jones — Thu, 01 Jul 2010 01:18:00 +0000

If nothing complements something then existence is its companion, hence a “universe” of existence.

By: Jenny

Jenny — Sun, 18 Apr 2010 06:12:42 +0000

Is this William or Stanley or both??

By: William

William — Sat, 17 Apr 2010 06:18:07 +0000

This is very timely for me. About a year ago, I began to wonder why existence exists (again). Arrived at no satisfying conclusion(s).

Thanks for the post Jenny.

By: Matthew Smith

Matthew Smith — Tue, 28 Jul 2009 03:28:32 +0000

Good catch, Benson. We’re not based in NYC, but both Nagel and Parfit are good suggestions, and we do sometimes make trips. Any other recommendations of people who deal with this sticky puzzle gracefully? Does anyone get it dead wrong?

By: Christian views on extraterrestrial life – Part 3 | Latest UFO Sightings

Mon, 27 Jul 2009 16:26:42 +0000

[...] The “Puzzle of Existence” with Jim Holt [...]

By: Benson Bear

Benson Bear — Sun, 26 Jul 2009 13:41:49 +0000

Good interview. Strange Holt didn’t mention the essay Parfit wrote on “the puzzle of reality” which is right on point. Also, Nagel’s discussion of his thought “I am Thomas Nagel”, fits very well with Holt’s discussion of how his own existence startles him. No mention of Nagel at all until the very end, but I wasn’t surprised to hear he’s one of Holt’s favorites.

Now, you are in NYC? Why don’t you try to get Nagel, from NYU, for a Thoughtcast. Or Parfit? (Parfit is also at NYU for a few weeks a year).