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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'?

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[–] rikudou 14 points 1 week ago (3 children)

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.world 1 points 1 week ago

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

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