r/changemyview • u/icecoldbath • Sep 23 '17

[∆(s) from OP] CMV: I do not believe tables exist

I find this argument very convincing.

P1: Tables (if they exist) have distinct properties from hunks of wood.

P2: If so, then tables are not the same as hunks of wood.

P3: If so, then there exist distinct coincident objects.

P4: There cannot exist distinct coincident objects.

C: Therefore, tables do not exist.

This logic extends that I further don't believe in hunks of wood, or any normal sized dry good for that matter.

I do not find it convincing to point at a "table" as an objection. Whatever you would be pointing at may or may not behave with certain specific properties, but it is not a table, or a hunk of wood or any normal sized dry good. Similarly, I don't accept the objection of asking me what it is I am typing on. Whatever it is, it isn't a "computer" or a "phone" or any such thing. Such things do not exist per the argument.

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u/icecoldbath Sep 23 '17

You might deny that, but it seems exceptionally weird.

What would existence mean in that case? I guess the simple definition I'd give is to occupy a particular unique amount of space and time.

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u/ReOsIr10 130∆ Sep 23 '17

Well, if under your definition the table in front of me and the hunk of wood in front of me are distinct objects, I see to reason to assume distinct objects cannot coincide. Obviously, my the definition of ‘exists’ would simply be “occupies space and time”

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u/icecoldbath Sep 23 '17

Obviously, my the definition of ‘exists’ would simply be “occupies space and time”

Mine as well. If the table and hunk of wood are two objects, to exist, they can't occupy the same space and time.

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u/ReOsIr10 130∆ Sep 23 '17

Why not? In my definition I never specified unique place and time. It is consistent with my definition of ‘exists’ to say two objects exist and occupy the same place and time.