Ontology

Understanding Being

The World from the Perspective of Common Sense

At the outset, it is appropriate to examine the viewpoint commonly referred to as common sense, which appears self-evident to many of our contemporaries, influenced as they are by the scientific worldview. It is from this vantage point that we shall set sail. Since most philosophical constructs straddle the boundary of common sense, it is prudent to keep in mind the shore from which we embark in search of the unknown.

From the standpoint of common sense, we all inhabit a real world, comprising numerous objects and entities that exist independently of whether they are perceived. Things exist not because someone sees them, but rather, they can be seen because they exist. Each of these objects possesses a distinct set of characteristics, by which we distinguish them and categorize them into specific kinds (samples or types of items), such as humans, linden trees, giraffes, coal, forks, and so forth. Similar objects are typically referred to by a common name.

The objects of the world interact with one another, giving rise to events. Some of these interactions conform to certain rules or laws, ensuring that the outcome of such interactions is predictable. Apples fall downward, and salt dissolves in water, for instance. Such predictable interactions also encompass the reflection of an object in consciousness. Anyone who sees a pink rose will perceive it as a pink rose, and not something else. However, this reflection is not the object itself. Objects produce their impressions in the mind, yet merely imagining an image cannot, by itself, create a tangible object. A foot leaves an imprint in the sand, but the imprint does not generate the foot. Likewise, one cannot influence an object by merely acting upon its image. Watering a painted garden with imagined water will not yield a harvest. Nevertheless, guided by their intentions—i.e., envisioning specific actions involving the images of objects—humans can direct their efforts toward actual things, transforming them in desired ways. However, such transformations can only occur within the bounds of objectively determined conditions.

The perception of images can become distorted, leading an individual to hallucinate or imagine things that do not actually occur. Such illusions can be summoned at will through fantasy, and sometimes individuals simply lie, presenting their fantasies as actual events. Ultimately, the convictions held by people regarding the existence of something may spread merely because everyone speaks of it and accepts it on faith, which constitutes an inadvertent error or delusion.

Among the myriad of things that surround us, some arise naturally, while others are purposefully crafted through human effort.

The world is simultaneously changeable and ordered. It forms a certain space within which objects can move relative to one another, provided they are not hindered by another object or force. Movements in space are, in principle, reversible: one can return to point A after having moved from point B. However, the sequence of events, or time, is directed irreversibly: one cannot return to the past, nor can one repeat the same event twice. Objects in the world, while remaining themselves, can undergo changes: they can grow or diminish, altering in size, changing their states, reacting to stimuli, or transforming from one kind to another, evolving. Such transitions adhere to certain rules: a wheat seed will not sprout into an oak, and iron cannot be transmuted into gold.

In general terms, this is the case. This sketch of common sense is not something fixed and unified. It changes historically and exhibits individual deviations, some of which take on the character of persistent beliefs that are reproduced across generations.

Many are convinced of the existence of powerful embodied forces capable of directly manifesting their designs into tangible things. Furthermore, they believe it is possible to engage with these forces, which are not indifferent to human affairs and may aid our desires or require adherence to certain rules. Others are convinced that physical consequences can be elicited not only by gods but also by humans through the power of thought.

Archaic thinking, in general, is characterized by a belief that an image of an object is intrinsically linked to the object itself, and that actions performed upon the representation can influence the object. There are many who believe that the bearer of consciousness and sensations is merely tethered to the body in some way, yet is capable of existing independently after the body's death or in some other manner detaching from it and moving to other worlds, reincarnating into other bodies.