On something and nothing: The interface of two types of nothing

TL;DR

This paper proposes that the existence of two distinct types of nothing explains why there is something rather than nothing, suggesting matter arises at their intersection and offering a new perspective on duality and causation.

Contribution

It introduces a novel interpretation involving two types of nothing, unifying material and non-material worlds and revisiting concepts like causation and the aether.

Findings

Matter occurs at the intersection of two types of nothing.

Provides an alternative duality beyond property or substance dualism.

Implications for physical causation and Mach's principle.

Abstract

We suggest that the question of why is there something rather than nothing can be answered by the existence of two types of nothing. We propose that matter occurs at the boundaries of intersection of both nothings. This accords with the common view that there are three worlds; the platonic world of concepts, the material world (i.e. of matter), and the non-material world (i.e. of consciousness). Both the material and non-material worlds have their own type of nothing, thus leading to the proposal. The interpretation provides an alternative type of duality distinct from property or substance dualism, and may unify the two. The interpretation also has implications for the understanding of physical causation, and Mach's principle as the boundary of intersection provides a return to the aether concept.