. Is it less clear cut? Doesn't the adage "No man is an island" ,if correct put an end to the concept of pure individualism? I favour the idea that we all (probably) imagine ourselves to be individuals but that that is a mental construct that makes life easier to negotiate. Totalitarian ideologies that seem to want to subsume the individual are also ,I think just imagined concepts and serve the interests of those who spread them. The "truth" lies in the middle..
now there is a conundrum what part of heaven, hell & earth is not gods realm ? kinda more like building a dog house then putting someone in it. the creator of all things, ... including dog-houses ...
No. That's a sociological term, not a biophysical one. We don't imagine it; we are individuals - that is how the word is defined. You can certainly argue for some bond beyond living critters, but you'll have to invent your own term for it, and then demonstrate its mechanism.
I didn't find your "definition " argument helpful if it restricts us to one particular definition. Can't one argue that the term "individual" is limited and that the reality is larger? I can see your biophysical point and raise you with a "man is a social animal" (applies not just to mankind) I was only thinking of "living critters" but would be unsurprised if the inanimate world could not be included if only in a far fetched , tenuous and unnecessary way.
So, if a definition of a word doesn't suit us, we just ... change the definition? No. Just find and use the appropriate word.
I often have a clearer idea of what I don't accept than of what I would put in its place. It makes me very weak in adopting positions or standing my ground (or even making any headway in philosophical discussions or study). I am long enough in the tooth to be a hopeless case in the medium term. Definitions are a fascinating subject. I am happy enough to beat the retreat if I have used them incorrectly
The key is to talk about the concept not the semantics of the label. What about living organisms would you say binds them together?
(1)Their origin and (2) their day to day connections. We are all (sentient beings) connected by our origin at the birth of life (our DNA and what was its precursor) and some of us also have day to day transactions with each other. Those that do not are still linked by this genesis all those millions of years in the past. It may be a "one time" link but we all share it. (it may be fairly inconsequential also ) Now ,I agree that there is also a separation that accounts for a much greater part of our various identities . We have left that "mother ship" at the dawn of life on Earth or wherever it came from and are creating our own future.
If I had the choice, I would opt to live forever. Why not? I have pretty much always enjoyed life & would expect to continue to do so if immortal. As an atheist, I expect oblivion which is not a pleasant thought compared to the myth of some form of post death awareness. I would not expect to have trouble making new friends, if all my current friends & relatives perished or departed to some distant land. I envy those theists who expect some form of post death awareness which I consider mythology and a scam originated by shamans called priests, rabbis, or ministers. I suppose that some clergy are sincere, but believe most are are just making a living by catering to (preying on) the beliefs of their followers. It seems to be an easy way to make a living if you can find a suitable post. It is surely easier than a lot of other jobs. wah
Woud you choose to live forever wit-out the option to choose to die... just in case all you'r rosy predictions about eternity turn out to be wrong Please Register or Log in to view the hidden image!
Immortal Jellyfish The good news is that you can be immortal. The bad news is that you have to become a floating blob of jelly to do so. Scientists have discovered a jellyfish which can live forever. Please Register or Log in to view the hidden image! https://immortal-jellyfish.com/ Does anybody want to experience their puberty over and over again forever?