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"Proof" is strong word here, given that thirst is a subjective phenomenon and hard to pin down. But, at least along with the assumption that a large body of rel
by ttctciyf 13y ago
"Proof" is strong word here, given that thirst is a subjective phenomenon and hard to pin down. But, at least along with the assumption that a large body of related knowledge to do with physiology, evolution and psychology, not to mention common sense, is broadly correct, actor reports of thirst seem at the very least to provide strongly indicative evidence for the existence of water.
Since the existence of water is not anyway in doubt, one wonders what the point of the question is. One analogous assertion sometimes made is that the craving for religious experience proves the existence of the divine, but I think this is a far shakier proposition, more like saying "thirst proves the existence of cherry cola."
- shawndumas 13y agoSo you're in the desert desperately thirsty; you're fairly certain that you see water in the distance. That doesn't mean you'll get water -- you may die before getting there, it's a mirage -- but it's gotta mean that water exists for why else the driving, maddening, desire to drink? Not talking about achieving, just talking about existing... remove all religious overtones (or undertones); just on a purely practical level -- if there was no such thing as water would you ever get thirsty?
- ttctciyf 13y agoI don't think we disagree that thirst presents strong grounds for belief in the existence of water, if we assume received knowledge about physiology, etc.