EXISTENCE

Quantum Mechanical Grounding

Quantum mechanics cannot operate in a null ontology. The formalism presupposes:

• Hilbert space H — a mathematical space that must exist to contain state vectors
• Operators — observables require something to be observed
• The Born rule — P(outcome) = |⟨ψ|φ⟩|² presupposes outcomes that exist

Vacuum state |0⟩ ≠ nothing. The quantum vacuum is the lowest energy state of quantum fields—it has structure, energy density (ρ_vac ≈ 10⁻⁹ J/m³ observed), and virtual particle fluctuations. The vacuum EXISTS; it is not non-existence.

Formal Logic

Let E = "something exists"

Proof by self-refutation:

1. Assume ¬E (nothing exists)

2. ¬E is a proposition

3. Propositions exist (as logical objects)

4. Therefore, something exists (E)

5. Contradiction with assumption

6. ∴ E by reductio ad absurdum

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