Existents refer to things or entities that are considered to have objective, independent existence or being. The term "existents" is often used in a broader philosophical context, particularly in metaphysics, to describe all the individual items or objects that exist in the world, whether they are physical or abstract in nature. It encompasses both tangible entities, such as people, animals, and objects, as well as intangible entities, like ideas, concepts, and emotions.
Existents are distinguished from mere concepts or mental constructs because they are believed to have an existence that is separate from human perception or belief. They are considered to be real, concrete entities, regardless of whether they are directly observable or not.
Furthermore, existents are often classified into various categories based on their nature and characteristics. For instance, they can be categorized as particular or universal, depending on whether they exist as singular instances or as general concepts or qualities. They may also be classified as contingent or necessary, depending on whether their existence is dependent on certain conditions or if they exist necessarily or inherently.
The concept of existents is fundamental in analyzing and understanding the nature of reality, and it plays a central role in many philosophical schools of thought, including ontology and idealism. It enables philosophers to explore questions about existence, being, and the relationship between the physical world and our perceptions of it.
