Final answer:
The inquiry about whether 'something' merely exists and the non-existence of 'nothing' is a philosophical question that challenges our understanding of existence, reality, and perception. It compels us to consider whether the universe has always existed and what it means for something to be real, moving beyond empirical evidence into the domain of rational thought and philosophical contemplation.
Step-by-step explanation:
When we pose questions like, "If there is a thing, what does it mean?" and "Why does nothing not exist?" we delve into the realms of metaphysics and epistemology, both of which are branches of philosophy.
The assertion that nothing comes from nothing implies that existence precedes essence and that something tangible must have always been present to manifest reality as we perceive it today. This brings forth the philosophical proposition that something does exist, and therefore, there has never been a state of absolute nothingness. This can be philosophically challenging to comprehend because our experiences are based on contrasts between presence and absence.
Considering the possibility that the universe has always existed challenges our temporal understanding of existence. However, this notion aligns with the cohesive theories in physics that matter and energy cannot be created or destroyed but only transformed. These ideas provoke quandaries such as the nature of reality, existence before observation, and the concept of multiple realities.
In the context of reality, we explore whether our perception shapes reality or if reality stands independent of our consciousness. The contemplation of whether mathematics, for instance, exists independently of our minds is similar to questioning the existence of a reality unaffected by human experience. Skepticism necessitates the philosopher to question the certainty of knowledge and challenges the necessity of absolute certainty for justification. It raises the significant question, "What is reality?" and how do we ascertain the veracity of the world around us?
Ultimately, these questions cannot be conclusively answered with empirical evidence alone; they require rational thought and philosophical inquiry. Reflections on divine intervention, such as miracles, and whether they can be proven, or queries about the agents behind universal forces, venture into theological discourse, further expanding on philosophical debates regarding existence and reality.