A Rational Cosmology: The Axioms of Existence, Identity, and Consciousness

There exist certain conclusions that are available to all men, no matter what their age, intellect, or degree of scientific expertise. Nor does it matter what particular objects these men observe when they make these conclusions, as such conclusions do not entail one or several particular observations.

Rather, they entail the capacity to make any observations whatsoever, and are verified whenever one makes any observation. These propositions are what are often termed "common sense," a fitting description, as they are derived from those things that all human beings can sense, from observations common to all of us.

At the root of such propositions lie the axioms.

An axiom is a self-verifying statement. It cannot be proved deductively, because it is, in itself, the foundation upon which all further proofs are built. Nevertheless, no matter what one says, sees, or does, such speech, observation, or action will verify the axioms. Philosopher Ayn Rand identified three fundamental axioms which are inextricably attached to each other, and are demonstrated unceasingly in everything that exists:

1. Existence- Something is. If no thing existed, nothing could be observed!
2. Identity-Something is. Whatever is, is something in particular, i.e., has a certain definite nature.
3. Consciousness- We can perceive what is. The observer exists and so does the faculty by which he perceives what exists.

Even in the attempt to deny them, these axioms will hold. If one stated, "existence does not exist," it would be a matter of great wonder how one could make such a claim, being a part of existence as one is.

Moreover, how can existence not have the property which it has, that is, the property of existing? (Saying, "Existence does not exist" is tantamount to saying "That which has the essential property of existing does not have the essential property of existing.")

If one stated, "nothing has any identity," this would bring up the question, "Why did one use the word 'nothing,' which really means, 'no thing?' If there is no such thing as identity, then, what is a thing?" If one stated, "Consciousness does not exist," the speaker would need to not exist in order for such an assertion to be true. After all, such a statement did spring from his consciousness!

Since even the attempt to refute them in fact confirms their truth, the axioms of existence, identity, and consciousness can be recognized as certain and serve as a foundation from which further basic knowledge about existence is arrived at and evaluated. In order to be considered true, any other proposition must be in accord with the three fundamental axioms.

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