intersistence

Intersistence is a philosophical concept that describes the state of being in which entities mutually and continuously influence each other's existence. It suggests that the reality of any given thing is not independent but is instead constituted by its relationships and interactions with other things. This perspective moves away from an atomistic view of the world, where entities are seen as discrete and self-contained, towards a more relational and interconnected understanding.

The idea of intersistence implies that entities do not simply exist alongside each other, but rather that their very nature and being are shaped by their presence and interaction with others. This mutual dependence means that to understand a particular entity fully, one must also understand its context and the network of relationships it is part of. Change in one part of this interconnected system can therefore lead to ripples of change throughout the entire system.

This concept can be applied to various domains, including ontology, ethics, and ecology. In ontology, it challenges traditional notions of individual substance and instead emphasizes process and relation as fundamental aspects of reality. Ethically, intersistence can inform approaches that highlight shared responsibility and the interconnectedness of human well-being. Ecologically, it underscores the profound interdependence of all living organisms and their environment, suggesting that the health of the whole depends on the health of its constituent parts and their interactions.