selfexistence

Selfexistence, or self-existence, is a philosophical term referring to a kind of existence that is independent of anything else, not caused or created by another being or event. In discussions of metaphysics, it is often associated with aseity, the notion that something has its existence from itself. The predicate is typically reserved for entities considered necessary rather than contingent.

In classical discussions, self-existent beings are understood as existing by necessity: their non-existence is impossible or incoherent. God is commonly described as self-existent in many religious traditions, possessing aseity and existing without a cause. Some secular philosophers reserve the term for abstract necessities or certain self-sustaining systems, while others reject the idea of any self-existent entity altogether.

Debate centers on coherence and grounding. Proponents argue that self-existence provides a robust foundation for why there is something rather than nothing, and can underpin moral and logical norms. Critics say the notion is unclear or a category mistake, as existence may be a relation rather than a property, and that every claimed self-existent entity ultimately rests on further assumptions.

In practice, the term is most common in theological and metaphysical contexts. Outside philosophy of religion, the label is less common, with many thinkers preferring terms such as necessary being or aseitic entity. The concept remains a focal point in debates about ontology, cosmology, and the nature of explanation. See also aseity; necessary being; contingency; cosmology.