Necessary vs. Real

Attribute	Necessary	Real
Definition	Something that must exist or be the case	Existing in fact; not imagined or supposed
Existence	Must exist	Actually exists
Truth	Must be true	Actually true
Essential	Essential for something else to exist or be true	Fundamental or inherent
Dependence	Dependent on other factors or conditions	Independent or self-sufficient

Definition

When discussing the attributes of necessary and real, it is important to first understand the definitions of these terms. Necessary refers to something that is required or essential, without which a particular outcome or situation cannot exist. On the other hand, real pertains to something that actually exists or is true, as opposed to being imaginary or fictional. Both necessary and real play crucial roles in various aspects of life, but they differ in their fundamental nature.

Existence

Necessary entities are often seen as existing in a different way than real entities. While real entities have a physical presence or can be observed in the world around us, necessary entities exist in a more abstract or conceptual manner. For example, the concept of justice is considered necessary because it is essential for a fair and orderly society to function, even though justice itself cannot be physically touched or seen. In contrast, real objects like trees or buildings have a tangible existence that can be experienced through the senses.

Dependency

One key distinction between necessary and real is their relationship to dependency. Necessary entities are often seen as independent and self-sufficient, existing by virtue of their own nature rather than relying on external factors. For example, the laws of logic are considered necessary truths that do not depend on any particular circumstances or conditions to be valid. On the other hand, real entities are often dependent on various factors for their existence, such as physical laws, environmental conditions, or human actions. A tree, for instance, relies on sunlight, water, and nutrients to grow and thrive.

Permanence

Another important attribute to consider when comparing necessary and real is their permanence. Necessary entities are often seen as eternal and unchanging, existing outside of time and space. Concepts like mathematical truths or moral principles are considered necessary because they are believed to be true in all possible worlds and throughout all of time. In contrast, real entities are subject to change and impermanence, as they are influenced by external factors and conditions. For example, a building may deteriorate over time due to weathering and decay.

Universality

Both necessary and real entities can be universal in nature, but they differ in the scope of their applicability. Necessary entities are often seen as universally true or applicable in all situations, regardless of context or perspective. For example, the principle of non-contradiction is considered necessary because it holds true in all logical systems and cannot be violated. Real entities, on the other hand, may be universal in a more limited sense, applying only to specific contexts or conditions. For instance, the laws of physics are real entities that govern the behavior of physical objects within a particular framework.

Conclusion

In conclusion, necessary and real entities possess distinct attributes that set them apart in terms of existence, dependency, permanence, and universality. While necessary entities are essential and independent truths that exist in an abstract or conceptual manner, real entities have a tangible presence and are subject to change and external influences. Both necessary and real play important roles in shaping our understanding of the world and are essential for different aspects of human knowledge and experience.