It’s a word we use so often, almost without thinking: “physical.” We talk about physical touch, physical objects, even physical exertion. But what does it truly mean to be physical? It’s more than just what we can see and hold; it’s about existence within the natural world, governed by its laws.
At its heart, the word “physical” points to things that have material existence. Think about it: a chair, a tree, the air we breathe – these are all physical. They occupy space, they have mass, and crucially, they can be perceived by our senses. This is the most fundamental layer, the tangible reality that surrounds us. As Thomas De Quincey put it, “everything physical is measurable by weight, motion, and resistance.” This measurement is key; it’s how we interact with and understand the physical realm.
But “physical” also branches out into more specific territories. In science, particularly in physics, it refers to phenomena governed by the forces and operations of that discipline. When we talk about the “physical meaning” of something in science, like enthalpy, we’re not just looking at a number or a formula. We’re trying to grasp the underlying reality it represents – how energy is stored or transferred, for instance. It’s about connecting abstract concepts to concrete, observable processes.
Then there’s the deeply personal, human aspect of “physical.” It’s about our bodies. We experience physical abuse, we feel physical attraction, and we engage in physical activity. This dimension of “physical” is about our corporeal selves, our animal nature, and our interaction with the world through our senses and our bodies. It’s about the carnal, the needs and desires that are intrinsically tied to our physical form.
Sometimes, “physical” can even describe a certain kind of robust, forceful energy, like a “physical hockey game” or a “physical player.” It’s a descriptor for an intensity that’s not just mental or emotional, but deeply rooted in bodily action and presence.
So, the next time you hear or use the word “physical,” take a moment. It’s a rich word, encompassing everything from the scientific underpinnings of the universe to the very essence of our own embodied existence. It’s a reminder that while we might ponder abstract ideas, we are fundamentally beings of matter, interacting with a physical world.
