Existence vs. Subsistence — What's the Difference?
Edited by Tayyaba Rehman — By Maham Liaqat — Updated on March 28, 2024
Existence refers to the state of being, encompassing all that is real or factual, whereas subsistence emphasizes the means necessary for living, often related to basic needs.
Difference Between Existence and Subsistence
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Existence encompasses everything that is, from abstract concepts to physical objects, highlighting the state of simply "being." Whereas, subsistence delves into the basic means and conditions required for an entity to maintain life, focusing on survival aspects.
While existence can be philosophical, questioning the nature and reality of beings and the universe, subsistence is more practical, dealing with the necessities for maintaining life, such as food, water, and shelter.
Discussions on existence often engage with existential questions about purpose, consciousness, and the essence of being. On the other hand, subsistence tends to be grounded in economic and ecological perspectives, emphasizing sustainability and resource management.
Existence, in a broader sense, can apply to ideas, entities, and universes, embodying the concept of being real or imagined. Meanwhile, subsistence is specifically related to living conditions and the minimum resources necessary for survival.
The concept of existence is central to many philosophical debates, including the existence of God, the self, and the universe. In contrast, subsistence often finds its relevance in studies of poverty, economic policies, and environmental sustainability, where the focus is on meeting basic living standards.
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Comparison Chart
Definition
The state or fact of existing.
The means by which one maintains life.
Focus
Being, reality, and the nature of things.
Survival, basic needs, and living conditions.
Philosophical Concerns
Existential questions and the nature of being.
Sustainability and resource management.
Application
Broad (all entities and ideas).
Specific (living conditions and survival).
Relevance
Philosophical, metaphysical discussions.
Economic, ecological, and social policies.
Compare with Definitions
Existence
The fact or state of living or having objective reality.
The existence of extraterrestrial life remains unproven.
Subsistence
The condition of existing or surviving.
Early humans ensured their subsistence through hunting and gathering.
Existence
The totality of existent things.
Questions about the origin of existence have puzzled humans for centuries.
Subsistence
A means of obtaining the necessities of life.
Farming is their main form of subsistence.
Existence
A way of living, especially under certain conditions.
The artist led a solitary existence.
Subsistence
The action or fact of maintaining or supporting oneself, especially at a minimal level.
The family's subsistence was threatened by the drought.
Existence
Being as opposed to nonbeing.
Philosophers debate the nature of existence and consciousness.
Subsistence
The minimum resources necessary for physical well-being.
Many people in the region live at subsistence level.
Existence
The manner of living or the duration of life.
He spent his existence searching for truth.
Subsistence
Basic, essential support for life.
The program provides subsistence to the poorest families.
Existence
Existence is the ability of an entity to interact with physical or mental reality. In philosophy, it refers to the ontological property of being.
Subsistence
Something (food, water, money, etc.) that is required to stay alive.
Existence
The fact or state of living or having objective reality
The organization has been in existence for fifteen years
Subsistence
The act or state of subsisting.
Existence
The fact or state of existing; being.
Subsistence
A means of subsisting, especially means barely sufficient to maintain life.
Existence
The fact or state of continued being; life
Our brief existence on Earth.
Subsistence
Something that has real or substantial existence.
Existence
All that exists
Sang the beauty of all existence.
Subsistence
(Christianity) Hypostasis.
Existence
A thing that exists; an entity.
Subsistence
Real being; existence.
Existence
A mode or manner of existing
Scratched out a meager existence.
Subsistence
The act of maintaining oneself at a minimum level.
Existence
Specific presence; occurrence
The Geiger counter indicated the existence of radioactivity.
Subsistence
Inherency.
The subsistence of qualities in bodies
Existence
The state of being, existing, or occurring; beinghood.
In order to destroy evil, we must first acknowledge its existence.
Subsistence
(theology) Embodiment or personification or hypostasis of an underlying principle or quality.
Existence
Empirical reality; the substance of the physical universe. (Dictionary of Philosophy; 1968)
Subsistence
Real being; existence.
Not only the things had subsistence, but the very images were of some creatures existing.
Existence
The state of existing or being; actual possession of being; continuance in being; as, the existence of body and of soul in union; the separate existence of the soul; immortal existence.
The main object of our existence.
Subsistence
Inherency; as, the subsistence of qualities in bodies.
Existence
Continued or repeated manifestation; occurrence, as of events of any kind; as, the existence of a calamity or of a state of war.
The existence therefore, of a phenomenon, is but another word for its being perceived, or for the inferred possibility of perceiving it.
Subsistence
That which furnishes support to animal life; means of support; provisions, or that which produces provisions; livelihood; as, a meager subsistence.
His viceroy could only propose to himself a comfortable subsistence out of the plunder of his province.
Existence
That which exists; a being; a creature; an entity; as, living existences.
Subsistence
Same as Hypostasis, 2.
Existence
The state or fact of existing;
A point of view gradually coming into being
Laws in existence for centuries
Subsistence
Minimal (or marginal) resources for subsisting;
Social security provided only a bare subsistence
Existence
Everything that exists anywhere;
They study the evolution of the universe
The biggest tree in existence
Subsistence
A means of surviving;
Farming is a hard means of subsistence
Subsistence
The state of existing in reality; having substance
Common Curiosities
Can something exist without subsisting?
Yes, abstract concepts or inanimate objects exist without needing subsistence, which applies to living beings.
What is the difference between existence and subsistence?
Existence is the state of being, encompassing all reality, while subsistence refers to the means necessary for maintaining life.
Are there different philosophical theories about existence?
Yes, various philosophical theories explore existence, including existentialism, realism, and idealism.
Can a focus on subsistence lead to a sustainable lifestyle?
Focusing on subsistence can promote sustainability by emphasizing the importance of meeting basic needs without depleting resources.
How do philosophy and economics relate to existence and subsistence, respectively?
Philosophy often explores the concept of existence and its implications, while economics may focus on subsistence in terms of resources and living conditions.
Is subsistence solely about economic resources?
While closely related to economics, subsistence also encompasses ecological and social aspects, focusing on the essentials for life.
How do societies address issues of subsistence?
Societies address subsistence through social policies, economic support, and sustainable resource management.
Can advancements in science alter our understanding of existence?
Yes, scientific discoveries can significantly impact our understanding of existence, revealing new dimensions of reality and challenging existing beliefs.
Can the study of existence influence one’s view on subsistence?
Yes, understanding the broader concepts of existence can influence perspectives on the value and quality of life, thereby affecting views on subsistence.
What role does technology play in subsistence?
Technology can improve subsistence by enhancing agricultural productivity, water purification, and access to essential resources.
How do existential crises relate to subsistence?
Existential crises can affect one's perspective on subsistence, questioning the value of survival and basic needs in the face of existential doubts.
How does subsistence farming differ from commercial farming?
Subsistence farming aims to meet the farmer's needs without surplus for trade, whereas commercial farming focuses on mass production for profit.
Why is subsistence important?
Subsistence is crucial for survival, ensuring that basic needs for food, shelter, and water are met.
Is existentialism concerned with subsistence?
Existentialism primarily deals with the nature of existence and human freedom, though it may indirectly address subsistence by examining the conditions of life.
How do cultural beliefs influence views on existence and subsistence?
Cultural beliefs shape understandings of what it means to exist and what is necessary for a good life, influencing practices related to subsistence and philosophical inquiries into existence.
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Written by
Maham Liaqat
Edited by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
