[CyberDildonics]

You realize that light is actually electromagnetic radiation and there is no such thing as a physical photon right?

[throwaway8503]

I think you're sort of half right

[danans]

Aren't you being very particular? Just wave the mistake off, I say.

[Timon3]

Everything in our universe is made up of waves. Does it really matter whether it's an oscillation in one field or another? Photons are discrete systems, can you clearly differentiate why anything else in the universe is "physical"?

[CyberDildonics]

Photons as an idea can make simulation easier, but it matters if someone is trying to 'count photons' and they don't exist.

[Timon3]

How so? My understand is that a photon is a discrete packet of energy. Why can't I count those? If there is an excitation in the electromagnetic field, and then there is not, and then there is one - why are those not separate, countable photons?

[CyberDildonics]

You realize you're now just making up your own definition for a photon on top of what actually exists right?

[Timon3]

No, I'm asking questions. I literally said (albeit with a typo) "my understanding is". Where am I making up a definition?

You're free to show everyone my stupidity by answering my questions.

[CyberDildonics]

I already told you that photons don't exist, I think you just didn't accept it.

My understand is that a photon is a discrete packet of energy.

There is no such thing in the physical world as a 'discreet packet of energy'. This is an abstraction for simulation.