Does Fiction Exist? by PBS Idea Channel

In this episode of PBS Idea Channel, host Mike Rugnetta argues whether fictional entities, and specifically Harry Potter, exist.

We all know who Harry Potter is, and can conjure an image of him in our minds. There are specific properties that make a Harry THE Harry (glasses, scar, wand, etc), so it’s safe to say that we’re all sharing a consistent idea. But do these physical properties mean that Harry Potter EXISTS? Harry Potter doesn’t have a physical referent, but the fact that we collectively KNOW Harry Potter (or Hermoine, Ron, or even Batman for that matter), doesn’t that mean there’s SOME SORT of existence?

submitted via Laughing Squid Tips