The Valence-Existence Identity: Why Science Studies Nothing

Science attempts to ground its legitimacy in neutrality, yet neutrality cannot exist. This paper demonstrates that perception, valence, and existence are identical: anything that exists must be perceivable, and anything perceivable must carry valence. Perfect neutrality would be perfect imperceptibility, which equals non-existence. Science defines itself through the study of valueless phenomena while depending on valenced perception to identify what deserves study. This creates foundational contradiction that generates methodological drift. The logical subtraction performed by Experiential Empiricism (Sergent, n.d.-b) reveals that neutrality represents the attempt to study nothing while pretending to study something. Reality Repair Theory (Sergent, n.d.-c) demonstrates how acknowledging the valence-existence identity provides the foundation science seeks while maintaining logical coherence. This analysis shows that science's compass problem stems from attempting to navigate using instruments that cannot exist.