Deep philosophical question: What makes an Amiga an Amiga?

[orb85750]

Before you answer, please consider that, while the new Amiga systems being released are somewhat removed from the classics, they are not as far removed as the current Mac machines are from the classic Mac machines (and I don't think anyone is complaining that the latest Mac is not really a Mac -- On second thought,  I guess someone is always complaining).

Anyway, please give it some thought.  I'm still struggling with this question myself, though I have not yet lost sleep over it.  There's probably no right or wrong answer, which makes me somewhat uncomfortable too.

[orb85750]

who needs these "philosophical questions"? i have my one of my amigas (a4k) standing here in front of me (currently mostly running aros). and i have my pc under my desk. i dont have to ask me any such questions, nor i am interested in answers. but to each his own.

It goes without saying that some people (actually, most) are not philosophical in nature.  They just do stuff and use stuff.  (That's OK -- this thread is not for you.)  Others like to dig deeper.

[orb85750]

but why ask that about amiga? where does it lead? you have to be aware, that it only can be answered on subjective basis and the possible answers are unlimited. especially that this isnt an amiga related question at all. similar questions you might ask about common properties of elements in any relatively large sets. probably you will end up with the "theory of forms" and the relation between ideas and objects. if you solve that "identity" question for all possible sets you will answer the question in this particular case too, but not the other way around..

I think many are interested in this topic.  And plenty of well-thought-out answers have been posted.  (I have no doubt that many others are not at all interested in this thread -- that's fine too.)  It's not going to lead to some final "correct" answer that's acceptable to everyone.  But the threads about the best Amiga games (or any other range of topics) don't necessarily lead to some final answer either.  Was it wrong for me to ask in a non-threatening way what people consider to be an Amiga?  I find it very interesting.  That's why I posted it.