Materialist Philosophy Does Not Contradict Itself

Recently a philosophical acquaintance argued that materialists blatantly contradict themselves when they take a materialist view of reality and yet affirm that free, independent action is possible.

The argument which he presented relied on three premises:

1) Materialism affirms that reality in nothing but matter-in-motion.
2) Materialism implies affirmation of determinism, the metaphysical idea that all physical reality is causally determined.
3) Free, independent action requires action free of determinism.

To draw the conclusion:

4) Hence, when materialists affirm that human freedom is possible they contradict themselves. (They affirm that all reality is determined and affirm that some reality (human free action) is not determined.)

The argument fails because it relies on very questionable, if not downright false, premises with regard to (1) 'materialism,' (2) 'determinism,' and (3) 'free action.'

MATERIALISM: Defining "materialism" as the view that the only reality is matter-in-motion is not at all consistent with the materialist philosophy held by scientific materialists. Scientific materialism is the philosophy that works to explain all reality in terms of natural, physical processes. By contrast, the idea that materialism is the metaphysics which claims nothing exists but matter-in-motion is the philosophy of the ancient Greek atomists such as Democritus and Epicurus.

One plausible version of modern materialism is one the philosophy that holds everything real to be ultimately explained from a physical base. For example, the living entities of biology and the thinking entities of psychology, sociology, and culture are entities that can be explained as arising from a physical base. Calling such phenomena mere matter-in-motion amounts to a caricature of that level of reality. On the other hand, the materialist claim that ultimately each of these has a physical base is a viable form of realism and far removed from the simplistic notion that only matter-in-motion is real.

It would be a gross distortion to claim that the sub-atomic reality studied by quantum physics and the atomic reality studied by atomic and nuclear physics is a study of matter-in-motion, as the sub-atomic particle-waves and the atoms are the basis for matter. It would be a gross distortion to say that electro-magnetic band, which includes visible light, radio waves, ultra-violet waves and other forms of energy, is just matter-in-motion. No knowledgeable scientific materialist would ever claim that such physical realities as electrical and magnetic energy are nothing but matter-in-motion.

To claim that the realities of living organisms, of beings with a complex central nervous system, and of persons with culture (language, science, art, mathematics) are nothing but matter-in-motion is to commit a gross reductionism, one which scientific realists (materialists) do not commit. To say that all living organism have a physical-chemical basis is not to say that the reality of living organisms is nothing but the sub-atomic particles, the atoms, and molecules which make up that living organism. Likewise to say that all beings with a complex central nervous system and those with complex, large brains have a physical-chemical basis is not to say that the reality of such beings reduces to a set of sub-atomic particles, atoms, and molecules which make up those beings. In short, the complexity of existence at the biological and psychological levels is not reducible to mere matter-in-motion.

DETERMINISM: The claim that all materialists must accept the truth of determinism is a false claim.

Universal determinism is a metaphysical philosophy that is not held by many scientific materialists. There is no compelling reason for holding that all physical reality is held together by a universal net of causal determinism. This view of a universal determinism is an old metaphysical philosophy that modern scientific thinkers have mostly abandoned because a number of factors that question that universal determinism; e.g., the indeterminism of quantum physics, the randomness that is found in physical and social reality, the chaotic aspects of much of physical reality and the complexity the characterizes much of physical reality, making claims of causal determinism to be claims of academic philosophy at best.

The fact that many of the sciences utilize a from of causal explanation, i.e., explain phenomena in terms of the conditions and processes that caused the phenomenon in question, does not imply that those sciences entail a metaphysics of universal determinism. When we consider human reality (action, behavior) at the cultural-sociological-historical level, claims of universal determinism governing human behavior are not at all tenable, since the ability to predict human behavior is very limited at best.

FREEDOM (sometimes called "free will"): The statement that a materialist philosophy implies the impossibility of free, independent action by human beings is a false statement.

The belief that materialism negates the possibility of free, purposive, and autonomous human behavior is a belief that rests on a particular, philosophical notion of 'freedom,' one which identifies free action with free will, and sees freedom and free will as being independent of all conditioning factors. Accordingly, if human behavior can be causally explained as arising from neurological factors, psychological conditioning, and such, it is held that such behavior is not free behavior. Only action that would take place in absolute independence of any determining factor would be considered free action or action indicative of free will.

There are good reasons for rejecting that notion of 'freedom,' which turns out to be a concept of metaphysical freedom held by many traditional philosophers, but one which has nothing to do with our ordinary, effective concept of freedom. A rough statement of our ordinary, effective notion of freedom is that one acts freely when one acts in accordance with one's desires and self-interest. In other words, one is not coerced or compelled to act by some determining force, external or internal. A modern materialist does not have any trouble accounting for the fact that humans make 'free' choices and rational decisions which are not just the outcome of factors beyond their control.

Even if one accepts some version of metaphysical determinism (and there are many reasons for rejecting such), many philosophers have developed views of human 'freedom' which are compatible with determinism. In other words, it does not follow that if one accepts determinism, the implication is one that denies human free, 'independent' action.

Dr. Juan Bernal PhD is a retired mainframe programmer with degrees in philosophy and Spanish literature.

Juan is the a managing blogger & author at PhilosophyLounge.com which covers various topics from western philosophy, religion, and history. PhilosophyLounge.com is a place were people can interact, debate, and contribute to the topics that interest them pertaining to philosophy.

Take some time and visit the blog for more exciting articles.

View the original article here

Philosophy of Coexistence

Society is the ultimate in human evolution. We live in a cohesive society which provides for all the human needs whether natural or nurtured. Cohesion is the most important factor in coexistence. Philosophy of coexistence is not a matter of debate but one of truth. Few of us really wonder the mechanics of our world and the society we live in. Cohesion and coexistence paved the way for human evolution and eventual domination of the planet. In earlier evolutionary phases of humanity, the acceptance of uniqueness of the individual paved the way for our development and progress. Humans tend to look to the nature for models for inspiration and emulate that is worthy. Usage of tools or body hygiene may have been picked from crows and cats. Use of shelters might have been forced by the nature and its vagaries but selection of domicile would have been influenced by cave dwelling animals. Plumage and cosmetics might be the result of watching the mating rituals of birds though the opposite gender in humans picked up the habit. Whatever the stage that was set and acted upon, humans were adaptable and agreeable to fellow humans. Animal kingdom had its own strict and rigid values that limited the individual development. Humans differed from animals in that basic sense. Animals had to tow the line or become an outcast. Humans accepted singular and distinctive tendencies and assimilated all positive (and some negative) traits into our culture. The basic philosophy of coexistence was established in character.

It is easy to make assumptions and deliberate on the theme. However, 'however' is a constant in human evolution. We progressed from stone-age to rocket science, however the progress had its consequences. We unraveled the secret of DNA and broke through the space barrier. However, we are still fighting maladies like cancer and AIDS. The world has shrunk due to supersonic travel and broadband. However we are yet to accustom ourselves to different beliefs and cultures. Pizza and sushi are ubiquitous, however we are yet to adopt family values or filial duties from the same cultures. Yoga and acupuncture are common practices however we are yet to assimilate collectiveness into our systems. Equality and level playing field is accepted as a fundamental right world over. However, we are yet to abandon caste and class and gender discrimination.

The next in line to the philosophy of coexistence is the medium of exchange. The proverb 'money is the root of all evils' does not stem from greed. Money or currency created isolated pockets of humankind. When the exchange was through barter interaction was unavoidable. Cohesiveness had meaning and only a cohesive society could exist under ideal conditions. When the medium of exchange was invented and put into practice, mankind changed its behavior. It created classes and creeds. Mankind lost its cohesiveness and the philosophy of coexistence took an about turn. It became coexistence between haves and have-nots. The change was inevitable considering the human tendency for change. However, the change became the 'root of all evils'. Discrimination became rampant and humanity was lost or acquired a different meaning. Philosophy of coexistence became that of serfdom and master class. It was not really coexistence but conformity. The world population attuned themselves to distinctive life styles.

The real philosophy of coexistence is the ability to accept different beliefs. Mankind developed the sense of Super Being since time immemorial. The original beliefs were about the unexplainable. Later this was refined to tenets and doctrines. The articulate spread beliefs which were logical and believable in existing circumstances. Arguments and postulations percolated to the commoners through reiterations and repetitions. Charisma and personality played its part in bringing cohesiveness to localized societies. However, this proved to be a detriment to the philosophy of coexistence. Different beliefs found it difficult to accommodate other ways of life. Conflicts occurred among different beliefs. One tried to dominate another and it lead to crusades. Two cultures stand out in this. Sanathan Dharma and Shinto were oriented towards oneness with nature and peaceful coexistence. These dogmas disregarded the human diversity and accepted the universal truth of uniqueness. The philosophy of coexistence is not dependent on give and take but of acceptance.

Author: Gangadharan Variyar
email: gangadharan_venoor@yahoo.co.in

View the original article here

The Philosophy of Nothing - A Good Coffee Shop Conversation

Have you ever pondered the possibility and power of a concept? How about the concept of nothing, the concept that there is a place somewhere, which is unknown, and can never be known, were nothing actually exists. And in this place of nothing, where ever it might be, where ever this concept might exist, it would be something at that point in time and space.

Are you beginning to see the philosophical conundrum in this? After all, nothing would have to be somewhere, some unknown location, and were ever that place might be, it is. And if it is, that is to say if it's been nothing is, then it exists and therefore nothing exists. But how can nothing exist when we see everything that we see. Is this just a fundamental circular argument of a flawed language or concept?

No, I don't think it is. In fact, if you read the book "Our Undiscovered Universe-Introducing All Physics-the Science of Uniform and Unconditional Reality" by Terence Witt. The author, a physicist takes us through all the mathematical equations which proves that nothing or null, does exist, and it exists everywhere, and that nothing is part of something, therefore everything and nothing have always existed, because they have to.

1. Nothing is Nowhere Because It Is Something And Always Has Been
2. Behind Everything Must Be Nothing
3. If Nothing Were Possible, Then It Would Be Something After All
4. If Nothing Is Nowhere, Then It Must Be Everywhere, Where Else Could It Be?

Now then, if you like to engage your mind, and you have a friend who would like to do the same, then may I suggest you go down to Starbucks and order an extra large latte with extra shots, and ponder the four statements above. I think what you'll find is all four statements are true, and you cannot reason your way out of it. And yes it might be a philosophical conundrum, but it also appears to be the reality of the world we live in as well as mathematically proven from a physics standpoint.

If you've always believed in the concept of nothing, which is a hard concept to grasp in the first place, from a definitional standpoint; that is to say the Oxford Dictionary definition. Even in the Oxford Dictionary itself has a hard time grasping a relevant definition. Indeed, I'd like you to please consider all this and think on it, and if you have any comments, questions, or concerns I'd like you to send me an e-mail. Bring your mind, and your philosophy hat and let's talk.

Lance Winslow is the Founder of the Online Think Tank, a diverse group of achievers, experts, innovators, entrepreneurs, thinkers, futurists, academics, dreamers, leaders, and general all around brilliant minds. Lance Winslow hopes you've enjoyed today's discussion and topic. http://www.worldthinktank.net/ - Have an important subject to discuss, contact Lance Winslow.

View the original article here

The Taoism and Confucianism Philosophy Underneath Zhang Yimou's "The Road Home"

Introduction

Taoism and Confucianism have been imprinted in Chinese literature and have reached far beyond the world of the written word. We see a number of Chinese arts, such as architecture, sculpture, painting and music, which also display the teaching of Taoism and Confucianism. It is, however, more obvious with Chinese literature for in it we see the application of these philosophies in the Chinese people's everyday living.

Literature is life; such a cliche may not need further explanation. In studying one literary work representing a nation, one can easily understand that nation's way of living, the people's beliefs, and the people's philosophy.

In the movie, "The Road Home," one sees the film as an honest representation of a Chinese's way of life. Indeed, watching the film with an eye for the Taoists and Confucians thought, one could understand the film much better and deeper. This paper aims to look at the film's characters in their portrayal of the Taoist and Confucian beliefs.

The Taoist Philosophy underneath "The Road Home"

The title of the film itself has an obvious foundation for the Taoist Philosophy. Tao means "way" or "road," and so The Road Home is an obvious and direct application of the Taoist philosophy. Though the original story came from the novel of Bao Shin, Remembrance, it does not have the same focus or even theme that it reflects.

Even in the beginning of the movie, the road has been the first and foremost image to be introduced. It does not only show how long the journey from the city to the village but it also symbolizes the long and winding road to the hearts of the characters' parents. The narrator seems to be "far away" from his parents. He seems so unfamiliar with them. The road has done well in symbolizing this gap. With the road and the narrator, an implication of the Taoist thought may be derived. The Taoist believes that human beings are an integral part of the universe; they only become dark when they have forced themselves to do something and become competitive. The narrator is a good example of this self-assertion. He is from the city, and therefore has imbibed in himself the competitive nature of the city life. Unlike his father before him who has settled in a remote village to be a teacher for the poor, he has obviously embraced the city life. At least in the end, as a consolation, he has taught the pupils of the village for a day before going back to the city. He wants somehow to feel what his father has felt in standing in front of the students. The school building then would be replaced by a new one. Most probably, his being there in the end teaching the pupils is a foreshadowing of his life-long commitment in continuing the legacy of his father.

The Confucianism underneath "The Road Home"

There seems to be more Confucian thought obvious in the film than the Taoists.

One of the basic teachings of Confucianism is reform in the government. In the movie, the teacher has been called from the village to the city to answer some political inquiry. Some critics have interpreted these calls as part of the troubles of the government during the era of the Anti-Rightist Campaign. Whatever that is, the fact that reforms in the government are being done is obviously from Confucianism.

Another obvious Confucian teachings in the movie are the lessons of the teacher, the father of the narrator. These are respect for the elders and the authority, studying well, and call for close family bonds. The respect for elders has been obviously seen in the movie, and also in any other Asian film. Not only that the elders in the film were respected, this teaching has been repeated again and again in the movie. The westerns are the only people who have probably less respect for the elders, but that is beyond the point.

Authority should also be respected; that is why Luo, the teacher, has gone to the city and also accepted the punishment for leaving the city when Zhao Di got sick. He could have run away from the orders of the government and live with his beloved but he waited for the right time, and followed the orders of his superiors.

Education has been probably the main focus of the Confucian thought. The film's protagonist is an uneducated young woman, yet, the other is a highly respected and educated young man. Even in the film, the young woman's illiteracy has been addressed as something ugly. However, since the love of the woman surpasses any known philosophy or theory, love becomes the victor. Although, education still is the most important thing in the film. Obviously, from the story of the narrator's parents we see the symbols for these: the school, the teachings of the young man, the teacher himself, the rehabilitation of the school and the teaching session of the narrator in the school. Though the female protagonist is uneducated, the fact that her object of love is a teacher should not be overlooked. This can be interpreted as her desire to have someone educated to be her partner to fill her shortcomings; although, that interpretation may like somehow forcing the issue.

Some other obvious Confucian teachings present in the film are faithfulness, loyalty, and courage. Zhao Di's courage to fight for her love no matter what is very admirable. She was also very faithful and loyal. She waited for her beloved until she got sick. In the end, she got her reward, her beloved came to her. She is luckier compared to other people who have been longing for their love ones to reciprocate the love they are giving but failed. Well, it may be just the same with reciprocity, another Confucian teaching. Love begets love, as the cliche goes, but it is true for the Confucians.

Somehow though, one cannot help to think that she is luckier still compared to other Chinese. She has been lucky not to be condemned by society by getting married by someone she loves, or probably just by showing her affection to Lou. It should be bear in mind that Chinese ladies cannot choose their husbands. Their parents usually arranged their marriage with someone whom they have never seen before. So, in the movie, falling in love is something new. That's the reason why their love story became famous. Still the same, she is lucky not to have been condemned by society.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the movie has successfully shown the way of life of the Chinese. In one way or another, the Taoist and Confucian thought has been imbibed in the film. The symbol of the road has also been present all throughout the film; it is a great symbol for Confucianism and Taoism. Though it may be difficult for others to see the symbolism of the road without any background knowledge of the two Chinese philosophies, the movie itself may give away the meaning of the road. Wholly, the film is a great work of art worthy to have won numerous awards.

Mark Anthony G. Moyano Instructor
Central Luzon State University
Science City of Munoz, Nueva Ecija
Philippines

Ph. D. in Literature (in progress)
Philippine Normal University

View the original article here

Thank You Letter - My Appreciation For the Philosophy of Seneca

If one were to look closely into the values, lessons, and ideals that are presently taught by many today, one would discover that these teachings are not new, nor are they original. It is my firm belief that all spiritual, philosophical, and social ideals originate from past enlightenments and have merely been restructured and rephrased to fit the modern context of today. It is with this in mind that I would like to extend my appreciation through this thank you letter to one of the forefathers of the values most of us abide in today, the Roman philosopher, Seneca the Younger.

Dear Seneca,

The ancient philosophy you taught during your time has proven to be relevant even for modern wisdom. I, for one, have been moved by your teachings and have tried to live according to the many values you wrote about in a number of your essays and letters. This thank you letter is for that.

One of my personal favorites is when you wrote "Poor wretches, whose appetite is only tempted by expensive foods", referring to the concept that true wealth should never be measured by mere possessions but by having the time and opportunity to do what you want, make a difference, and take control of your own life. This is a philosophy that was adopted by author Tim Ferris (another one of the individuals I hold in high esteem and follow) in his book the 4-Hour Workweek. Realizing the truth in that concept has somewhat affected my own approach to what is important in my life and how I should manage my time.

I find equally agreeable your notion that happiness and contentment do not reside in extravagance or in the quest to amass as much material belongings, but instead is found in temperance, experience, and enlightenment through education. I think that this is certainly fitting, maybe even more so, in the world we live in today, wherein people seem to equate success with having more of everything that can be bought. Living my life with your idea has certainly made me more content.

There are many formulas to happiness, success, and life that are being taught today that, in truth, I feel are all derivations of your ancient teachings. I believe that this shows how we cannot take ancient wisdom like yours for granted. Also, if we were ever to extend appreciation for the concepts that govern our lives now, we should give our "thank you" to you for coming up with most of it.

Accept my thank you letter as a sign of my gratitude for all the uplifting lessons that you have imparted on me, which have positively affected my life and for proving my theory that much of what we know now, we can trace all the way back to ancient history.

Gratefully,

Raffy Chan

You too may feel the need to express your gratitude in the form of a thank you letter to someone who has made a difference in your life. Visit http://thankyoumessages.org/ for more inspiration and insight into the importance of expressing your thanks.

View the original article here