kokobob.com

A Pragmatic Approach to Metaphysics for Secular Thinkers

Written on

Chapter 1: Understanding Metaphysics in a Secular Context

In the realm of philosophy, many atheists align themselves with a form of naturalism. However, one might ask: Is defending naturalism as challenging as upholding theism, particularly regarding its metaphysical aspects? How should secular thinkers conceptualize the essence of existence without invoking a personal deity?

Metaphysics delves into the foundational principles of existence, particularly ontology, which explores the nature of being. The scientific revolution has fundamentally altered Western philosophy's approach. Historically, philosophers and theologians held a more naïve perspective on human reasoning's limitations. While ancient and medieval skeptics existed, skepticism became more prominent as epistemology emerged, particularly as Western scholars sought to reconcile their understanding with the triumphant advances of scientific inquiry.

For example, René Descartes ignited doubts about knowledge in his quest for philosophical certainty. Concurrently, David Hume's empiricism cast skepticism not only on religious beliefs but also on scientific principles, including causality and inductive reasoning.

Thus, metaphysics has evolved. Immanuel Kant remarked in his "Critique of Pure Reason" (1781) that metaphysics, once revered as “the queen of the sciences,” has faced widespread disdain in contemporary thought.

Speculation about first principles still holds value. Humans possess an innate ability to perceive patterns, akin to recognizing faces in clouds or shadows. We can apply rational methods to a myriad of inquiries, though we must remain cautious about the reliability of such abstract explorations. A pragmatic and skeptical attitude, infused with irony, aligns well with our hypermodern context.

Consider an atheist asserting that everything is natural. In earlier centuries, such a statement might have been seen as a deductive conclusion, presented as an irrefutable proof. However, over a century of analytic philosophy has taught us that deductions rely on conceptual analyses, which are often practical models. Abstract concepts divorced from experience are mere fictions, evaluated through aesthetic and moral lenses rather than solely empirical ones. When we discuss “truth” in fiction, we refer to wisdom, where narratives can elucidate moral lessons or social dilemmas.

Furthermore, naturalism, while rooted in scientific triumphs, also invites skepticism regarding purely theoretical reasoning. The history of science has consistently challenged established intuitions and dogmas. For instance, the once-accepted notion that Earth holds a central position in the universe has been dramatically overturned. Similarly, Euclid's assertion that parallel lines never converge and the belief that species were divinely crafted have been dismantled by thinkers like Copernicus, Einstein, and Darwin.

How, then, should contemporary atheists perceive naturalism? They might assert that everything is natural, denying the existence of miracles or supernatural agents. However, this assertion should not be regarded as a rational proof. Rather, it resembles a myth—a narrative that glorifies the achievements of science, just as supernaturalism narrates human power structures.

When contemplating such broad concepts, absent the rigors of theoretical physics or scientific cosmology, we attempt to frame our worldview with an overarching narrative characterized by innovative ideas. Naturalists may claim that “nature” is the ultimate category, while supernaturalists might assert “God” as the defining concept.

While we can support these broad ideas with reasoning and conceptual analysis, such arguments do not offer conclusive persuasion. Secularists who maintain that nothing exists beyond nature lack rational justification for their belief. Instead, their position often intertwines with faith and political motivations. Naturalists may reject supernatural notions as detrimental to societal progress or morally objectionable.

We can label discussions about existence as “metaphysical,” yet we should not uphold the traditional mystique associated with this discipline in light of contemporary scientific perspectives. Metaphysics tends to be more academic, whereas religious myths often reflect folk traditions. In the case of naturalism, metaphysical generalizations primarily focus on inanimate phenomena, contrasting with the human-centric narratives of traditional myths.

Does this ironic skepticism imply that naturalists lack the foundation to critique supernaturalism and theism? Not necessarily. Discerning taste in art exists beyond mere subjectivity; some artistic expressions resonate more profoundly than others.

Naturalism’s strength lies in its undeniable relevance to our modern era. As scientific institutions proliferate and enhance our empirical understanding, it is imperative to integrate these advancements into our worldview if we strive for intellectual integrity.

Critics of naturalism often argue that it fails to explain complexities like consciousness or morality, leveraging the theistic “God-of-the-gaps” strategy. This approach is questionable for several reasons. Many historical mysteries once deemed inscrutable have been demystified. Moreover, the natural universe—rich with astonishing phenomena, from countless alien worlds to intricate quantum mechanics—poses no greater enigma than consciousness or morality.

In what manner can we categorize these phenomena as “natural”? If black holes and consciousness are deemed natural, does “natural” become as vacuous as “God”? Potentially, yes. In this case, naturalism serves as an atheistic myth that bolsters secular humanistic values and consumerism. However, we can infuse greater meaning into naturalism by approaching the concept of “nature” pragmatically, encompassing everything explainable through scientific or atheistic philosophical frameworks, potentially applicable in various industries.

What would render consciousness supernatural? If it resists scientific understanding or atheistic explanations as an emergent property of the brain, it might initially seem immune to analysis due to its inherently subjective nature. How can scientists, who rely on objectivity, engage with the essence of subjectivity? Similarly, physicists grapple with the mysteries within black holes, where the very fabric of space and time is in question.

This juncture illustrates the potential necessity of philosophy alongside science. Even if the hard problem of consciousness—the nature of qualia—remains unaddressed by science, cognitive science has linked consciousness to natural objects, specifically the brain and evolutionary processes. Therefore, consciousness is not an inexplicable mystery; we have established a robust correlation between neural states and consciousness, surpassing historical religious understanding.

As I have posited previously, it is more rational to assert that living, conscious, and intelligent beings are anti-natural rather than supernatural. This distinction may stem from a misunderstanding of the need for an additional ontological substance.

Life, rather than being miraculous or wholly unnatural, exhibits anti-natural characteristics by opposing entropy, a feat made possible as nature tends to obliterate what it creates. Organisms interact with their environment in a selectively discriminatory manner, guided by genetic coding. Intelligent beings are inclined to civilize their surroundings, fostering humanistic, Promethean cultures that may ultimately prove either tragically heroic or foolishly self-destructive.

In any case, the concept of naturalism is far clearer than that of supernaturalism, positioning it to prevail by default as terms like “God,” “Heaven,” “miracle,” and “divine revelation” crumble under even minimal philosophical or scientific examination.

Historically, supernaturalism and theism enjoyed a stronghold due to their intuitive appeal. However, as science has dismantled those intuitions, the metaphysical framework built upon them has faltered. Naturalism, while counterintuitive, reflects a universe devoid of deities, characterized by absurdity, amorality, and inhumanity. Such a humbling ontology embraces the implications of scientific discovery.

Supernaturalism falters because its representations lack the depth to withstand late-modern cultural irony. Theistic metaphysics diminishes ultimate reality by anthropomorphizing it within our imaginations, while naturalism encourages a respect for cosmic truth by urging us to abandon outdated intuitions and strive to humanize nature through the practical application of scientific theories.

I publish my writings on Medium as both paperback and eBook formats, available on Amazon. If you're interested in supporting my work, you can explore titles such as "Our Oddity in Deep Time," "Aristocrats in the Wild," and "Questing for Epiphanies in a Haunted House," each containing over 500 pages of my reflections on philosophy, religion, and politics.

Chapter 2: Insights from Contemporary Philosophical Dialogues

The first video, "Metaphysics & Religion After Modernity," features a panel discussion that delves into the evolving relationship between metaphysics and religion in the modern world, exploring how contemporary thinkers navigate these concepts.

The second video, "Mary versus Secularism (BONUS: Metaphysics of the Middle)," presents an engaging seminar that examines the interplay between religious figures and secular philosophies, highlighting key metaphysical debates.

Share the page:

Twitter Facebook Reddit LinkIn

-----------------------

Recent Post:

Transform Your Life: Embrace Change for a Brighter Future!

Discover strategies to reshape your life and find fulfillment through proactive habits and self-reflection.

# Top 5 Cozy Movies to Embrace When Life Gets Heavy

Discover five heartwarming films that provide comfort and joy during tough times.

Overcoming Overthinking: A Life-Changing Tale of Death

Discover how a profound story about Death helped me conquer my overthinking and embrace a more fulfilling life.

Unlocking LinkedIn: A Guide for Introverts to Thrive Online

Discover how introverts can effectively navigate LinkedIn while maximizing their energy and business growth.

Running a Mile Daily: Benefits, Risks, and Insights

Exploring the advantages and potential risks of running one mile daily, including expert insights and practical tips for a balanced routine.

A Comprehensive Guide to USDA Agricultural Data Analysis

Explore the USDA's agricultural data trends using R for enhanced insights.

Rediscovering the Joy of Genuine Laughter in Today's World

Exploring the decline of authentic laughter and seeking ways to revive it in our lives.

Exciting Transition: Embracing Full-Time YouTube Content Creation

After nearly two decades in a corporate job, I'm going full-time with YouTube, eager to share my journey and insights.