How certain is materialism/physicalism as a description of ultimate reality?

Lets define three concepts which you have introduced. So let's look up physicalism. Sounds over my head! Let's stick with your term materialism for now.On to Metaphysics The dictionary reference goes on to say this:

Websters:

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Just as physics deals with the laws that govern the physical world (such as those of gravity or the properties of waves), metaphysics describes what is beyond physics—the nature and origin of reality itself, the immortal soul, and the existence of a supreme being. Opinions about these metaphysical topics vary widely since what's being discussed can't be observed or measured or even truly known to exist. So most metaphysical questions are still as far from a final answer as they were when Plato and Aristotle were asking them.

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The Websters reference provided one more notable insight:

quote:

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The 1964 discovery of evidence supporting the big bang theory immediately elevated cosmology from metaphysics to hard science. — Richard Panek, Scientific American, 14 Nov. 2023

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So which way do you want to go with this topic, LNA?

So is this a philosophical discussion or a scientific one?And what is it that you wish to discuss?

You seem to want to engage in dialogue around here, and I have grown to accept you, hoping you will stay on topic. Keep in mind that you started this topic. You can run with and expand upon your ideas in Message 1The peanut gallery is composed of the Boss, Percy as well as Tany and Xongsmith.(I mention them together as they usually both like the same posts) Tangle fits in there as does Taq, though Taq is distinct. PaulK is a veteran PG member who is not afraid to debate with the PG(peanut Gallery) crowd. dwise1 has a special disdain for Biblical Creationists and has debated them for many years. What I like about him is that he often goes out of his way to explain his reasoning in great detail, often embellishing personal anecdotes into his replies. Then we have Theodoric. He can come across as gruff and demanding, but he will challenge you to stay on topic and provide further explanations for your assertions in Message 1To know EvC is to know the peanut gallery. There are a few other members that contribute less frequently but who read along with the conversations as well.

Hey Boss! Quick question before i am out the door...
Is philosophy a scientific topic?As far as your question to LNA, I think he went with the quote I linked from Websters:

Websters:

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Just as physics deals with the laws that govern the physical world (such as those of gravity or the properties of waves), metaphysics describes what is beyond physics—the nature and origin of reality itself, the immortal soul, and the existence of a supreme being. Opinions about these metaphysical topics vary widely since what's being discussed can't be observed or measured or even truly known to exist. So most metaphysical questions are still as far from a final answer as they were when Plato and Aristotle were asking them.

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LNA is just trying to fit in to our endless banter. Perhaps we can help him frame this topic.

What study are you linking to?

I noted that this topic was moved from the Coffee House to the "Is It Science" thread...perhaps to distinguish faith and belief from philosophy in general.Now I am going to reintroduce Theos questions. So here we go.As a side note, I can see why you wanted a more relaxed Coffee House atmosphere, but lets go with the Admins framework of Is It Science?
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Wow?

I did not coin the phrase. Perhaps I need to edit my heading.