Register | Sign In


Understanding through Discussion


EvC Forum active members: 64 (9164 total)
2 online now:
Newest Member: ChatGPT
Post Volume: Total: 916,804 Year: 4,061/9,624 Month: 932/974 Week: 259/286 Day: 20/46 Hour: 1/1


Thread  Details

Email This Thread
Newer Topic | Older Topic
  
Author Topic:   For Joralex - Metaphysics, Science, & Evolution
Loudmouth
Inactive Member


Message 6 of 33 (59769)
10-06-2003 1:47 PM
Reply to: Message 2 by MrHambre
10-05-2003 11:59 PM


I'm not aware of any instance in which metaphysical naturalism was insufficient in determining the relevant variables in an experimental framework. If anyone would like to offer a situation in which scrapping the foundation of contemporary scientific methodology has aided scientific progress, I'd like to hear it.
I find it helpful in such arguments to cut things down to the bare minimum. For example, methodological naturalism (MN) has found that 2+2=4. Is it possible, through a metaphysical framework, that 2+2=not 4 because we are not looking at all the variables including those not covered by MN? If we start to assume that 2+2=not 4, then even the foundation of all science/physical experience is thrown into chaos and not reliable even for basic observations. If metaphysics is able to prove that 2+2=4, at what point are metaphysics and physical observation at odds? Is there an obvious border where physical observation loses meaning and metaphysics must be taken into account?

This message is a reply to:
 Message 2 by MrHambre, posted 10-05-2003 11:59 PM MrHambre has not replied

  
Loudmouth
Inactive Member


Message 12 of 33 (59823)
10-06-2003 8:45 PM
Reply to: Message 1 by mark24
10-05-2003 8:21 PM


Since Joralex won't give us a brief summary, I have found a brief introduction to metaphysics here.
From the opening page:
"What is Metaphysics?
Metaphysics is the branch of philosophy responsible for the study of existence. It is the foundation of a worldview. It answers the question "What is?" It encompasses everything that exists, as well as the nature of existence itself. It says whether the world is real, or merely an illusion. It is a fundamental view of the world around us.
Why is Metaphysics important?
Metaphysics is the foundation of philosophy. Without an explanation or an interpretation of the world around us, we would be helpless to deal with reality. We could not feed ourselves, or act to preserve our lives. The degree to which our metaphysical worldview is correct is the degree to which we are able to comprehend the world, and act accordingly. Without this firm foundation, all knowledge becomes suspect. Any flaw in our view of reality will make it more difficult to live.
What are the key elements of a rational metaphysics?
Reality is absolute. It has a specific nature independent of our thoughts or feelings. The world around us is real. It has a specific nature and it must be consistent to that nature. A proper metaphysical worldview must aim to understand reality correctly.
The physical world exists, and every entity has a specific nature. It acts according to that nature. When different entities interact, they do so according to the nature of both. Every action has a cause and an effect. Causality is the means by which change occurs, but the change occurs via a specific nature. "
An important point from the first page is "The degree to which our metaphysical worldview is correct is the degree to which we are able to comprehend the world, and act accordingly" which says to me that not all worldviews are equal.

This message is a reply to:
 Message 1 by mark24, posted 10-05-2003 8:21 PM mark24 has not replied

Replies to this message:
 Message 13 by sidelined, posted 10-07-2003 11:33 AM Loudmouth has not replied

  
Newer Topic | Older Topic
Jump to:


Copyright 2001-2023 by EvC Forum, All Rights Reserved

™ Version 4.2
Innovative software from Qwixotic © 2024