Free Republic
Browse · Search
News/Activism
Topics · Post Article

To: js1138
We have no way to know the limits of material existence -- so the use of "materialism" and "materialst" as pejoratives is simply ignorant.

But I protest!!! Ever since James Clerk Maxwell, and through DeBroglie, the classical idea of matter has had to be "substantially" modified. If (as you say) I am using the terms "materialist" and "materialism" with perjorative intent it is only because, historically at least, these terms have referred to people and theories that are driven by the idea of "matter," not only in its classical sense, but also in its sense of being the "real" polar opposite of a fictitious "something" that does not/cannot exist: that is, the soul (psyche, that complex of consciousness, mind, will).

I don't think my use of the term in the context I gave was/is "ignorant."

662 posted on 02/19/2003 12:41:46 PM PST by betty boop
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 658 | View Replies ]


To: betty boop
the idea of "matter," not only in its classical sense, but also in its sense of being the "real" polar opposite of a fictitious "something" that does not/cannot exist: that is, the soul (psyche, that complex of consciousness, mind, will

I would never think of you and the word ignorant in the same mental breath. There are, however, posters who use materalism as a pejorative.

I maintain that there is no reason to assume a need for dualism. Matter, as it has been understood for the past hundred years, is complex enough to account for the mental world as well as the physical. We certainly don't have a detailed understanding of how this works, but we make steady progress. No brick walls have jumped in the path.

I firmly believe the body is required for the existence of the mind. This is my opinion, not a fact. Of course I grew up being taught the resurection of the body, and have on numerous occasions, sung an anthem with the words "I, in my body, will see God".

I believe material existence to be infinitely deep and complex, and completely seamless with all of existence.

666 posted on 02/19/2003 1:03:21 PM PST by js1138
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 662 | View Replies ]

Free Republic
Browse · Search
News/Activism
Topics · Post Article


FreeRepublic, LLC, PO BOX 9771, FRESNO, CA 93794
FreeRepublic.com is powered by software copyright 2000-2008 John Robinson