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submitted 3 days ago* (last edited 3 days ago) by QueenHawlSera@sh.itjust.works to c/askscience@lemmy.world

Physicalism or materialism. The idea that everything there is arises from physical matter. If true would mean there is no God or Free Will, no immortal soul either.

Seems to be what most of academia bases their world view on and the frame work in which most Science is done.

Often challenged by Dualism and Idealism but only by a loud fringe minority.

I've heard pan-psychicism is proving quite the challenge, but I hear that from people who believe crystals can cure autism

I hear that "Oh actually the science is moving away from materialism" as well, but that seems to be more crystal talk as well.

So lemme ask science instead of google.

Any reason to doubt physicalism? Is there anything in science that says "Huh well that seems to not have any basis in the physical at all and yet it exists"

Edit: I have heard of the Essentia Foundation and Bernado Kastrup but since it's endorsed by Deepak Chopra I'm not sure I can trust it

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[-] GreyEyedGhost@piefed.ca 2 points 2 days ago

That's precisely why I chose string theory, because it does have value, even if it can't be tested at this time. Yet, even though little can be done to advance it, shrugging and ignoring it won't change that state, if you're a scientist.

As for the pondering of philosophers, there is a good chance that many of their questions will never be answered, and yes, there would be little value to study them, as a scientist. But that qualifier has a dramatic effect on your previous statements.

this post was submitted on 05 Dec 2025
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