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Has there ever been a viable alternative to the phsycialist model of the universe? (sh.itjust.works)
submitted 1 week ago* (last edited 1 week ago) by QueenHawlSera@sh.itjust.works to c/askscience@lemmy.world
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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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[-] QueenHawlSera@sh.itjust.works 1 points 1 day ago

What do you think energy is?

[-] Krudler@lemmy.world 2 points 1 day ago

I don't discuss things with leading questions.

If you have something to say, say it.

[-] QueenHawlSera@sh.itjust.works 1 points 23 hours ago

No I'm genuinely asking because I'm worried you're defining it as something spiritual

[-] Krudler@lemmy.world 2 points 4 hours ago* (last edited 4 hours ago)

Friend.

I do not discuss with leading questions or statements made to elicit responses.

Those are disingenuous and bad faith methods of approaching dialogue.

I'm very interested in physics, astrophysics, particle physics, quantum mechanics, chemistry, all of the things that go into what makes the universe tick. But I can't tell you what energy is, my buddy who is finishing his PhD in astrophysics relating to black holes wouldn't be able to tell you what energy is. We don't know, it's just energy.

[-] QueenHawlSera@sh.itjust.works 1 points 2 hours ago

Okay good because I was worried this was heading in a different direction

I've heard too many claim the universe is energy and then define energy as this spiritual essence.. then say some shit like "it's idealism"

this post was submitted on 05 Dec 2025
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