Are you a materialist or a dualist?

ajblaise · 11-07-2008, 06:58 AM

Materialism

The philosophy of materialism holds that the only thing that can be truly proven to exist is matter, and is considered a form of physicalism. Fundamentally, all things are composed of material and all phenomena (including consciousness) are the result of material interactions; therefore, matter is the only substance.
Materialism - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Dualist

In philosophy of mind, dualism is a set of views about the relationship between mind and matter, which begins with the claim that mental phenomena are, in some respects, non-physical.
Dualism (philosophy of mind - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia)

I'm a materialist. Believing in dualism (and often by extension - souls, spirits, God(s), New Age..) sounds nice, but I know the main arguments in favor of dualism, and none convince me so far or cause me to doubt materialism. The 'subjectivity of mental states' argument is I think the strongest argument for dualism.

I'd like to what you all think on the subject and where you stand.

Jack Flak · 11-07-2008, 06:59 AM

I believe in Quality.

Orangey · 11-07-2008, 07:01 AM

Well, in the words of my professor, "Descartes, damn your hide!"

ThatGirl · 11-07-2008, 07:02 AM

I believe there are things I cannot comprehend, one way or another there is always more than what meets the eye

ajblaise · 11-07-2008, 07:04 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ThatGirl

I believe there are things I cannot comprehend, one way or another there is always more than what meets the eye

Alright, but I don't think that really negates materialism. Do you believe these things you can't comprehend are still made of matter?

ThatGirl · 11-07-2008, 07:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ajblaise

Alright, but I don't think that really negates materialism. Do you believe these things you can't comprehend are still made of matter?

I dont believe I contain the knowlegde to conclude something like that.

People thought the earth was flat, because they didn't know any better. Unless you believe we have somehow maxed out our understanding of what exists in matter form, ....eh I am just not so quick to conclude anything, and like to think there is more than what we know as truth now.

Whatever that may be.

Orangey · 11-07-2008, 07:09 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ThatGirl

I dont believe I contain the knowlegde to conclude something like that.

People thought the earth was flat, because they didn't know any better. Unless you believe we have somehow maxed out our understanding of what exists in matter form, ....eh I am just not so quick to conclude anything, and like to think there is more than what we know as truth now.

Whatever that may be.

The bolded does not equal materialism.

ThatGirl · 11-07-2008, 07:13 AM

then I cant answer that. I believe there are things I am still unsure of.

I guess then dualism for me? I guess it is the whole double standered, unless you can prove it does or doesnt exist, I don't make a decision.

Peguy · 11-07-2008, 07:13 AM

Neither.

ajblaise · 11-07-2008, 07:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Peguy

Neither.

Care to explain how your view isn't compatible with either?

View Poll Results: Which one best represents your view?
Materialism	23	50.00%
Dualism	23	50.00%
Voters: 46. You may not vote on this poll

11-07-2008, 06:58 AM	#1 (permalink)
ajblaise On the job Join Date: Aug 2008 Type: INTP Location: New York Posts: 6,015	Are you a materialist or a dualist? Materialism The philosophy of materialism holds that the only thing that can be truly proven to exist is matter, and is considered a form of physicalism. Fundamentally, all things are composed of material and all phenomena (including consciousness) are the result of material interactions; therefore, matter is the only substance. Materialism - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia Dualist In philosophy of mind, dualism is a set of views about the relationship between mind and matter, which begins with the claim that mental phenomena are, in some respects, non-physical. Dualism (philosophy of mind - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia) I'm a materialist. Believing in dualism (and often by extension - souls, spirits, God(s), New Age..) sounds nice, but I know the main arguments in favor of dualism, and none convince me so far or cause me to doubt materialism. The 'subjectivity of mental states' argument is I think the strongest argument for dualism. I'd like to what you all think on the subject and where you stand.

11-07-2008, 07:01 AM	#3 (permalink)
Orangey Blah Join Date: Jun 2008 Type: INTP Location: The place where I'm at Posts: 2,512	Well, in the words of my professor, "Descartes, damn your hide!" __________________ Artes, Scientia, Veritasiness

11-07-2008, 07:13 AM	#9 (permalink)
Peguy Neo-Landsknecht Join Date: May 2008 Type: INFJ Posts: 6,837	Neither. __________________ "I had no taste for defeat — much less victory — without a fight." --Yukio Mishima INFJ 4w5

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11-07-2008, 06:59 AM	#2 (permalink)
Jack Flak Banned Join Date: Jul 2008 Type: INTP Location: The Everlasting Sky Posts: 9,313	I believe in Quality.

11-07-2008, 07:02 AM	#4 (permalink)
ThatGirl Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2008 Type: ENTJ Posts: 2,573	I believe there are things I cannot comprehend, one way or another there is always more than what meets the eye

11-07-2008, 07:13 AM	#8 (permalink)
ThatGirl Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2008 Type: ENTJ Posts: 2,573	then I cant answer that. I believe there are things I am still unsure of. I guess then dualism for me? I guess it is the whole double standered, unless you can prove it does or doesnt exist, I don't make a decision.

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