Materialism - Revision history

Fractalguy at 01:41, 10 January 2026

2026-01-10T01:41:02Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 01:41, 10 January 2026
Line 18:		Line 18:

	== Spirit is Emergence ==		== Spirit is Emergence ==
			[[File:Bell-curve-of-duality.jpeg\|right\|frameless\|350x350px]]
	[[Spiritual]] terminology and dualistic [[philosophies]] are [[historically]] employed to describe phenomenon that we now know as [[Emergent property\|emergent]]. It is how we [[traditionally]] describe the [[holistic]] behavior of the [[brain]], [[societies]], and the [[universe]]. Until the [[emergence]] of the [[concept]] of [[emergence]], it was not possible to describe the aggregate behavior of [[complex systems]] using [[scientific]] language.		[[Spiritual]] terminology and dualistic [[philosophies]] are [[historically]] employed to describe phenomenon that we now know as [[Emergent property\|emergent]]. It is how we [[traditionally]] describe the [[holistic]] behavior of the [[brain]], [[societies]], and the [[universe]]. Until the [[emergence]] of the [[concept]] of [[emergence]], it was not possible to describe the aggregate behavior of [[complex systems]] using [[scientific]] language.

Fractalguy at 23:44, 29 November 2025

2025-11-29T23:44:23Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 23:44, 29 November 2025
Line 9:		Line 9:

	== Mind Over Matter ==		== Mind Over Matter ==
	[[wikipedia:Mind–body_dualism\|Dualism]] asserts that the [[subjective]] experience of [[consciousness]] is often [[Believe\|believed]] to exist outside of the material plane. However, since it is simply a by-product of [[neural]] processes in the [[brain]], and it does not have any [[wikipedia:Downward_causation\|downward causality]] that would lead to [[free will]], it should not be seen as conflicting with a purely materialist view of [[reality]]. <blockquote>''"There are two worlds we live in: a material world, bound by the laws of physics, and the world inside our mind, which is just as important."'' -[[wikipedia:Alan_Moore\|Alan Moore]] </blockquote>[[Emergent property\|Emergent]] dualism distinguishes between physical matter and the [[mind]] that emerges at sufficient levels of [[complexity]]. Similar to the practical definition of [[free will]], this definition simply describes different modalities in the behavior of matter, rather than a non-material agent.		[[wikipedia:Mind–body_dualism\|Dualism]] asserts that the [[subjective]] experience of [[consciousness]] is often [[Believe\|believed]] to exist outside of the material plane. However, since it is simply a by-product of [[neural]] processes in the [[brain]], and it does not have any [[wikipedia:Downward_causation\|downward causality]] that would lead to [[free will]], it should not be seen as conflicting with a purely materialist view of [[reality]]. <blockquote>''"There are two worlds we live in: a material world, bound by the laws of physics, and the world inside our mind, which is just as important."'' -[[wikipedia:Alan_Moore\|Alan Moore]] </blockquote>
			[[File:You-matter-until-you-c2-then-you-energy.png\|right\|frameless\|300x300px]]
			[[Emergent property\|Emergent]] dualism distinguishes between physical matter and the [[mind]] that emerges at sufficient levels of [[complexity]]. Similar to the practical definition of [[free will]], this definition simply describes different modalities in the behavior of matter, rather than a non-material agent.

	More simply put, [[mind]] is [[Allegory\|like]] how we describe the behavior of a beehive or ant colony. Those things "exist" and exhibit their own "agency" which is useful to describe their behavior, even though they are just [[emergent properties]] of large collections of bees or ants.		More simply put, [[mind]] is [[Allegory\|like]] how we describe the behavior of a beehive or ant colony. Those things "exist" and exhibit their own "agency" which is useful to describe their behavior, even though they are just [[emergent properties]] of large collections of bees or ants.

Fractalguy at 15:23, 17 February 2025

2025-02-17T15:23:03Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 15:23, 17 February 2025
Line 4:		Line 4:
	Energy also redirects here, since matter and energy are [[wikipedia:Mass–energy_equivalence\|interchangeable]].		Energy also redirects here, since matter and energy are [[wikipedia:Mass–energy_equivalence\|interchangeable]].

	The principles of [[logic]] and [[time]] can be said to exist outside the material [[universe]], but that is only because these are [[inevitable]] principles of [[reality]], not immaterial beings.<blockquote>''"Subject the material world to the higher ends by understanding it in all its relations to daily life and action."'' -[[wikipedia:Ellen_Swallow_Richards\|Ellen Swallow Richards]]</blockquote>See [[wikipedia:Materialism\|Materialism]] on Wikipedia.		The principles of [[logic]] and [[time]] can be said to exist outside the material [[universe]], but that is only because these are [[inevitable]] principles of [[reality]], not immaterial beings.<blockquote>''"Subject the material world to the higher ends by understanding it in all its relations to daily life and action."'' -[[wikipedia:Ellen_Swallow_Richards\|Ellen Swallow Richards]]</blockquote>Things that have [[traditionally]] been considered part of the [[spiritual]] realm are really just [[emergent properties]] of [[complex systems]] in the material [[universe]].

			See [[wikipedia:Materialism\|Materialism]] on Wikipedia.

	== Mind Over Matter ==		== Mind Over Matter ==

Fractalguy at 12:07, 29 January 2025

2025-01-29T12:07:58Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 12:07, 29 January 2025
Line 4:		Line 4:
	Energy also redirects here, since matter and energy are [[wikipedia:Mass–energy_equivalence\|interchangeable]].		Energy also redirects here, since matter and energy are [[wikipedia:Mass–energy_equivalence\|interchangeable]].

	The principles of [[logic]] and [[time]] can be said to exist outside the material [[universe]], but that is only because these are [[inevitable]] principles of [[reality]], not immaterial beings.		The principles of [[logic]] and [[time]] can be said to exist outside the material [[universe]], but that is only because these are [[inevitable]] principles of [[reality]], not immaterial beings.<blockquote>''"Subject the material world to the higher ends by understanding it in all its relations to daily life and action."'' -[[wikipedia:Ellen_Swallow_Richards\|Ellen Swallow Richards]]</blockquote>See [[wikipedia:Materialism\|Materialism]] on Wikipedia.

	See [[wikipedia:Materialism\|Materialism]] on Wikipedia.

	== Mind Over Matter ==		== Mind Over Matter ==
	[[wikipedia:Mind–body_dualism\|Dualism]] asserts that the [[subjective]] experience of [[consciousness]] is often [[Believe\|believed]] to exist outside of the material plane. However, since it is simply a by-product of [[neural]] processes in the [[brain]], and it does not have any [[wikipedia:Downward_causation\|downward causality]] that would lead to [[free will]], it should not be seen as conflicting with a purely materialist view of [[reality]].		[[wikipedia:Mind–body_dualism\|Dualism]] asserts that the [[subjective]] experience of [[consciousness]] is often [[Believe\|believed]] to exist outside of the material plane. However, since it is simply a by-product of [[neural]] processes in the [[brain]], and it does not have any [[wikipedia:Downward_causation\|downward causality]] that would lead to [[free will]], it should not be seen as conflicting with a purely materialist view of [[reality]]. <blockquote>''"There are two worlds we live in: a material world, bound by the laws of physics, and the world inside our mind, which is just as important."'' -[[wikipedia:Alan_Moore\|Alan Moore]] </blockquote>[[Emergent property\|Emergent]] dualism distinguishes between physical matter and the [[mind]] that emerges at sufficient levels of [[complexity]]. Similar to the practical definition of [[free will]], this definition simply describes different modalities in the behavior of matter, rather than a non-material agent.

	[[Emergent property\|Emergent]] dualism distinguishes between physical matter and the [[mind]] that emerges at sufficient levels of [[complexity]]. Similar to the practical definition of [[free will]], this definition simply describes different modalities in the behavior of matter, rather than a non-material agent.

	More simply put, [[mind]] is [[Allegory\|like]] how we describe the behavior of a beehive or ant colony. Those things "exist" and exhibit their own "agency" which is useful to describe their behavior, even though they are just [[emergent properties]] of large collections of bees or ants.		More simply put, [[mind]] is [[Allegory\|like]] how we describe the behavior of a beehive or ant colony. Those things "exist" and exhibit their own "agency" which is useful to describe their behavior, even though they are just [[emergent properties]] of large collections of bees or ants.

Fractalguy: /* What If You Just Really Like Stuff? */

2025-01-23T15:46:09Z

What If You Just Really Like Stuff?

← Older revision		Revision as of 15:46, 23 January 2025
Line 42:		Line 42:
	<br>		<br>
	{{#ev:youtube\|https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mZaeDIrukqg\|\|center\|A guide to Materialism\|frame}}		{{#ev:youtube\|https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mZaeDIrukqg\|\|center\|A guide to Materialism\|frame}}
			<br>
			Alan Lightman's lecture does a great job of describing the [[spiritual]] [[perspective]] of materialism taken by [[metaculture]].
			{{#ev:youtube\|https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TOZzO57shbc\|\|center\|Alan Lightman, "The Miraculous from the Material: Understanding the Wonders of Nature"\|frame}}
	<br>		<br>
	{{#ev:youtube\|https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SDy96OJimjA\|\|center\|MODERNS - Matter\|frame}}		{{#ev:youtube\|https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SDy96OJimjA\|\|center\|MODERNS - Matter\|frame}}
	<br>		<br>
	{{#ev:youtube\|https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J3TjDUnlclk\|\|center\|Arcane Roots - Matter\|frame}}		{{#ev:youtube\|https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J3TjDUnlclk\|\|center\|Arcane Roots - Matter\|frame}}

Fractalguy at 11:49, 18 January 2025

2025-01-18T11:49:14Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 11:49, 18 January 2025
Line 16:		Line 16:

	[[Mind]] is an [[emergent property]] of a large collection of [[neurons]], just like a hive is an [[emergent property]] of a large collection of bees. It is made up of matter, exhibits its own sense of agency, but has no "[[Spirituality\|spirit]]" or other non-material essence other than [[emergence]]. It can sometimes help to think of [[mind]] or [[Spirituality\|spirit]] in dualistic terms, but it is important not to confuse the [[Emergent property\|emergent]] with the [[supernatural]].		[[Mind]] is an [[emergent property]] of a large collection of [[neurons]], just like a hive is an [[emergent property]] of a large collection of bees. It is made up of matter, exhibits its own sense of agency, but has no "[[Spirituality\|spirit]]" or other non-material essence other than [[emergence]]. It can sometimes help to think of [[mind]] or [[Spirituality\|spirit]] in dualistic terms, but it is important not to confuse the [[Emergent property\|emergent]] with the [[supernatural]].

	~~== Interpreting the Spiritual as Material ==~~
	[[Spiritual]] terminology is often used to reference and elicit [[mental]] and [[emotional]] states, in a manner similar to [[poetry]] and [[music]]. These should always be interpreted as [[allegories]] for processes within the material [[universe]] and their [[Emergent property\|emergent]] [[consciousness]] by-products, rather than [[literal]] descriptions of things that somehow exist outside of the [[universe]].

	This allows you to interface with [[rituals]] and other practices that have [[evolved]] over centuries to produce higher [[emotional]] states, reduce [[suffering]], create [[in-group]] bonds, and other benefits, without reliance on any [[supernatural]] [[belief]] structures that bypass [[reason]] and are not subject to [[scientific]] inquiry. [[Beliefs]] that lend themselves to [[authoritarian]] abuses of [[power]].

	== Spirit is Emergence ==		== Spirit is Emergence ==
Line 28:		Line 23:

	This is why there is so much excitement over [[fractals]] and [[complexity]] among those who discover these [[concepts]]. It bridges the gap between the [[spiritual]] and the material, allowing us to finally incorporate [[traditional]] knowledge into a robust and [[meaningful]] conversations about the nature of [[mind]], [[consciousness]], and the [[universe]], without invoking unprovable, non-material agents.		This is why there is so much excitement over [[fractals]] and [[complexity]] among those who discover these [[concepts]]. It bridges the gap between the [[spiritual]] and the material, allowing us to finally incorporate [[traditional]] knowledge into a robust and [[meaningful]] conversations about the nature of [[mind]], [[consciousness]], and the [[universe]], without invoking unprovable, non-material agents.

			== Interpreting the Spiritual as Material ==
			[[Spiritual]] terminology is often used to reference and elicit [[mental]] and [[emotional]] states, in a manner similar to [[poetry]] and [[music]]. These should always be interpreted as [[allegories]] for processes within the material [[universe]] and their [[Emergent property\|emergent]] [[consciousness]] by-products, rather than [[literal]] descriptions of things that somehow exist outside of the [[universe]].

			This allows you to interface with [[rituals]] and other practices that have [[evolved]] over centuries to produce higher [[emotional]] states, reduce [[suffering]], create [[in-group]] bonds, and other benefits, without reliance on any [[supernatural]] [[belief]] structures that bypass [[reason]] and are not subject to [[scientific]] inquiry. [[Beliefs]] that lend themselves to [[authoritarian]] abuses of [[power]].

	== Materialism Keeps You Sane ==		== Materialism Keeps You Sane ==
	Having a strong commitment to the materialism will prevent you from descending into magical thinking during trying times, or when encountering things you can't explain. Ruling out the [[supernatural]] forces you to look for [[rational]], [[logical]], [[Scientific\|scientifically]] reasonable explanations for things. Without this commitment, [[conspiracy theories]], [[pseudoscience]], and all kinds of [[spiritual]] [[woo]] are considered fair game by your [[brain]]. Kooky concepts confuse [[consciousness]], creating contradictions. The best way to avoid them altogether is with a steadfast commitment to materialism.		Having a strong commitment to the materialism will prevent you from descending into magical thinking during trying times, or when encountering things you can't explain. Ruling out the [[supernatural]] forces you to look for [[rational]], [[logical]], [[Scientific\|scientifically]] reasonable explanations for things. Without this commitment, [[conspiracy theories]], [[pseudoscience]], and all kinds of [[spiritual]] [[woo]] are considered fair game by your [[brain]]. This can be especially true for those who dabble in [[psychedelics]].

			Kooky [[concepts]] confuse [[consciousness]], creating contradictions and [[Contrarianism\|contrarians]].

			The best way to avoid them altogether is with a steadfast commitment to materialism.

	== What If You Just Really Like Stuff? ==		== What If You Just Really Like Stuff? ==

Fractalguy: /* Spirit is Emergence */

2025-01-18T11:46:33Z

Spirit is Emergence

← Older revision		Revision as of 11:46, 18 January 2025
Line 25:		Line 25:
	[[Spiritual]] terminology and dualistic [[philosophies]] are [[historically]] employed to describe phenomenon that we now know as [[Emergent property\|emergent]]. It is how we [[traditionally]] describe the [[holistic]] behavior of the [[brain]], [[societies]], and the [[universe]]. Until the [[emergence]] of the [[concept]] of [[emergence]], it was not possible to describe the aggregate behavior of [[complex systems]] using [[scientific]] language.		[[Spiritual]] terminology and dualistic [[philosophies]] are [[historically]] employed to describe phenomenon that we now know as [[Emergent property\|emergent]]. It is how we [[traditionally]] describe the [[holistic]] behavior of the [[brain]], [[societies]], and the [[universe]]. Until the [[emergence]] of the [[concept]] of [[emergence]], it was not possible to describe the aggregate behavior of [[complex systems]] using [[scientific]] language.

	This is why there is so much excitement over [[fractals]] and [[complexity]] among those who discover these [[concepts]]. It bridges the gap between the [[spiritual]] and the material, allowing us to finally ~~have~~ robust and meaningful conversations about the nature of [[mind]], [[consciousness]], and the [[universe]] without invoking unprovable, non-material agents.		Using a beehive as a [[metaphor]], it is obvious that the hive is just a bunch of bees. However, it acts as if it has its own sense of [[agency]], and describing the behavior of the hive is more useful in many cases than a reductionist description of the individual bees. [[Spirituality\|Spirit]] may just be a bunch of [[neurons]], but it's useful to articulate their [[emergent]] behavior [[holistically]] if you want to understand it.

			This is why there is so much excitement over [[fractals]] and [[complexity]] among those who discover these [[concepts]]. It bridges the gap between the [[spiritual]] and the material, allowing us to finally incorporate [[traditional]] knowledge into a robust and [[meaningful]] conversations about the nature of [[mind]], [[consciousness]], and the [[universe]], without invoking unprovable, non-material agents.

	== Materialism Keeps You Sane ==		== Materialism Keeps You Sane ==

Fractalguy: /* Interpreting the Spiritual as Material */

2025-01-06T00:33:56Z

Interpreting the Spiritual as Material

← Older revision		Revision as of 00:33, 6 January 2025
Line 26:		Line 26:

	This is why there is so much excitement over [[fractals]] and [[complexity]] among those who discover these [[concepts]]. It bridges the gap between the [[spiritual]] and the material, allowing us to finally have robust and meaningful conversations about the nature of [[mind]], [[consciousness]], and the [[universe]] without invoking unprovable, non-material agents.		This is why there is so much excitement over [[fractals]] and [[complexity]] among those who discover these [[concepts]]. It bridges the gap between the [[spiritual]] and the material, allowing us to finally have robust and meaningful conversations about the nature of [[mind]], [[consciousness]], and the [[universe]] without invoking unprovable, non-material agents.

			== Materialism Keeps You Sane ==
			Having a strong commitment to the materialism will prevent you from descending into magical thinking during trying times, or when encountering things you can't explain. Ruling out the [[supernatural]] forces you to look for [[rational]], [[logical]], [[Scientific\|scientifically]] reasonable explanations for things. Without this commitment, [[conspiracy theories]], [[pseudoscience]], and all kinds of [[spiritual]] [[woo]] are considered fair game by your [[brain]]. Kooky concepts confuse [[consciousness]], creating contradictions. The best way to avoid them altogether is with a steadfast commitment to materialism.

	== What If You Just Really Like Stuff? ==		== What If You Just Really Like Stuff? ==

Fractalguy at 17:14, 30 December 2024

2024-12-30T17:14:30Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 17:14, 30 December 2024
Line 1:		Line 1:
	[[File:Materialism-matter-reality-science-atoms-molecules.jpg\|thumb\|Materialism means molecules make matter]]		[[File:Materialism-matter-reality-science-atoms-molecules.jpg\|thumb\|Materialism means molecules make matter]]
	[[Reality]] is made up of matter. The [[Universe]] of matter is everything that is, nothing exists outside of it, be it a [[supernatural]] being or [[consciousness]].		[[Reality]] is made up of matter. The [[Universe]] of matter is everything that is, nothing exists outside of it, be it a [[supernatural]] being or [[consciousness]].

			Energy also redirects here, since matter and energy are [[wikipedia:Mass–energy_equivalence\|interchangeable]].

	The principles of [[logic]] and [[time]] can be said to exist outside the material [[universe]], but that is only because these are [[inevitable]] principles of [[reality]], not immaterial beings.		The principles of [[logic]] and [[time]] can be said to exist outside the material [[universe]], but that is only because these are [[inevitable]] principles of [[reality]], not immaterial beings.

Fractalguy: /* Mind Over Matter */

2024-12-29T12:12:40Z

Mind Over Matter

← Older revision		Revision as of 12:12, 29 December 2024
Line 11:		Line 11:
	[[Emergent property\|Emergent]] dualism distinguishes between physical matter and the [[mind]] that emerges at sufficient levels of [[complexity]]. Similar to the practical definition of [[free will]], this definition simply describes different modalities in the behavior of matter, rather than a non-material agent.		[[Emergent property\|Emergent]] dualism distinguishes between physical matter and the [[mind]] that emerges at sufficient levels of [[complexity]]. Similar to the practical definition of [[free will]], this definition simply describes different modalities in the behavior of matter, rather than a non-material agent.

	More simply put, [[mind]] is like how we describe the behavior of a beehive or ant colony. Those things "exist" and exhibit their own "agency" which is useful to describe their behavior, even though they are just [[emergent properties]] of large collections of bees or ants.		More simply put, [[mind]] is [[Allegory\|like]] how we describe the behavior of a beehive or ant colony. Those things "exist" and exhibit their own "agency" which is useful to describe their behavior, even though they are just [[emergent properties]] of large collections of bees or ants.

	[[Mind]] is an [[emergent property]] of a large collection of [[neurons]], just like a hive is an [[emergent property]] of a large collection of bees. It is made up of matter, exhibits its own sense of agency, but has no "[[Spirituality\|spirit]]" or other non-material essence other than [[emergence]]. It can sometimes help to think of [[mind]] or [[Spirituality\|spirit]] in dualistic terms, but it is important not to confuse the [[Emergent property\|emergent]] with the [[supernatural]].		[[Mind]] is an [[emergent property]] of a large collection of [[neurons]], just like a hive is an [[emergent property]] of a large collection of bees. It is made up of matter, exhibits its own sense of agency, but has no "[[Spirituality\|spirit]]" or other non-material essence other than [[emergence]]. It can sometimes help to think of [[mind]] or [[Spirituality\|spirit]] in dualistic terms, but it is important not to confuse the [[Emergent property\|emergent]] with the [[supernatural]].

← Older revision		Revision as of 12:07, 29 January 2025
Line 4:		Line 4:
	Energy also redirects here, since matter and energy are [[wikipedia:Mass–energy_equivalence\|interchangeable]].		Energy also redirects here, since matter and energy are [[wikipedia:Mass–energy_equivalence\|interchangeable]].

	The principles of [[logic]] and [[time]] can be said to exist outside the material [[universe]], but that is only because these are [[inevitable]] principles of [[reality]], not immaterial beings.		The principles of [[logic]] and [[time]] can be said to exist outside the material [[universe]], but that is only because these are [[inevitable]] principles of [[reality]], not immaterial beings.<blockquote>''"Subject the material world to the higher ends by understanding it in all its relations to daily life and action."'' -[[wikipedia:Ellen_Swallow_Richards\|Ellen Swallow Richards]]</blockquote>See [[wikipedia:Materialism\|Materialism]] on Wikipedia.

	See [[wikipedia:Materialism\|Materialism]] on Wikipedia.

	== Mind Over Matter ==		== Mind Over Matter ==
	[[wikipedia:Mind–body_dualism\|Dualism]] asserts that the [[subjective]] experience of [[consciousness]] is often [[Believe\|believed]] to exist outside of the material plane. However, since it is simply a by-product of [[neural]] processes in the [[brain]], and it does not have any [[wikipedia:Downward_causation\|downward causality]] that would lead to [[free will]], it should not be seen as conflicting with a purely materialist view of [[reality]].		[[wikipedia:Mind–body_dualism\|Dualism]] asserts that the [[subjective]] experience of [[consciousness]] is often [[Believe\|believed]] to exist outside of the material plane. However, since it is simply a by-product of [[neural]] processes in the [[brain]], and it does not have any [[wikipedia:Downward_causation\|downward causality]] that would lead to [[free will]], it should not be seen as conflicting with a purely materialist view of [[reality]]. <blockquote>''"There are two worlds we live in: a material world, bound by the laws of physics, and the world inside our mind, which is just as important."'' -[[wikipedia:Alan_Moore\|Alan Moore]] </blockquote>[[Emergent property\|Emergent]] dualism distinguishes between physical matter and the [[mind]] that emerges at sufficient levels of [[complexity]]. Similar to the practical definition of [[free will]], this definition simply describes different modalities in the behavior of matter, rather than a non-material agent.

	[[Emergent property\|Emergent]] dualism distinguishes between physical matter and the [[mind]] that emerges at sufficient levels of [[complexity]]. Similar to the practical definition of [[free will]], this definition simply describes different modalities in the behavior of matter, rather than a non-material agent.

	More simply put, [[mind]] is [[Allegory\|like]] how we describe the behavior of a beehive or ant colony. Those things "exist" and exhibit their own "agency" which is useful to describe their behavior, even though they are just [[emergent properties]] of large collections of bees or ants.		More simply put, [[mind]] is [[Allegory\|like]] how we describe the behavior of a beehive or ant colony. Those things "exist" and exhibit their own "agency" which is useful to describe their behavior, even though they are just [[emergent properties]] of large collections of bees or ants.