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| What do people
mean when they say that something is metaphysical? In the public
mind, metaphysics is often thought of in terms of a "metaphysical realm"
that is separate from the physical reality we observe with our senses. God
and the soul, for example, are generally thought to exist in this metaphysical
realm. Some people say they don't believe in anything "metaphysical,"
and by this they mean they don't think there is a metaphysical realm. But
people who don't think there is a metaphysical realm do in fact believe
in something metaphysical. [...] Without a metaphysical theory, one would
have to believe that nothing really exists, even physical objects. |
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| Metaphysical
theories have enormous power because they help explain the world and resolve
differences between people. Often, these differences are about social and
moral issues. But how can a metaphysical theory about the nature of the
world explain morality? One must include in their metaphysics a theory about
how humans fit into the world. This typically involves a philosophy of mind
based on whatever metaphysical proposal one makes. Social rules and morality
are usually tied to one's philosophy of mind in one way or another. |
| Unfortunately,
metaphysical theories have as much power to cause conflict as they
do to help resolve differences. Sometimes, people encounter a problem
in their life - social, personal, or professional - and they cannot
solve the problem using any of the resources they have available.
[...] [A]s the world grows and changes, theories are sometimes unable
to provide answers to new problems. When that happens, some people
despair, some people provoke conflict, and some people journey in
search of better theories. |
|
Should a good theory be whatever makes one happy? What if abusing other
people's human rights makes someone happy? Wouldn't an objective
theory be better? Wouldn't it be better to know about the world in a way
that doesn't rely on someone's opinion? Some people say that an objective
theory can be called the "truth." So, anyone journeying in search
of a better metaphysical theory should search for the truth, right? |
| [W]hat
happens if the entire world accepts a theory as true, and then new
information is discovered that makes it false? What happens when a
theory accepted as true causes people to suffer? What if another theory
also claims to be true? Wouldn't that cause the kind of conflict we
set out to avoid? If two or more theories appear to be true, then
which one is objective? Is there such a thing as objectivity? |
|
When I began this project in 1996, I began a journey in search of what I
hoped would be a genuine scientific proposal. Like most of the scientists
and philosophers discussed [at neoNewton.com],
I hoped even back then that it was possible for humanity to reach a common
understanding about certain issues. [...] I think [neoNewton.com]
goes a long way toward that goal. [...] But it is a difficult search, and
that is evident in the fact that [the] essay [featured at neoNewton.com]
is incomplete and contains errors. It is a substantial improvement over
earlier versions. I hope you enjoy it. |
NEXT is Part III of IV... |
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2005 by T.J. Newton.
All Rights Reserved.
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