Worldview: Naturalism

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Following is the 3nd installment of a series on Worldviews. There are seven questions presented by James W. Sire in his book, “The Universe Next Door,” which he says every worldview must answer. This book is used in many colleges for philosophy curriculum, and Sire writes from a Christian perspective. Though influenced somewhat by Sire, what I proceed to give answers to comes from my own words and thoughts. No quotes. If you want Sire’s opinion, let me know and I’ll provide that for you.

1. What is prime reality⎯the really real?
Prime reality is matter. The fact that consciousness exists does not alter the meaning of the really real. Consciousness is nothing more than matter working in a unique way. Since matter has stemmed not from a Creator, but from matter intrinsic, we must conclude that it has either remained matter always and has simply taken on different forms, or it has self emerged in some unknown point in history. Either way, we do not know for sure which one is the sounder. All we know is that we are, and everything else is.

2. What is the nature of external reality, that is, the world around us?
External reality is the result of an evolving, or a reordering of matter over a long period of time. Matter has no meaning or purpose; rather it simply exists in a cause and effect relationship. Commonality between external reality and human life is intrinsic. Each form of matter is unique in its own form; no form of matter is more unique than the other. Only conscious forms of matter (e.g., humans) attribute value to certain things for some reason relative to themselves. Ultimately, though, all matter has no attributed value and simply exists in a closed system. Not that some unknown cause is “meant” to happen, rather what ever may have happened, is happening, or will happen is simply doing so without purpose in a continual evolutionary process which no one or thing can change.

3. What is a human being?
Understood to be the most prominent development of the process of evolution, a human being is no more than a particular composition of matter of the material universe. Humans have no purpose outside of selfish ambition. Ambition, though, is commonly mistaken for personal attributes. It should be understood that the human body is merely a highly functioning system, which has been comprised of the necessary components (other matter) that enable its functions, over the long process of evolution from a simple biological organism. The human mind has an ability to reason and experience and process information; this is part of the highly functioning system we do not yet understand, but have concluded the answers are to be found within the material universe alone.

4. What happens to a person at death?
At death, a person ceases to exist. Since a person has neither “soul,” nor “spirit,” consciousness no longer remains. Life after death is absurd; matter can be nothing more than matter. Only in the memories of others will a person “live on,” as it were, as a result of the now extinct person’s influence.

5. Why is it possible to know anything at all?
Knowledge is possible through a complex biological process, which makes experience actual. Many different experiences produce, or acquire, different types of knowledge. Most knowledge is acquired through the senses; other knowledge is acquired, or produced, through thought. Either way, the human being seems to be able to process information and store that information for recall purposes. Understanding this complex functioning is something we have not been able to do. Nevertheless, it is evident that humans both observe and experience knowledge and learning.

6. How do we know what is right and wrong?
Since the universe was not created by, or stemmed from something other than matter intrinsic, there exists no objective or authoritative standard for right and wrong. Matter is neither good nor evil; it has no “nature” about itself other than its own meaningless existence. Right and wrong is a perception of utility. In most cases, determining between the two is learned through culture, or society. The question is often, “What is effective human interaction in regards to the progression of our society?” Because humans perceive themselves to be of personal value, a type of virtue is adapted, which enables them to live together coherently and benevolently. This creates a “norm.” Anything contradictory to the norm, then, often is classified as “wrongness.” accountability

7. What is the meaning of human history?
History is linear due to the nature of cause and effect. There exists no goal or purpose for human history⎯it is meaningless. Evolution is something that simply occurs in history and continues to do so without any desired result. Organic evolution has brought about wonderful things, such as the human being, but apparently to no avail. Since no Creator or “architect” is behind the universe “machine,” human history cannot be depicted by any metanarrative. The ultimate outcome (if there is to be one) of what is currently known is entirely unknowable, left for the workings of evolution in a long process through a time-chance relationship.

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