Tag: Realism

“If I can’t see it, it isn’t real.” This is another way people often express their belief in Physicalism. So far I’ve offered two reasons Physicalism can’t be true. In this final post on the topic I’ll offer a third….

In sum, if Physicalism is true, then we would have to reject all consciousness, including all rational thought. This is a very hard thing to admit, and therefore few Physicalists are willing to do so. But the honest Physicalist must do so and grant that “no one has ever had a thought in his life” and “there cannot be a rational reason to believe in Physicalism.” Let me explain.

“I only believe what I can see.” This belief is everywhere, and is called “Physicalism.” Last week I discussed ways it shows up in our culture, and some of the disastrous consequences. This week I offer one of three reasons why Physicalism is not rational.

 “Seeing is believing.” This is the mantra of Physicalism—the belief that only physical things exist. If it isn’t physical (and therefore explainable by science), it isn’t real. This defines out of existence an awful lot of things, such as God, souls, the afterlife, moral values, beauty and truth.