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Kitherion
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0 posted 2007-05-02 06:55 AM



Dumb question I know, but I actually attended a friends philosophy lecture, and they argued supernatularism... (I can't even spell it... supernaturalism that is ^_^) So can someone tell me what it is?

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Drauntz
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1 posted 2007-05-02 12:46 PM


I love you.
but define your term of Supernaturalism.

human think thunder is supernature long time ago, now, we think is discharge.

Stephanos
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2 posted 2007-05-02 02:49 PM


Supernaturalism is the belief that reality consists of more than one inter-locking whole called "nature".  


Naturalism (as an opposite) is the belief that there is nothing other than nature, as one closed system.  


The implications are too much to discuss in a short reply, but the gist of it is that with naturalism, everything may eventually be described in terms of the interlocking events of a closed system.  This (logically) would lead to determinism, and dialectical materialism.  

Supernaturalism contains (but is not limited to) a belief that events or qualities may be fed from the "outside", giving meanings and purposes which are not merely invented by a transient subjective mind.  Otherwise our dearest held rationality, morality, and values amount to no more than results of cause and effect.  And any values connected to them are completely arbitrary.


A good book approaching this subject is "Miracles" by C.S. Lewis.


Stephen  

Stephanos
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3 posted 2007-05-02 02:57 PM


quote:
human think thunder is supernature long time ago, now, we think is discharge.

Probably the difference between modern forms of supernaturalism and the animism you describe, is that the former can see that the latter were right about the wonder, awe, and the feeling that natural things have a transcendent significance ... but wrong about many particular expressions.


I still have no problem in seeing that lightning is an expression of the power and grandeur of God.  That takes nothing away from the scientific explanation, and vice versa.  



Stephen

"The object of opening the mind, as of opening the mouth, is to shut it again on something solid.” - G.K. Chesterton

Essorant
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4 posted 2007-05-02 03:05 PM


What about subnaturalism?
Drauntz
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5 posted 2007-05-02 04:45 PM


Essorant
the modified nature by human mind, like poems.

Stephanos
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6 posted 2007-05-02 11:19 PM


quote:
the modified nature by human mind, like poems.


Isn't this just a restatement of naturalism?  Saying that all there is is nature, and that anything we say about it is merely inventive?

Of course, I might be misunderstanding what you mean here.

Stephen

"The object of opening the mind, as of opening the mouth, is to shut it again on something solid.” - G.K. Chesterton

Drauntz
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7 posted 2007-05-02 11:27 PM


Stephanos

Like "I tore a piece of cloud to wipe my tears."

or tailors rainbow to a winter coat.
or  kiss the thunder who was illegal charged.
or white roses was stained to blue by sky.

Stephanos
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8 posted 2007-05-02 11:32 PM


so you're speaking of metaphor?

Stephen

Drauntz
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9 posted 2007-05-02 11:49 PM


no. I am not talking
"one shall change like the caterpillar to butterfly or work like a bee."

I never heard of subnaturalism.  if there is one kind of thinking, then it must be poetic
thinking.

not serious.

Kitherion
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since 2006-08-01
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Johannesburg
10 posted 2007-05-03 12:49 PM


Okay, I think that I get the point... However, how does supernaturalism relate to metaphysicis? Or rather should I say, does it?

"Our Father who art in Heaven... Hallowed be thy name..."

Stephanos
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11 posted 2007-05-03 01:08 AM


Certainly it does.  It doesn't depend upon metaphysics alone for expression.  But since it makes metaphysical claims, it can certainly be expressed in those terms.

Stephen  

"The object of opening the mind, as of opening the mouth, is to shut it again on something solid.” - G.K. Chesterton

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