Of materialism/dualism/monolism/idealism, which is the best?

  • Thread starter Arkarian
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In summary, the conversation discusses different approaches to finding the best solution, specifically looking at dualism vs monism and idealism vs materialism. The expert explains that the dialectical method, which embraces both sides and seeks to find common roots, is the best approach. They also mention Hegel's quote "The Truth Is The Whole" as a summary of the dialectical approach. The cryptic answer given is that none of the above are the best, but rather a radical nihilistic approach that finds humor in everything.
  • #1
Arkarian
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which is the best?
 
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  • #2
Arkarian said:
which is the best?

<cryptic answer>

No.

</cryptic answer>
 
  • #3
idealism
 
  • #4
What are you trying to accomplish?
 
  • #5
None of the above, the best approach is the dialectical method. The four concepts you present are related as false alternatives.

First, is the false alternative of dualism vs monism. The dualist looks to extreme poles for truth, the monist looks to emphasize one opposite at the expense of the other. Both methods are dead ends if used in isolation. In contrast, the dialectic thinker embraces rational aspects of both dualism and monism and looks to common roots of the apparent opposites. She differentiates and integrates a topic and presents an alternative view that transcends both of the opposites. At times, she may embrace parts of each opposite, at times reject both and move to formation of a new idea.

Second is the false alternative of idealism vs materialism. The former holds there to be consciousness without existence, the latter holds there to be existence without consciousness. Both views are false. Idealists are modern day conservatives, materialists modern day liberals. Again, the dialectical thinker seeks to find common roots within the opposites--she thinks to integrate.

Hegel puts in a nutshell the dialectic approach of thinking: "The Truth Is The Whole".
 
  • #6
None, Radical Glee-Ful Nihilism Baby! WHOO!

Why? Because "It's Funny" is just as good a reason to do anything as anything else.
 

1. What is materialism?

Materialism is the belief that everything in the universe, including human consciousness, can be explained and understood in terms of physical matter and its interactions. It suggests that the mind is a product of the physical brain and does not exist independently.

2. What is dualism?

Dualism is the belief that the mind and the body are two separate and distinct entities. It suggests that the mind or consciousness exists independently from the physical brain and is not reducible to physical matter.

3. What is monism?

Monism is the belief that there is only one fundamental substance or principle in the universe. This can take different forms, such as materialism or idealism, but it rejects the idea of a separation between mind and matter.

4. What is idealism?

Idealism is the belief that reality is fundamentally mental or based on consciousness. It suggests that the physical world is a product of the mind and does not have an independent existence.

5. Which of these philosophies is the best?

As a scientist, it is not my place to determine which of these philosophies is the best. Each one has its own strengths and weaknesses and has been debated by philosophers for centuries. It is important to remain open-minded and consider evidence from all perspectives in order to gain a better understanding of the nature of reality.

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