MATERIALISM VERSUS IDEALISM (5)

This is the fifth video in a Vlog Series focused on introducing core concepts in philosophy. The point of this Vlog series is to demonstrate the structure of philosophical thought and demonstrate the ways in which it can help us better understand our self.

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[tombombadil]

I really appreciate your open mind and ability to argue both sides of the issue. Well done!

[AnaSanchez-uyop]

as tupac said, you are appreciated. thank you so much.

[theriversexitsense]

I struggle with the approach of ideas having an ontological existence of their own. I have a vague idea of how ideas are formed from matter, in terms of cognitive science. Fundamentally this is a conception of 'idea' as natural and human. I agree entirely in using the concept of evolution to connect matter to ideas. But there is one part I don't quite grasp.
In the debate of Zizek and Harman, Harman explains the idea of emergent properties. This is notion central to biology, since it fundamentally studies systems of matter which have a sort of coherent structure. Zizek immediately interupts to say that this property is what Hegel called the Idea. I did not at all understand Hegel that way when i skimmed through his writings on nature a few months ago. But if that is a consistent way to read Hegel, it seems extremely useful. But I don't know that it justifies idealism.
The most interesting thing about this approach to reconciling matter and ideas, though, is the attempt to revive the notion of natural teleology. Dennett has used the word 'purpose' for this in a convincing way. Natural selection gives a telos from which aspects of any particular species can be understood. Ive wondered if a telos, or some more general concept, is essential to emergent properties generally.

None the less, I think this sublimates idealism into materialism and not the other way around.

[thomassimmons]

Bergson's Creative Evolution could be key link, though this gordian knot may insoluble... anyway, it's a provocative read regardless. Thanks again CL for your work 👍

[fromeveryting]

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American: "Adam"
Great video though! :)