7 definitions by spline
The philosophy that natural phenomena should be explained with naturalistic explanations when doing science.
In contrast with metaphysical naturalism, it does not commit one to ruling out the existence of the supernatural.
In contrast with metaphysical naturalism, it does not commit one to ruling out the existence of the supernatural.
by spline November 23, 2007
In metaphysical naturalism, nothing is supernatural: ghosts, gods, and fairies are natural or don't exist.
by spline November 23, 2007
During the French Revolution, the nobility sat in the right wing (in contrast to the common people who sat in the left wing). To this day, the right wing continues to represent the rich and the powerful.
by spline November 23, 2007
During the French Revolution, peasants and others not represented by the other estates sat in the left wing (in contrast to the nobility who sat in the right wing). To this day, the left wing continues to represent minorities and the common people.
by spline November 23, 2007
1. A philosophy that holds that everything that exists is made of matter. (see also metaphysical naturalism)
2. The belief that material wealth is the greatest good. (see also objectivism)
2. The belief that material wealth is the greatest good. (see also objectivism)
1. "It is not materialism that is the chief curse of the world, as pastors teach, but idealism. Men get into trouble by taking their visions and hallucinations too seriously." --H.L. Mencken
2. "It is preoccupation with possessions, more than anything else, that prevents us from living freely and nobly." --Thoreau
2. "It is preoccupation with possessions, more than anything else, that prevents us from living freely and nobly." --Thoreau
by spline November 23, 2007
Phenomena that appear to defy science. Often, the phenomena are found to be either a trick or something that can be explained scientifically.
by spline November 23, 2007
A derogatory word for someone who believes in evolution, methodological naturalism, and possibly metaphysical naturalism.
by spline November 23, 2007