PHYSICALISTIC Meaning and
Definition
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Physicalistic is an adjective that refers to the belief or perspective that everything that exists, whether tangible or intangible, can be explained and understood through physical phenomena or principles. It is derived from the word "physical" which pertains to the material, corporeal, or concrete aspects of reality.
In philosophy and metaphysics, physicalism is a philosophical doctrine that posits that all entities or phenomena in the universe can ultimately be explained in terms of physical processes or properties, such as those related to matter, energy, and their interactions. It is contrasted with non-physical or supernatural explanations, suggesting that the scope of knowledge is strictly limited to the natural world.
Physicalistic views often reject the existence of any higher or spiritual entities, emphasizing that reality is comprised solely of physical entities and their interactions. This perspective holds that mental states, consciousness, and other subjective experiences can ultimately be reduced to or explained by brain processes, neurochemistry, or other similar physical mechanisms. It also aligns with scientific methods and approaches, emphasizing empirical evidence and objectivity.
In summary, physicalistic refers to a perspective that espouses the view that all phenomena, including mental or abstract experiences, can be understood and explained through physical processes, rejecting the presence or necessity of non-physical or supernatural entities.
Etymology of PHYSICALISTIC
The word "physicalistic" is derived from the term "physicalism", which is a philosophical stance or position related to metaphysics and the nature of reality. Physicalism is the view that everything in the world, including mental and conscious phenomena, can be explained and understood in terms of physical processes.
The term "physicalism" itself was coined in the mid-20th century, with its root being the word "physical", derived from the Latin word "physica" meaning "natural science". The suffix "-ism" indicates that physicalism is a belief or philosophical system that emphasizes the physical aspects of existence.
Thus, "physicalistic" is the adjective form of the noun "physicalism", indicating something related to or in accordance with the philosophy of physicalism.
