Naturalism

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Naturalism is a philosophical and scientific concept dating back several centuries. Due to the complex and ever-changing aspects of naturalism, it is difficult to assign a singular definition. However, the Internet Encyclopedia of Philosophy summarizes naturalism by stating, “ Naturalism often assigns a key role to the methods and results of the empirical sciences, and sometimes aspires to reductionism and physicalism” (Jacobs). From a philosophical view, naturalism is the seeking of knowledge that can be proven, particularly by scientific means. This is done for the pursuit of verifiable information, and ideally done with the most empirical and measurable data. Ignacio Prado suggests that all human assumptions are subject to natural laws. “The natural world, being all there is, includes and encompasses human beings, whose thoughts and actions are ultimately constrained by the same physical laws governing fundamental particles” (Prado).  Through this, naturalism rejects all preceding philosophy and demands quantifiable evidence in order to accept truth. While there are many different forms and versions of naturalism, the concept as a whole can be concentrated down to the use of empirical data to support an idea. ======

Works Cited Jacobs, Jon. "Naturalism." Internet Encyclopedia of Philosophy. 22 Aug. 2002. Web. 4 Nov. 2013. Prado, Ignacio. "A Brief History of Scientific Naturalism." Naturalism. June 2006. Web. 4 Nov. 2013.

Audience

Historical - Alex Peters Throughout history the concept of naturalism has changed countless of times. New discoveries and technologies in the science field have provided philosophers with a better understanding of what naturalism really means. On the Internet Encyclopedia of Philosophy it states that " the methods of the results of the sciences are again playing an increasingly important role in motivating new philosophical conceptions" (Jacobs). With further information on the natural world comes more knowledge for individuals. By those means, philosophers are able to formulate new ideas that brings us one step closer to understanding how everything in the world functions. Ignacio Prado states that "the history of naturalism…is consequently a thematic overview of a chain of successes…" (Prado). This portrays the importance of advancements in science when philosophers define naturalism. Furthermore, with the ever changing definition of the term naturalism comes a “chain of successes” meaning that every interpretation is viable to understanding different aspects of the world, as long as it is backed up by scientific means. Ultimately, there will never be an exact meaning for the term naturalism.

Works Cited

Jacobs, Jon. "Naturalism." Internet Encyclopedia of Philosophy. 22 Aug. 2002. Web.

Prado, Ignacio. "A Brief History of Scientific Naturalism." Naturalism. June 2006. Web.

Cultural- Noah Gabrielsen
Modern science revolves on many principles of naturalism. Rigorous experimentation and statistic-driven research are key in discovery and verification of knowledge. Jacobs notes this distinction on the Internet Encyclopedia of Philosophy. “Naturalistic thinking has a long history, but it has been especially prominent in recent decades, and its influence is felt all across philosophy” (Jacobs). While data and the scientific method have been around for a long time, the views of naturalism are becoming increasingly crucial to today’s society. Reliance on science and technology is at an all-time high, and mindsets must be attuned to this. These increases in science and technology are ultimately the basis of modern society, as knowledge can be swiftly adapted to create changes in the world. Prado notes the extent of this, “The extension of theoretical knowledge made possible by modern scientific investigation has been endlessly and creatively applied in the development of new technologies and means for social cooperation” (Prado). No modern conveniences or inventions would presently be available without the progression of naturalism. This scientific advancement, as Prado states, is crucial to social structure and culture. The continuation of naturalism will continue to shape society as it grows.

Works Cited Jacobs, Jon. "Naturalism." Internet Encyclopedia of Philosophy. 22 Aug. 2002. Web. 4 Nov. 2013. Prado, Ignacio. "A Brief History of Scientific Naturalism." Naturalism. June 2006. Web. 4 Nov. 2013.