However you look at human behavior, there is a characteristic that you see everywhere and that characteristic leads to a recognizable way of thinking.
Throughout history, from the micro level the macro level, you see the same behavior: binary thinking. You are for me or against me. You are one of my tribe or you aren't.
People form groups, come together on the basis of common ideas, and exclude others who do not share these ideas with them.
I don't know about you guys, but that's how homo sapiens works, his way of perceiving reality.
The remarkable thing is that thinking has two sides: binary thinking and nuanced thinking. Binary thinking is the hallmark of the group. Nuanced thinking is the characteristic of the individual person.
I remember reading about research into people's ideas in relation to the ideas of the group they belonged to.
The ideas of the group are extremely black and white, when you talk to the individual about it he is much more nuanced, but when the group takes action it is WE against THEM.
This is often observed in courts when for instance soccer hooligans are on trial. When confronted with the consequences of their destructive behavior after the match, they often say...that I was not who I am, I don't know why I behaved that way, and so on.
This phenomenon has fascinated me for years now. As an individual, you can be a nuanced thinker, but when it comes to group values and norms, you go all out and lose every nuance.
History is overloaded with examples of this behavior. It is no different with regard to materialism.
What is the deeper origin of materialistic thinking? For me personally, that's an obvious thing.
You live your life. Things go well and things go bad. You ask yourself...why is this happening? A basic explanation could be:
1. I made mistakes, 2. I have no control over certain influences (eg weather, illness), 3 "A man has to know his limitations" to quote Dirty Harry (Clint Eastwood).
The other explanation is that in addition there are forces at work that I have no direct control over, but could possibly exert some influence over, so that those forces would be more favorable to me and religion is born.
And so we are right at the very essence of materialism: the denial of forces, or whatever, beyond and above the actual material existence of the individual.
If this is my frame of mind, you can imagine how reacted at an article in my morning newspaper. For your information, this newspaper has its roots in the protestant tradition.
I won't bother you with the history, why it is on my doormat every morning, but believe me, it is a national quality newspaper with info even for a philosopher like me.
But there was an article about people (during/ caused by the corona crisis) who joined in this case the catholic church. Let me give you the quotes:
"God is the only one I can be totally honest with."
"Faith provides security, but also an assignment."
"God as shepherd and savior, as a breath of my life."
The greatest fear of homo sapiens might be to realize that he is alone, even alienated from his tribe. these quotes show his salvation. But there is more. Thiis s a 56 years old male adult and I quote:
"I visited the cathedral and stopped for a statue of Mary. I looked her in the eye as she did me. And wherever I moved, with her eyes she continued to follow me from her alcove. I was very moved by that." This motivated him to become a catholic.
This is the kind of stuff about homo sapiens that blows my mind. This kind of thinking, the cause of so many wars and other horrible human behavior.
What people don't get is that we, as homo sapiens, are a biological anomaly. We are the only organism with self-consciousness, the only organism that is able to create knowledge.
Due to that strange quirk of evolution, we got at the o top of the food chain and as a result, we now discover that this prime position includes destroying our own habitat.
My idea? It is time to become a materialist and get down to earth and save it.
Thank you for your attention again...
MacMillan The Encyclopedia of Philosophy, 2nd edition
TABLE OF CONTENT -----------------------------------------------------------------
1 - 100 Philosophers 9 May 2009 Start of
2 - 25+ Women Philosophers 10 May 2009 this blog
3 - 25 Adventures in Thinking 10 May 2009
4 - Modern Theories of Ethics 29 Oct 2009
5 - The Ideal State 24 Febr 2010 / 234
6 - The Mystery of the Brain 3 Sept 2010 / 266
7 - The Utopia of the Free Market 16 Febr 2012 / 383
8. - The Aftermath of Neo-liberalism 5 Sept 2012 / 413
9. - The Art Not to Be an Egoist 6 Nov 2012 / 426
10 - Non-Western Philosophy 29 May 2013 / 477
11 - Why Science is Right 2 Sept 2014 / 534
12 - A Philosopher looks at Atheism 1 Jan 2015 / 557
13 - EVIL, a philosophical investigation 17 Apr 2015 / 580
14 - Existentialism and Free Will 2 Sept 2015 / 586
15 - Spinoza 2 Sept 2016 / 615
16 - The Meaning of Life 13 Febr 2017 / 637
17 - In Search of my Self 6 Sept 2017 / 670
18 - The 20th Century Revisited 3 Apr 2018 / 706
19 - The Pessimist 11 Jan 2020 / 819
20 - The Optimist 9 Febr 2020 / 824
21 - Awakening from a Neoliberal Dream 8 Oct 2020 / 872
22 - A World Full of Patterns 1 Apr 2021 / 912
23 - The Concept of Freedom 8 Jan 2022 / 965
The Discussion
[13:23] .: Beertje :. (beertje.beaumont): thank you Herman
[13:24] Particle Physicist Bejiita (bejiita.imako): ㋡
[13:24] herman Bergson: Let me be your shepard...:-))))
[13:24] herman Bergson: omg...:-)
[13:25] Particle Physicist Bejiita (bejiita.imako): BAAAAAHHHHHHHHH!
[13:25] Particle Physicist Bejiita (bejiita.imako): lol
[13:25] Gemma (gemma.cleanslate): ok got it
[13:25] Gemma (gemma.cleanslate): I have to say this and i see it everywhere and many times in class. Those who do believe and have FAITH BELIEVE in that faith what ever it is DEEPly
Those who DONT HAVEa faith have as much DEEP BELIEF in that fact as those who do/ They are just as faithful ! So they are also DEEP believers. Think about it!
[13:25] Gemma (gemma.cleanslate): we all do it
[13:25] Gemma (gemma.cleanslate): one way or another
[13:26] herman Bergson: I completely agree with you Gemma
[13:26] Gemma (gemma.cleanslate): yep
[13:26] Particle Physicist Bejiita (bejiita.imako): ah
[13:26] herman Bergson: BUT.....
[13:26] Gemma (gemma.cleanslate): I once had a very deep faith
[13:26] Gemma (gemma.cleanslate): it is gone
[13:26] Gemma (gemma.cleanslate): and i am content
[13:26] herman Bergson: yes I understand.....I had too
[13:27] .: Beertje :. (beertje.beaumont): faith in what Gemma?
[13:27] herman Bergson: FAith and belief is no problem at all
[13:27] Gemma (gemma.cleanslate): I was a very very involved catholic
[13:27] herman Bergson: All science is based on assumptions
[13:27] Gemma (gemma.cleanslate): yep
[13:28] Particle Physicist Bejiita (bejiita.imako): true
[13:28] herman Bergson: But they use these assumptions to come to conclusions that really apply to reality
[13:28] herman Bergson: that is....
[13:29] herman Bergson: they assume for instance that this or that molecule will influence this or that so the ill person will get better....they test it...and it works
[13:30] herman Bergson: A religious believer will pray for you....and research ahs shown...it doesn't work....God does NOT help you
[13:30] Gemma (gemma.cleanslate): some believe it is helpful
[13:31] herman Bergson: so, the basic thing is to question our assumptions about reality
[13:31] Gemma (gemma.cleanslate): true
[13:31] Gemma (gemma.cleanslate) GIGGLES!!
[13:31] Gemma (gemma.cleanslate): ...LOL...
[13:31] herman Bergson: tons of people believe it is helpful Gemma....it just isnt
[13:31] Gemma (gemma.cleanslate): reality gets in the forefront
[13:31] Gemma (gemma.cleanslate): they will have an answer tho
[13:31] Gemma (gemma.cleanslate): that God wanted you now
[13:32] Particle Physicist Bejiita (bejiita.imako): indeed only you can make stuff happen, there is no white bearded man on a cloud giving you assistance
[13:32] Particle Physicist Bejiita (bejiita.imako): its all up to you/us
[13:32] herman Bergson: How many peole have prayed that Trump would die soon....didnt work...
[13:32] Gemma (gemma.cleanslate): omg
[13:32] Gemma (gemma.cleanslate): OMG!!!
[13:32] Gemma (gemma.cleanslate) GIGGLES!!
[13:32] Gemma (gemma.cleanslate): ...LOL...
[13:32] Gemma (gemma.cleanslate): they were fighting those praying for him
[13:32] .: Beertje :. (beertje.beaumont): he will die later ツ
[13:32] Gemma (gemma.cleanslate): and those won
[13:32] herman Bergson: kok
[13:32] herman Bergson: lol
[13:32] Particle Physicist Bejiita (bejiita.imako): I guess
[13:33] herman Bergson: I guess you are right Gemma :-))
[13:33] Gemma (gemma.cleanslate): maybe
[13:33] Gemma (gemma.cleanslate): depends on what ones believes
[13:33] Gemma (gemma.cleanslate): one believes
[13:34] Gemma (gemma.cleanslate): lots of introspection
[13:34] herman Bergson: You canbelieve what you want....
[13:34] herman Bergson: but you also have to offer a way to check the truth value of such a belief
[13:34] Gemma (gemma.cleanslate): that wont work with firm believers
[13:35] Gemma (gemma.cleanslate): nothing will
[13:35] herman Bergson: A scientist believes something...which means he has a hypothesis....so he tests it with experiments...
[13:36] herman Bergson: Indeed Gemma...but you still have to ask...proof that your belief is justified
[13:36] Gemma (gemma.cleanslate): when a scientist fails he moves on to a new experiment
[13:37] herman Bergson: Beliefs are ok....but they also need a justification
[13:37] Gemma (gemma.cleanslate): not to the believer
[13:37] Gemma (gemma.cleanslate): not necessary
[13:37] herman Bergson: the simple statement...God just told me....is pretty much nonsense
[13:37] Gemma (gemma.cleanslate): nto to them
[13:37] Gemma (gemma.cleanslate): not
[13:37] Gemma (gemma.cleanslate) GIGGLES!!
[13:37] Gemma (gemma.cleanslate): ...LOL...
[13:37] Particle Physicist Bejiita (bejiita.imako): IN GOD WE TRUST!
[13:37] Particle Physicist Bejiita (bejiita.imako): SSSSSSSSSS!
[13:37] Gemma (gemma.cleanslate): yes
[13:37] herman Bergson: I know.....ok
[13:37] Gemma (gemma.cleanslate): or
[13:37] Gemma (gemma.cleanslate): no
[13:38] Particle Physicist Bejiita (bejiita.imako): pfffffs!
[13:38] herman Bergson: But then...don't bother me or society with your beliefs....
[13:38] Gemma (gemma.cleanslate): that is what i mean bejita is a firm believer
[13:38] Gemma (gemma.cleanslate): he believes!!!!
[13:38] Gemma (gemma.cleanslate): as strongly as the believer
[13:39] Gemma (gemma.cleanslate): he does not need proof
[13:39] Particle Physicist Bejiita (bejiita.imako): i believe in facts, i believe in god and ghosts ect when i see them of get scientific proof. But noone have seen either God or ghosts
[13:39] herman Bergson: Beliefs without proper justification or methods to check its validity are only personal hobbies
[13:39] Gemma (gemma.cleanslate): exactly
[13:39] Gemma (gemma.cleanslate): but you will never ever change a true believer
[13:39] Gemma (gemma.cleanslate): either way
[13:39] Particle Physicist Bejiita (bejiita.imako): i however can believe that Jesus was a real person but how the story about hin came to be. And if he was a real person id say he was quite cool
[13:39] Gemma (gemma.cleanslate): that man saw those eyes move
[13:39] Particle Physicist Bejiita (bejiita.imako): :)3
[13:40] Particle Physicist Bejiita (bejiita.imako): ㋡
[13:40] herman Bergson: So,then I say....don't translate your personal hobbies into law
[13:40] Gemma (gemma.cleanslate): he saw them!!!!
[13:40] Gemma (gemma.cleanslate): what more proof does he need
[13:40] Gemma (gemma.cleanslate): none
[13:40] herman Bergson: which affects all people
[13:40] Gemma (gemma.cleanslate): oh i agree completely
[13:40] Particle Physicist Bejiita (bejiita.imako): indeed
[13:40] .: Beertje :. (beertje.beaumont): he needed to go to Specsavers
[13:40] Gemma (gemma.cleanslate): happening here in usa
[13:40] Particle Physicist Bejiita (bejiita.imako): loool
[13:40] FrannyDJ Dean is online.
[13:41] Gemma (gemma.cleanslate): with the free to choose issue
[13:41] herman Bergson: happens everywhere Gemma
[13:41] Gemma (gemma.cleanslate): yep
[13:41] Gemma (gemma.cleanslate): it is interesting to listen to a person who is truly neutral on issues
[13:41] Gemma (gemma.cleanslate): rare to find
[13:42] herman Bergson: I dont think neutrality exists...
[13:42] Gemma (gemma.cleanslate): i have really found a person who seems to be
[13:42] herman Bergson: your mind always must have a startingpoint...
[13:42] Gemma (gemma.cleanslate): may make a decision on information but he seems to be
[13:42] Gemma (gemma.cleanslate): is a radio talk person who interviews
[13:42] Gemma (gemma.cleanslate): both sides
[13:42] herman Bergson: the mater is...how fixed is this mind to this startingpoint....
[13:43] Gemma (gemma.cleanslate): always does not take positions
[13:43] Gemma (gemma.cleanslate): amazing
[13:43] herman Bergson: when interviewing that is easy...
[13:43] Gemma (gemma.cleanslate): true
[13:43] herman Bergson: you let the one talk and then the other...
[13:44] Gemma (gemma.cleanslate): not agreeing one way or another yes
[13:44] herman Bergson: as anintervierwer you can balance views....
[13:44] Gemma (gemma.cleanslate): is so interesting
[13:44] herman Bergson: it is YOU as listener who has to make up your mind....:-)
[13:45] Gemma (gemma.cleanslate): will see what materialism will do for us
[13:45] Gemma (gemma.cleanslate): oh but my mind was made up before i listened
[13:45] Gemma (gemma.cleanslate): usually
[13:45] Gemma (gemma.cleanslate) GIGGLES!!
[13:45] Gemma (gemma.cleanslate): ...LOL...
[13:45] Gemma (gemma.cleanslate): that is the problem
[13:45] herman Bergson: of course...but when you are a healthy thinker your mind isnt made of concrete
[13:46] Gemma (gemma.cleanslate): true
[13:46] .: Beertje :. (beertje.beaumont): listening to a person is very difficult, you hear them but most people don't realy listen
[13:46] herman Bergson: We need an open mind....
[13:46] Gemma (gemma.cleanslate): true
[13:46] herman Bergson: We need to be aware of cognitive dissonance....
[13:46] herman Bergson: and our response to that
[13:47] herman Bergson: As we are talking like this.....
[13:48] herman Bergson: all these nuances of thinking disappear when a person acts within the context of a group
[13:48] Gemma (gemma.cleanslate): so true
[13:48] Particle Physicist Bejiita (bejiita.imako): yes
[13:48] herman Bergson: The group locks and blocks thinking
[13:48] Gemma (gemma.cleanslate): oola is so quiet
[13:49] Gemma (gemma.cleanslate): nothing to say on this?
[13:49] herman Bergson: she may be AFK..but registering the chat
[13:49] Gemma (gemma.cleanslate): ah
[13:49] .: Beertje :. (beertje.beaumont): we are afraid to keep thinking, we don't belong to the group anymore if we think different
[13:49] Gemma (gemma.cleanslate) GIGGLES!!
[13:49] Gemma (gemma.cleanslate): ...LOL...
[13:49] Gemma (gemma.cleanslate): i will get her later
[13:49] herman Bergson: that is the danger indeed Beertje
[13:50] Gemma (gemma.cleanslate): then we leave the group
[13:50] .: Beertje :. (beertje.beaumont): yes
[13:50] .: Beertje :. (beertje.beaumont): being an outsider is scary
[13:50] Lukkie Sands: By the way...I am quiet too Gemma ^_^
[13:50] Gemma (gemma.cleanslate): well we can look for another group
[13:50] Gemma (gemma.cleanslate): yes lukkie
[13:50] Gemma (gemma.cleanslate): no thought?
[13:51] Lukkie Sands: a few pixels indeed
[13:51] .: Beertje :. (beertje.beaumont): the group is powerful
[13:51] Gemma (gemma.cleanslate): this group is
[13:51] herman Bergson: That is what I meant to expose today...
[13:52] Gemma (gemma.cleanslate): exposed!!
[13:52] herman Bergson: the individual in relation to the group....and how it affects thinking and behavior
[13:52] Gemma (gemma.cleanslate): it sure does
[13:53] Gemma (gemma.cleanslate): I hope Bergie is having a good time in Croatia
[13:53] herman Bergson: I guess the stage is set for a materialistic approach of reality :-)
[13:53] Particle Physicist Bejiita (bejiita.imako): aaa yes indeed
[13:53] Particle Physicist Bejiita (bejiita.imako): ㋡
[13:53] Gemma (gemma.cleanslate): and i am glad you got your internet back beerjtie
[13:53] Particle Physicist Bejiita (bejiita.imako): ah ㋡
[13:53] Gemma (gemma.cleanslate): i guess ......
[13:54] .: Beertje :. (beertje.beaumont): yes i didn't have internet for a week
[13:54] Gemma (gemma.cleanslate) GIGGLES!!
[13:54] Gemma (gemma.cleanslate): ...LOL...
[13:54] Gemma (gemma.cleanslate): oope i put the i
[13:54] Gemma (gemma.cleanslate): beertje
[13:54] .: Beertje :. (beertje.beaumont): easy name:)
[13:54] Gemma (gemma.cleanslate): i just make it hard
[[13:55] herman Bergson: ok..thank you all again....
[13:55] Gemma (gemma.cleanslate): ♥ Thank Youuuuuuuuuu!! ♥
[[13:55] herman Bergson: time to relax our brains again...
[13:55] Gemma (gemma.cleanslate): was fun
[13:55] Particle Physicist Bejiita (bejiita.imako): aaaa
[13:55] Particle Physicist Bejiita (bejiita.imako): ;(
[13:55] .: Beertje :. (beertje.beaumont): thank you Herman
[13:55] herman Bergson: Class dismmissed.....
[13:55] Particle Physicist Bejiita (bejiita.imako): ㋡
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