Materialism: A Historical and Philosophical Inquiry

This book explores the development of materialism, defending its form in the twenty-first century, and discussing its origins, challenges, and evolution into physicalism. It argues that materialism, despite not having all the answers, is our best philosophical hope in the modern world due to its humanism and commitment to naturalistic explanation and the scientific method.

\n Format: Paperback / softback
\n Length: 142 pages
\n Publication date: 13 May 2019
\n Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd
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The doctrine of materialism has been a highly contentious topic throughout the history of ideas, often associated with toleration and enlightened thinking, but also stirring intense and sometimes violent passions among its opponents and proponents. This book delves into the evolution of materialism in an engaging and thought-provoking manner, while defending its contemporary form.

The book begins by providing an overview of the ideas of some of the most influential thinkers in the materialist tradition, including Epicurus, Lucretius, Hobbes, Hume, Darwin, and Marx. These thinkers laid the foundation for materialism as an early form of naturalistic explanation and as an intellectual perspective on life and the world in general. The authors then explore the origins of materialism, tracing its development from an imaginative vision of the true nature of things to a challenge posed by the physics it facilitated.

According to Brown and Ladyman, the physics of the microscopic world presented a significant obstacle to traditional materialism, which posited that the true essence of things could be understood through observation and empirical evidence. Out of this challenge, materialism evolved into the new doctrine of physicalism.

The authors argue that while materialism may not have all the answers, its humanistic values and commitment to naturalistic explanation and the scientific method offer our best philosophical hope in the complex and turbulent ideological landscape of the modern world. Throughout the book, the authors use a wide range of colorful examples to illustrate their points and make their arguments more accessible to a broader audience.

In conclusion, The Doctrine of Materialism: A Philosophical Exploration is a valuable contribution to the ongoing debate about materialism and its significance in contemporary philosophy. By examining the development of materialism and its challenges, the book provides a thoughtful and nuanced exploration of this contentious topic, offering insights into the potential benefits and limitations of a materialistic worldview. Whether one agrees with materialism or disagrees with it, this book is an essential read for anyone interested in exploring the complexities of philosophical thought.

\n Weight: 182g\n
Dimension: 197 x 130 x 9 (mm)\n
ISBN-13: 9780367201340\n \n