Science Of Freedom Workbook
Text: "The Philosophy of Freedom" by Rudolf Steiner
Topic 2.1 Chapter 2 The Fundamental Desire For Knowledge
2.1 Materialism
Naturalism
[5] Materialism can never provide a satisfactory explanation of the world. For every attempt at an explanation must begin by forming thoughts about the phenomena of the world. So Materialism starts with thoughts about Matter and material processes. In doing so, it already has two different kinds of facts before it: the material world and the thoughts about it.
Theism
The Materialist tries to understand thought by regarding it as a purely material process. He believes thinking takes place in the brain in much the same way digestion takes place in the animal organs. Just as he attributes mechanical, chemical, and organic processes to Matter, so he credits it in certain circumstances with the ability to think. He overlooks that all he has done is shift the problem to another place. The Materialist attributes the power of thinking to Matter, instead of to himself. And this brings him back to his starting point. How does Matter come to reflect upon its own nature? Why is it not perfectly content to be the way it is, and simply go on existing as it is?
Intuitionism
The Materialist has turned his attention away from the identifiable subject, from his own Self, and instead occupies himself with the nebulous and indeterminate nature of Matter. Here the same problem comes up again. The materialistic viewpoint cannot solve the problem, it can only shift it to another place.
Worldview Of Materialism
"There are people so constituted that it is not possible for them to find the way to the Spirit, and to give them any proof of the Spirit will always be hard."
"They stick to something they know about, in accordance with their nature."
"Let us say they stick at something that makes the crudest kind of impression on them — Materialism."
"Materialism writings hold good in the first place for material life, for the material world and its laws."
Rudolf Steiner, Human And Cosmic Thought
"So Materialism starts with thoughts about Matter and material processes. In doing so, it already has two different kinds of facts before it: the material world and the thoughts about it."
Obviously topic 2.1 Materialism expresses the worldview of materialism. This quote highlights that within the materialistic worldview, there's a distinction between the actual physical world and our intellectual reflections about it. While materialism begins by considering thoughts on matter and its processes, it unintentionally sets up a divide: on one side there's the tangible world, and on the other, there's our cognition trying to grasp it. Thus, even from its inception, Materialism has to grapple with the dichotomy of actual matter and the cognitive processes that dissect and analyze it.
"The Materialist attributes the power of thinking to Matter, instead of to himself. And this brings him back to his starting point. How does Matter come to reflect upon its own nature? Why is it not perfectly content to be the way it is, and simply go on existing as it is?"
This encapsulates the crux of the materialistic worldview. It suggests that everything, including complex processes like thought, emerges from Matter. However, this worldview falls into its own trap by failing to explain why inert matter would have the inclination or need to be self-reflective, revealing a paradox at the heart of materialism.
"The Materialist has turned his attention away from the identifiable subject, from his own Self, and instead occupies himself with the nebulous and indeterminate nature of Matter."
This highlights a hallmark of the materialistic perspective – the deprioritization of the 'Self' or consciousness. By focusing on the external – the physical attributes of Matter – the materialist neglects the internal, conscious experience, leading to an incomplete understanding of reality. This narrow lens keeps them trapped in a cycle of trying to explain the unexplained using the same limited perspective.
On a personal and societal level, recognizing our thoughts as intertwined with the world around us nurtures a sense of unity and interconnectedness, diminishing feelings of alienation and isolation. Conversely, by directing attention away from the identifiable self and focusing narrowly on the uncertain nature of matter, as in the materialistic perspective, one might inadvertently court a sense of detachment and aimlessness. This narrow view risks neglecting the profound human experiences that extend beyond mere physical observations.
MODULE 2.1 Materialism
□ STEP 2.1 From one-sided materialism focused on the material world, to discerning the separation caused by shifting the problem away from the Self.
1. INTRODUCTION
Materialism, as a worldview, postulates that the universe and everything within it, including human beings, can be fully explained by matter and its interactions. It prioritizes the tangible, the measurable, and the physical, often at the expense of the intangible, such as emotions, consciousness, or spiritual experiences. But in doing so, it can inadvertently create a chasm between our understanding of the material world and our inner self or consciousness.
The initial allure of materialism lies in its seeming simplicity: If everything is just matter, then everything is predictable and quantifiable. Yet, by adhering strictly to this belief, one might find themselves grappling with a profound existential puzzle. They might ask, "If I am just an arrangement of atoms, where does my sense of Self come from? Why do I have conscious experiences?"
In this module, we'll explore the two contrasting states. The first is a deep immersion in Materialism, where one's focus is almost entirely on the external, material world. The second, more evolved state is where one starts questioning this narrow focus. They begin discerning a separation, recognizing that by placing the entire 'problem' of existence onto the material world, they've inadvertently distanced or even removed the Self from the equation.
Today, the overarching influence of Materialism presents numerous challenges. For one, when we reduce experiences and emotions to mere biochemical reactions, life risks being stripped of its richness and depth. Such a reductionist outlook can cast a shadow of emptiness or even nihilism. This is compounded by feelings of alienation as individuals might begin to perceive themselves as isolated entities, distinct from the vast cosmos. Moral challenges also arise. If Materialism leans heavily on determinism, suggesting our actions are just results of prior physical events, then the very foundations of personal responsibility and moral decision-making are shaken.
Systems like socialism and communism, which are often built on materialistic underpinnings, tend to prioritize the collective over the individual. While the intention might be societal well-being, a consequence is the suppression of individual creativity and personal freedoms.
Recognizing this omission of the 'Self' is crucial in our journey of "guided curiosity". It's the understanding that a purely materialistic perspective, while valuable in some domains, might not provide a comprehensive understanding of existence. It prompts individuals to seek a deeper, more holistic understanding of both the world and themselves.
Worldview of Materialism: A perspective that emphasizes the primacy of the physical and material world, often at the exclusion of spiritual, mental, or emotional realms.
Self: An individual's conscious perception and unique identity, encompassing thoughts, emotions, and personal experiences.
Shifting the Problem Away from the Self: The act of externalizing or deflecting issues of understanding and knowledge onto physical factors, thereby evading introspection or acknowledgment of one's own role in the cognitive process.
Guided Curiosity
'Guided curiosity' refers to a structured or intentional pursuit of knowledge, where one's inquisitiveness is channeled in purposeful directions to yield meaningful insights. Omitting the 'Self' in this journey impedes the depth and authenticity of our exploration. The 'Self' serves as our inner compass, guiding our inquiries based on personal experiences, reflections, and values. Without acknowledging the 'Self', our curiosity may lack direction, depth, and personal relevance. In essence, to fully harness the potential of 'guided curiosity', the acknowledgment and integration of the 'Self' is imperative. Only then can our exploration resonate with our innermost truths and lead to genuinely transformative understandings.
2. LIFE EXAMPLES
Scenario: Struggling Dieter
Stage 1 - Worldview of Materialism: This individual believes that their weight is entirely governed by their genetics. They often cite family members who also struggle with weight, reinforcing their belief that their body's physical composition is predetermined and unchangeable.
Stage 2 - Shifting the Problem Away from the Self: When confronted with health issues related to their weight, they sidestep personal responsibility, and demand fat acceptance. Instead of acknowledging the role of their dietary choices and sedentary lifestyle, they focus solely on their genetic disposition, claiming it's the primary reason for their obesity.
Scenario: Age-Conscious Matron
Stage 1 - Worldview of Materialism: The woman feels the weight of societal expectations to remain youthful in appearance. Believing that her value lies primarily in her physical beauty, she frequently seeks plastic surgery to counteract the natural signs of aging.
Stage 2 - Shifting the Problem Away from the Self: Instead of embracing the natural aging process and the richness of experience and wisdom she has gained over the years, she focuses on altering her exterior to fit a societal mold. By doing so, she diverts attention away from her intrinsic worth and centers it on surface-level modifications.
Scenario: Wooden Toys
Stage 1 - Worldview of Materialism: Believing that value and well-being are intrinsically tied to the materials that surround us, a parent meticulously purchases only wood toys and clothing made of natural materials for their child, avoiding all plastic and synthetic products. They equate the child's happiness and health exclusively with the physical composition of their possessions.
Stage 2 - Shifting the Problem Away from the Self: Instead of addressing the deeper aspects of parenting, such as emotional connection, teaching values, or fostering creativity, the parent externalizes their responsibilities onto the types of materials their child interacts with. By doing so, they neglect the intrinsic aspects of child-rearing, placing emphasis solely on surface-level choices.
Scenario Social Isolation
Stage 1 - Worldview of Materialism: An individual feeling the sting of social isolation experiences deep feelings of loneliness and sadness, which begins to affect their overall well-being and mental health. Facing overwhelming stress, an individual believes that relief lies primarily in the physical realm. As a result, they turn to psychiatric drugs as a primary solution, seeing their emotional and mental struggles as simply a matter of biochemical imbalance that can be rectified with the right medication.
Stage 2 - Shifting the Problem Away from the Self: By relying solely on medication, the individual avoids confronting the root of the problem – the individual's lack of social connection. This approach prioritizes a physiological solution over fostering social connections or engaging in community activities, which might more directly address the root cause of the individual's feelings.
Scenario Academic Excellence
Stage 1 - Worldview of Materialism: An Asian student consistently outperforms their peers in academic pursuits. The explanation given is rooted in materialistic terms: the heritability of IQ, cultural upbringing, and environmental influences that foster a strong work ethic and focus on education as the reasons for the academic success of Asian people.
Stage 2 - Shifting the Problem Away from the Self: This materialistic perspective avoids recognizing the individual's personal qualities, efforts, and unique journey. It externalizes the reasons for success, thereby undervaluing the personal determination, struggles, and individual attributes that also contribute to their achievements.
Scenario Gender Dysphoria
Stage 1 - Worldview of Materialism: A child exhibits identification with the opposite sex by preferring the toys and activities associated with the other gender. A materialistic medical interpretation suggests that the child has gender dysphoria, attributing the cause to a mismatch between the child's gender identity and their birth sex, and recommends hormone therapy followed by gender-altering surgery.
Stage 2 - Shifting the Problem Away from the Self: This perspective externalizes the child's experience, focusing on immediate physical solutions like hormone therapy and surgery. For the vast majority of children, gender dysphoria is caused by psychological issues of the Self. Research shows that most children grow out of their gender dysphoria as they reach adolescence.
3. THE PHILOSOPHY OF FREEDOM TOPIC 2.1 QUOTE
"The Materialist attributes the power of thinking to Matter, instead of to himself."
Thinking, as a complex cognitive process, can be influenced by a variety of physiological factors. Some elements of our thinking might emerge automatically due to physiological processes, other factors like mood, influenced by physiological conditions, can significantly mold the nature and trajectory of our thoughts. But it's essential to acknowledge that the conscious Self often interacts with, moderates, or even overrides these more deterministic physical influences. Here are a few examples:
Reflexive or Automatic Responses: These are immediate reactions to environmental stimuli that don't require conscious thought. For example, when you touch something hot and immediately pull your hand away, this reflexive action is primarily mediated by spinal circuits without significant input from the brain.
Habitual Behaviors: After repeated practice, certain actions can become habits that are performed almost automatically. For instance, skilled musicians can play certain pieces without consciously thinking about each note.
Emotional Reactions: While emotions can be complex and multifaceted, there are certain instinctive emotional reactions (like the immediate fear response upon hearing a loud noise) that are deeply rooted in the brain's limbic system and may occur without conscious deliberation.
Cognitive Biases: Our brains are wired with certain shortcuts or heuristics that influence our decision-making. Often, these biases operate below the level of conscious awareness and can shape our thoughts and judgments.
Effects of Neurotransmitters: Chemical messengers in the brain can influence mood, attention, and thought patterns.
Hormones: Various hormones play critical roles in regulating mood and cognition. For instance:
Serotonin: Often dubbed the 'feel good' hormone, its imbalance is linked with mood disorders like depression and anxiety.
Cortisol: Known as the 'stress hormone', elevated levels can lead to increased feelings of stress, anxiety, and even cognitive difficulties.
Oxytocin: Often referred to as the 'love hormone' or 'bonding hormone', it plays a role in social bonding, emotional regulation, and reproductive behaviors.
Estrogen and Progesterone: Fluctuations in these hormones during menstrual cycles can influence mood, which might explain mood swings and cognitive changes some women experience during different phases of their cycle.
Fatigue: Chronic fatigue or even a single sleepless night can have profound effects on mood and cognitive function. Fatigue can lead to irritability, reduced patience, impaired decision-making, and memory difficulties.
Nutrition and Hydration: What we eat and drink can impact our brain function and mood. For instance, dehydration can lead to difficulties concentrating and mood disturbances. Likewise, deficiencies in certain nutrients, like omega-3 fatty acids, B vitamins, and magnesium, can influence mood and cognitive function.
Blood Sugar Levels: Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) can result in feelings of irritability, confusion, and even aggression. On the flip side, prolonged high blood sugar can lead to feelings of fatigue and decreased cognitive function.
Drugs and Medications: Many substances, ranging from caffeine and alcohol to prescription medications, can influence mood and cognition. For instance, caffeine can improve alertness but also increase feelings of anxiety if consumed in large amounts.
Recreational Drug Use: The consumption of recreational drugs can have a profound impact on cognition and mood. While certain substances may induce temporary feelings of euphoria, relaxation, or altered perception, they also come with potential negative side effects. Marijuana, for example, can lead to short-term memory problems, impaired decision-making, and altered judgment. Over time and with consistent use, these substances can lead to dependency, further clouding clear thought processes and potentially reducing an individual's ability to introspect and connect authentically with the Self.
Environmental Factors: Being in an overly warm environment can make one feel fatigued and sluggish, affecting cognitive abilities. Similarly, prolonged exposure to loud noise can induce stress and impair cognitive functions.
Brain Lesions or Disorders: In certain neurological conditions, such as Alzheimer's disease or after a traumatic brain injury, thinking might be heavily influenced by the physical state of the brain, impairing the person's ability to engage in deliberate, conscious thought.
4. REFLECTION QUESTIONS FOR THE PRACTICE OF PURE THINKING
Objective: Experience the joy of soaring into the realm of concepts.
Why do we seek meaning and purpose, if the materialistic worldview suggests a deterministic universe? If our decisions are merely the results of molecular interactions, can we genuinely hold people accountable for their actions? How do we reconcile the constancy of the "Self" with the ever-changing nature of our material bodies and experiences?
5. EYES THAT SPEAK
The hallowed halls of the Montague Art Gallery echoed with the soft footsteps of enthusiasts, but for Sarah, a seasoned art historian, today was different. She felt the pull of a piece she hadn't seen before - a haunting Renaissance portrait of a woman, her eyes a deep well of emotion.
Sarah was a master of her craft, using tools and analysis where others used intuition. She approached art like a surgeon, dissecting its physical components. The pigments, the binders, the weave of the canvas were all clues in a grand mystery she was determined to solve. This portrait, unsigned and seemingly forgotten, was her newest challenge. Yet, as days turned into months, the portrait seemed to defy her. Her meticulous methods were yielding nothing. The layers of paint held their secrets close, and the canvas remained tight-lipped.
One evening, as Sarah sat in her dimly lit office, frustration seeping from every pore, an unexpected visitor appeared. Leo, an elderly scholar she'd met once, had heard of her obsession with the portrait.
"You're looking but not seeing," he remarked gently, observing her anguish.
Sarah, eyebrows knitted in confusion, responded, "I've examined every inch!"
With a knowing smile, Leo said, "This portrait isn't just pigments and canvas. It's soul and emotion. Why does this painting, among thousands, consume you?"
He left her with that, a question hanging in the air. That night, as Sarah gazed at the portrait, she did something she hadn't in a long time. She felt. She allowed herself to be drawn into those captivating eyes, to drown in their depth, to feel their sorrow, and yearning.
In the silent communion between art and observer, memories flooded back. Those eyes, they resembled someone. They were like her mother's - the same intensity, the same sadness. Sarah had lost her mother when she was but a child. The longing she felt, the emotional whirlwind wasn't about the portrait's origin but her own.
The realization was like the morning sun breaking through the darkness. The portrait was a reflection, a bridge to a part of her she had locked away, a past she had forgotten. It was no longer a puzzle to be solved but a mirror reflecting her own emotions, memories, and desires. Through it, she rediscovered herself.
6. PRACTICAL APPLICATION OF QUESTIONING REASON FOR ACTION
Objective: Adopt an individualistic attitude aligned with principles of freedom.
- Wellness Check of Your Body
Materialistic Approach: Recognize the body as a complex system of interconnected physical components. Regularly check for tangible signs of health or distress, such as skin elasticity, pulse rate, or joint flexibility. When unwell, focus on physical remedies like proper nutrition, hydration, and rest. This approach underscores the importance of physical inputs (like vitamins, minerals) and outputs (like toxins through sweat) in maintaining the body's balance. - Wellness Check of Your Brain
Materialistic Approach: Understand the brain as an organ influenced by chemical balances and electrical activities. Monitor your cognitive functions, memory, and mood. Activities such as puzzles, reading, or even controlled exposure to natural sunlight (for vitamin D) can support brain health. If experiencing mood swings or sleep disturbances, consider factors like serotonin levels, which can be influenced by diet and exposure to natural light. - Consumer Sustainability Check
Materialistic Approach: When shopping, focus on the tangible and physical properties of products. Consider the lifespan of items, their production processes, and the materials used. Opt for products that have a longer life, are made of sustainable materials, and have minimal environmental impact during production and disposal.
7. CLOSING THOUGHTS
In Module 2.1 Materialism, we've looked into the world of materialistic thought, challenging our perceptions of reality and the boundaries between the Self and the physical world. As we advance in our understanding, guiding our curiosity, we uncover the importance of discerning the separation that arises when we solely focus on the material world and inadvertently shift existential and cognitive problems away from the Self.
Embracing a materialistic worldview has, undoubtedly, bestowed upon society a plethora of advantages. Through enhanced scientific advancements, we've been able to push the frontiers of human knowledge, making groundbreaking discoveries in medicine, engineering, and numerous other fields. This pragmatic perspective empowers individuals with the tools for informed decision-making, anchoring choices in tangible data that paves the way for outcomes that resonate with reality and practicality.
Moreover, as stewards of our planet, a materialistic understanding equips us with the insights necessary for sustainable resource management. It allows us to gauge the physical capacities and constraints of our environment, guiding us toward sustainable practices that ensure the well-being of both present and future generations.
However, while the materialistic lens offers a clear view of the physical world, it's imperative that we don't lose sight of the deeper dimensions of human experience. Balancing materialism with introspection, acknowledging the Self in its entirety, is the true path to holistic understanding and progress.
