How certain is materialism/physicalism as a description of ultimate reality?

There are probably about 100 different philosophy positions that touch on what science would say about our physical world.Specifically, the metaphysical world.Neuroscience is a pretty materialistic profession. It commonly will show that our memories are made up of biological matter. Roger Penrose and Stuart Hammer off have attempted to find a non materialistic interpretation of our brain and consciousness, but an underground (literally subterranean) experiment, in Italy, did not back up the physical description of the theory.LSD experiments are ongoing, and some physicists are always claiming to have made an LSD breakthrough, that challenges materialism.Generally, just about nothing has truly challenged materialism, successfully.UFOs - to the extent there has been "observations" by us, of them - seem to offer potential evidence that our physical laws need a better understanding, and some interpretations of UFOs involved interdimensional interpretations.(John Brennan or James Clapper said UFOs seem to be interdimensional)Materialism is the most relevant philosophy to a spiritual species, which humans seem to be.

Thread moved here from the Coffee House forum.

Thread copied here from the How certain is materialism/physicalism as a description of ultimate reality? thread in the Proposed New Topics forum.

Define metaphysical world.
How are LSD experiments relevant?
Define UFOs. Source for Brennan, Clapper assertions? If true, why would that be relevant?
Define reality.Not sure what the actual topic is here. Once you answer my questions maybe it will make sense.

Good Luck!

Metaphysical is a hypothetical physical concept, as we all know.Or should already know.

Not what I asked.

Still waiting for the ahem perfect rewording.Don't cheat us all out of the perfect rewording.

So no explanations? Cool. Have fun.

Lets define three concepts which you have introduced. So let's look up physicalism. Sounds over my head! Let's stick with your term materialism for now.On to Metaphysics The dictionary reference goes on to say this:

Websters:

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Just as physics deals with the laws that govern the physical world (such as those of gravity or the properties of waves), metaphysics describes what is beyond physics—the nature and origin of reality itself, the immortal soul, and the existence of a supreme being. Opinions about these metaphysical topics vary widely since what's being discussed can't be observed or measured or even truly known to exist. So most metaphysical questions are still as far from a final answer as they were when Plato and Aristotle were asking them.

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The Websters reference provided one more notable insight:

quote:

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The 1964 discovery of evidence supporting the big bang theory immediately elevated cosmology from metaphysics to hard science. — Richard Panek, Scientific American, 14 Nov. 2023

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So which way do you want to go with this topic, LNA?

So is this a philosophical discussion or a scientific one?And what is it that you wish to discuss?

This would be a good place to discuss metaphysical-related events, like miracles and the supernatural.Better than a historical Jesus thread, and there are a lot of those around here.And they are full of posters who don't have a fucking clue.I almost laughed (And as a character technique, I never physically laugh at other people's views) when I read the first few posts in a historical Jesus thread started by ICANT.Look at the starting lineup...Post 1 ICANTPOST 2 Percy (promoted thread)Post 3 TanpteryxPost 4. TangleIt was a parade of stupidity and I never saw such an ignoramus-display, even here, in my entire life.I almost laughed, and post five (PaulK) was the first post that started to display some semblance of understanding about the confused b.s.

Why do you think miracles and the supernatural are part of metaphysics?--Percy

You seem to want to engage in dialogue around here, and I have grown to accept you, hoping you will stay on topic. Keep in mind that you started this topic. You can run with and expand upon your ideas in Message 1The peanut gallery is composed of the Boss, Percy as well as Tany and Xongsmith.(I mention them together as they usually both like the same posts) Tangle fits in there as does Taq, though Taq is distinct. PaulK is a veteran PG member who is not afraid to debate with the PG(peanut Gallery) crowd. dwise1 has a special disdain for Biblical Creationists and has debated them for many years. What I like about him is that he often goes out of his way to explain his reasoning in great detail, often embellishing personal anecdotes into his replies. Then we have Theodoric. He can come across as gruff and demanding, but he will challenge you to stay on topic and provide further explanations for your assertions in Message 1To know EvC is to know the peanut gallery. There are a few other members that contribute less frequently but who read along with the conversations as well.

Hey Boss! Quick question before i am out the door...
Is philosophy a scientific topic?As far as your question to LNA, I think he went with the quote I linked from Websters:

Websters:

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Just as physics deals with the laws that govern the physical world (such as those of gravity or the properties of waves), metaphysics describes what is beyond physics—the nature and origin of reality itself, the immortal soul, and the existence of a supreme being. Opinions about these metaphysical topics vary widely since what's being discussed can't be observed or measured or even truly known to exist. So most metaphysical questions are still as far from a final answer as they were when Plato and Aristotle were asking them.

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LNA is just trying to fit in to our endless banter. Perhaps we can help him frame this topic.