Naturalism, in its pervasive influence upon analytic philosophy, asserts a grand claim: that the entirety of existence, from the cosmos to the intricate workings of the human spirit, can be fully accounted for by the methods and explanations of natural science. There are no realms of human experience, no facets of the self, mind, subjectivity, freedom, or responsibility, that ultimately transcend the investigative reach of scientific inquiry. These very concepts, the naturalistic credo insists, find their true definitions within the established sciences.
Yet, the question remains: just how successful has this reigning creed truly been? This collection of reflections endeavors to strike a balance, to weigh the triumphs and the persistent challenges that naturalism has encountered thus far. Unlike many other volumes that might present a unified rejection of naturalism, this work invites a diverse chorus of voices. Here, both staunch naturalists and their discerning critics unfold their positions, engaging in a rigorous discussion about where naturalistic approaches have flourished and where they have faltered.
The discussions within these pages often reveal the nuanced lines of agreement and disagreement that crisscross contemporary philosophical discourse. While some contributors champion a resolute, even stringent, commitment to a thoroughly scientific self-understanding, aiming to shed what they perceive as residual illusions or wishful thinking that overstate human significance, others advocate for a more tolerant and inclusive vision of naturalism. This latter perspective emphasizes a continuous dialogue between philosophy and the natural sciences, seeking common ground where even those critical of more extreme naturalistic projects can find resonance.
Indeed, a recurring theme is the assessment of naturalism's ability to provide a complete picture of reality. For instance, some arguments delve into the historical relationship between methodological naturalism – the provisional bracketing of supernatural explanations in scientific practice – and the success of science itself. It is argued by some that the cumulative triumphs of science, conducted under this methodological principle, offer compelling evidence for the truth of metaphysical naturalism. However, this assertion is also met with scrutiny, as critics suggest that drawing an unproblematic distinction between 'natural' and 'supernatural' throughout the history of science proves more complex than it initially appears.
Considerations of the self, mind, and human agency are central battlegrounds. The naturalistic impulse seeks to define these deeply personal and subjective experiences solely through scientific lenses. Yet, the question is posed whether such definitions capture the full richness of what it means to be human, to experience consciousness, or to exercise genuine freedom. The very framing of these dilemmas by some contributors aims to place a heavy burden of proof upon ontological naturalism, suggesting that without a clear demarcation of relevant sciences, it may be forced into an overly reductive physicalism.
Ultimately, this volume serves as a collaborative assessment, born from an international philosophical workshop. It offers a multifaceted view, particularly from central European perspectives, on how naturalism has been conceived and propagated. The contributions collectively illuminate the successes, the enduring difficulties, and the future prospects of naturalism as a philosophical program, inviting readers to contemplate the profound implications of its claims for our understanding of the world and our place within it.
