Naturalism

Naturalism, synonymous with Naive Realism, is a philosophical doctrine encompassing various forms of positivism. It constitutes the official doctrine of [[Marxism]].

Core Tenets and Characteristics:

• Naturalism does not explicitly deny absolute truth but posits its own absolute claims, asserting the absolute truth of materialism and determinism. It rejects any ideal or spiritual absolute.
• The doctrine is the undisciplined thought of the unreflective practical man and of the scientist who illegitimately extends scientific criteria beyond their proper bounds. Scientism
• It equates scientific knowledge with the sole truth, dismissing higher truths. It represents an attempt to formulate a scientific metaphysics, a task deemed impossible as science pertains to the particular, while metaphysics concerns that which underlies the particular.
• Naturalism is a suicidal philosophy; the Materialism and Determinism it posits render all philosophy invalid. Its adherents frequently remain unaware of this inherent contradiction.
• Philosophical materialism, a component of naturalism, is a species of Idealism, a self-confession of those whose ideas do not transcend the obvious.
• Naturalism is a relic from a bygone Victorian era, when allegiance and emotions once devoted to religion were transferred to science.
• Subsequent philosophical movements, such as vitalism, retain an inherent naturalistic character, with their entire programmes confined to the worldly realm; any approach to another world becomes a parody.