The Physical Nature Lives: The Naturalistic Worldview facing Scientism and Classical Phenomenological Traditions

Lok-Chi Chan (National Taiwan University)

This paper is co-authored with Kuei-Chen Chen

This article investigates the scope of intersection between metaphysical naturalism, particularly the notion of “classic naturalism” as defined by Gallagher, and first-person insights, especially those offered by phenomenology. By reconstructing classic naturalism in light of the seminal works of Armstrong, Lewis, Jackson, Braddon-Mitchell, Ney, and others, we challenge the common assertion that metaphysical naturalism entails methodological naturalism. In fact, we demonstrate that these two positions may even conflict. In this context, we argue against the call by renowned phenomenologists Gallagher and Zahavi for “non-classic conceptions” of naturalism; we contend that when classic naturalism is properly characterized, it could accommodate phenomenological approaches and have considerable intersection. We then frame such subtle intersection by building on some contemporary phenomenologists’ notions of “mutual constraints” (Varela, Roy, Wheeler, Reynolds, Pokropski) and Gallagher’s and Zahavi’s notion of “mutual enlightenment”. Finally, after addressing several standard criticisms of naturalism from phenomenologists, we explore potential ways in which phenomenology can accommodate the core principles of naturalism from a phenomenological perspective.

Lok-Chi Chan is an Associate Professor of Philosophy at National Taiwan University and the current CEO of the NTU Center for Traditional and Scientific Metaphysics (TSM Center). His academic focus lies in the philosophy of mind, metaphysics, and philosophy of religion, with a particular emphasis on the philosophical worldview of metaphysical naturalism. This involves the exploration of themes like qualia and consciousness, the metaphysical nature of matter (especially its intrinsic and categorical properties), and the characterisation of naturalism and physicalism. Chan’s research has been published in leading philosophy journals and volumes, including the Australasian Journal of Philosophy, Philosophical Studies, Oxford Studies in Philosophy of Mind, Erkenntnis, and Ratio.

Zoom link available on request to Jack Reynolds ([email protected])