The Key Concepts of Subjective Naturalism
Subjective Naturalism offers an enriched view of reality, where subjective and objective experiences converge to create a deeper understanding of the world. Here are the key concepts explored in the book, each contributing to an integrated and holistic approach to our existence.
Perceptual Prisms
The concept of perceptual prisms distinguishes four modes through which we experience reality: external, bodily, introspective, and social. Each of these prisms shapes our interpretation of the world and how we create a subjective reality.
Unity of Substance
Subjective Naturalism proposes a view of matter and mind as manifestations of a single, unified substance. This fundamental unity challenges the separation between material and spiritual, offering an integrated approach to existence.
Perceptive Reciprocity
This concept explores the interaction between individuals and their environment, highlighting how our perceptions give us a clue of how we are influenced by what surrounds us. Perceptive reciprocity invites us to be aware of the value of our shared perception of an unpredictable world.
Mimetic Attraction
Inspired by social dynamics, mimetic attraction stems from our natural tendency to imitate the behaviors and desires of others. This inclination influences not only our social interactions but also our perception of reality.
The Great Recycling
Within the framework of Subjective Naturalism, the Great Recycling emphasizes that everything in Nature is in perpetual transformation. Cycles of regeneration and interconnectedness animate both the physical world and our personal experiences.
Presentism
Presentism addresses the perception of time through a subjective approach, where only the present moment fully exists. This view challenges our relationship with the past and future, inviting us to embrace the present moment in all its aspects, including legacy and potential.
Instinctive Ethics
Instinctive ethics is based on the idea that our moral values emerge from our lived experiences and natural empathy. Rather than a set of imposed rules, it develops spontaneously in response to human interactions and shared understanding.
The Ethics of Power
This concept explores the will to power as a positive force, promoting both individual and collective growth. The power of existence can express itself through ethical collaboration, encouraging everyone to contribute to the common good while pursuing their personal aspirations.
Animal Consciousness
Subjective Naturalism extends human empathy to the animal realm, recognizing animal consciousness as a mirror of our own experience of the world. This awareness invites us to rethink our relationship with other species and with Nature.
Horizontal Transcendence
Rather than a vertical transcendence that seeks to escape the material world, horizontal transcendence aims to bring us closer to others and to Nature, recognizing our interdependence with all living things.
The Beyond for the Living
This concept envisions the beyond not as a place for the souls of the departed but as a continuation of our existence for those who remain. Memory, connections, and the impact of our actions constitute this "beyond" in the world of the living.
The Art and Magic of Existence
The convergence of perceptual prisms gives rise to art and magic, where the expression of inner life becomes tangible and accessible. Art represents this human capacity to capture reality in all its complexity and depth.
Gratitude Without Debt
The concept of gratitude without debt proposes an approach to appreciating the value of interconnection in Nature. This pure gratitude strengthens our bond with our environment, valuing each experience as a gift.
Restorative Justice
Unlike punitive forms of justice, restorative justice advocates healing and repairing broken connections. It emphasizes a more humane and empathetic approach to conflict, promoting understanding and reconciliation.