First colloquium: Transcending reductive naturalism

The first colloquium consists of five sessions, which were held between November 2020 and January 2021. The five sessions of the first colloquium all focus on the topic of transcending reductive naturalism in order to open up space for an expanded conception of human nature. Here is a brief description of the overall topic these sessions address:

Some writers today proclaim confidently that human beings are essentially nothing but clever animals, ultimately governed by the laws discovered by the natural sciences. They argue that we can be comprehensively understood, at least in principle, by using the explanatory tools of physics, chemistry, and biology. While some disagree with this account, there is less clarity and consensus about what would constitute an alternative conception of human nature. One strand of thought that has emerged over the past several decades has argued that the natural sciences are insufficient for understanding the complexity of human beings. It points to various phenomena that transcend capture from a natural-scientific perspective, including the very act of scientific investigation, consciousness, our ability to reason and use language, and moral experience. Some thinkers within this current also defend a partially re-enchanted view of the world itself, arguing that things such as ‘reasons’, values, and norms, which similarly evade natural- scientific description, should be included in our conception of what is real out there. Although they agree that our bodies are very much animal in nature, they argue that what distinguishes us from animals is that we have language, that we are moral beings, and/or that by our nature we seek and discover meaning. Some of these insights resonate with our own perspective on human nature, which draws on the Revelation. Are these ideas already familiar to others with whom we interact in our own disciplines? How can we mobilize some of these insights to help influence thought in our respective fields? How far do these thinkers take us? Where do we disagree with them? What more would we add, drawing from the Revelation?

The first session focuses on the thought of Thomas Nagel and his critique of naturalism. The second explores the work of John McDowell and a few other thinkers that help us conceive of our rational capacities and the conceptual nature of reality. The third and fourth sessions explore different dimensions of the work of Charles Taylor and other scholars that help us overcome naturalism through a better understanding of our moral and linguistic nature as human beings. In the fifth session, the four presenters from the previous sessions come together to discuss some of the remaining questions that had been posed by attendees. This session also offers a brief overview of the first colloquium as a whole, as well as reflections on its overarching theme.

Additional information about the colloquium and a series of short pieces on the theme of naturalism and human nature, written by some of the presenters and discussants who participated in the colloquium, can be found here.

Session One: Thomas Nagel and his critique of naturalism

Prior to viewing the session you may wish to consult a brief article written by Dr. Farzam Arbab entitled, Harmony of Science and Religion—View of Reality.

Session Two: The limitations of reductive explanations of human reality

In preparation for this session, you may wish to read a draft of a paper written by Gerald Filson titled, The Limitations of Reductive Explanations of Human Reality.

Session Three: Charles Taylor’s critique of naturalism

If you are interested, prior to the session you may wish to read a brief summary Charles Taylor has written of one of his books. You may also find it helpful to view two short videos of Taylor, one about the self and unconditional value, and the other about reductive approaches to the self. For additional reading, we recommend the first part of Taylor’s 1989 book, Sources of the Self.

Session Four: Human nature and the linguistic capacity

Prior to attending the session, you may be interested to read this article, which offers an overview of a book by Charles Taylor on the philosophy of language. It may also be helpful to view this video of a talk given by Taylor on the same topic.

Session Five: Overview and remaining questions

In this fifth session, the four presenters from the previous sessions come together to discuss some of the remaining questions that had been posed by attendees. This session also offers a brief overview of the first colloquium as a whole, as well as reflections on its overarching theme.