43. What Matters to Me and Why: Realism (2003)

Aug 4, 2025

Dallas Willard, a renowned philosopher and Christian thinker, shares profound insights into realism and its impact on human choice and agency. He debates the essence of reality, emphasizing that true freedom is rooted in the ability to make responsible decisions. Willard also explores the spiritual dimensions of talent, challenging reductionist views of identity. He addresses the tension between determinism and morality, advocating for the integration of logic in education to foster greatness and emotional understanding, while promoting love over hate in human interactions.

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INSIGHT

What is Realism?

Realism means what we perceive really exists independently of our observation.
Colors, shapes, and qualities like beauty are genuinely present in the world, not just in our minds.

INSIGHT

Human Freedom and Choice

Humans possess genuine freedom to choose among alternatives in action.
Freedom includes initiative and responsibility, enabling creativity and unique contributions.

INSIGHT

Humans as Spiritual Beings

Humans are spiritual beings with a non-physical component beyond their body.
Spirituality entails will and motivations distinct from physical existence.

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What Matters to Me and Why: Realism

January 15, 2003

University of Southern California

This was Dallas’s contribution to a series of lunchtime talks hosted by USC’s Office of Religious Life. The theme for the series was “What Matters to Me and Why.”

Explanations of Terms:

Philosophy: “I like to describe philosophy as the attempt to understand by rational means the necessary structure of the world in which we live.”

Realism: “Realism means that all of those things that you apprehend and perceive really do exist, are right where you experienced them, and they would be there if you didn't see them.”

For Further Study:

The Making of the Modern University: Intellectual Transformation and the Marginalization of Morality, is the book by Julie Reuben that Dallas recommended.

“Naturalism’s Incapacity to Capture the Good Will” is the paper Dallas wrote about the idea that a purely physical entity would not be capable of goodwill.

The poem Dallas read is “The Truly Great,” by Stephen Spender.

Visit https://DWillard.org for a wide variety of resources and opportunities that can serve as a means to help you “grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.”

Dallas Willard Ministries exists to proclaim, teach and manifest the love, truth and transforming power of Christ and the Kingdom of God. We invite you to partner with us by praying for our ministry team, praying for the students in the School of Kingdom Living, sharing your talents as a volunteer, or contributing financial gifts. Visit https://dwillard.org/donate if you’d like to help us increase the availability of Dallas’s teaching to help people become more like Jesus.

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The contents of this recording are © Willard Family Trust. Used by permission. For permission to reproduce any of this content, please contact Dallas Willard Publicatio...