The ideology of material reductionists focuses on explaining the 'how' of phenomena through a materialist lens, such as neo-Darwinian evolution in biology. However, material explanations often fall short in addressing the 'why' behind things like consciousness, cognition, and value. Philosophers like Thomas Nagel and Philip Gough advocate for holistic explanations that transcend pure materialism to fully understand complex life forms. They aim to integrate scientific advancements into a broader, more meaningful understanding of reality without resorting to simplistic explanations like a divine plan. In the ongoing ideological battle between material reductionists and creationists, Nagel and Gough seek to strike a balance, acknowledging the partial truths and contradictions within both perspectives. This ideological struggle mirrors Hegel's dialectic, where opposing viewpoints are necessary for progress and resolution of contradictions. Slavoj Žižek further explores this dialectical process, emphasizing the importance of understanding contradictions to gain clarity rather than solely seeking resolution. The intricate debates between these philosophical camps signify the larger ideological battles present in various domains according to Žižek.

Get the Snipd
podcast app

Unlock the knowledge in podcasts with the podcast player of the future.
App store bannerPlay store banner

AI-powered
podcast player

Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features

Discover
highlights

Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode

Save any
moment

Hear something you like? Tap your headphones to save it with AI-generated key takeaways

Share
& Export

Send highlights to Twitter, WhatsApp or export them to Notion, Readwise & more

AI-powered
podcast player

Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features

Discover
highlights

Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode