Process Metaphysics

What exactly is the fundamental structural of the world? The question conveys a tremendous amount of enormity. The question is so weighty that perhaps it is unanswerable. Nonetheless, many brave philosophers and branches of philosophy have made many brave attempts. One particular field is process metaphysics. Process metaphysics views the structure of reality as one of change and process. All entities in the world possess processes and are contributing to a larger process, reality. Another metaphysician, E.J. Lowe provides some interesting thoughts about the structure of reality as well. When comparing the two types of metaphysical studies, one can see process metaphysics, although not totally complete and error free, a more viable form of metaphysical study.

Process metaphysics is concerned with what exists in the world and with what terms this reality is to be understood. The guiding force behind this concept is that reality and nature is to be explained in terms of processes and not actual objects. For process metaphysicians, change of all sorts is the predominant quality of reality. Process metaphysics, or philosophy, is opposed to placing processes in some type of order or hierarchy, or by subjugating processes to objects. Process metaphysics is intent upon seeing process as a definitive and an essential aspect of everything that exists. For the process metaphysician, all that exists in nature is not just originated or sustained by processes, but is characterized by them. The process metaphysician believes that the end result of the process gives us insight into the nature of reality. Process metaphysics emphasizes that processes are basic and can be derived from external elements because it takes a mental process in order to separate objects from the world's physical processes. For a process metaphysician, a thing consists in what it does. (Kraus pp. 1-9)

A process entails three different qualities. A process is complex in that it is a union or combination of different components and phases. A process is always a matter of "now this, now that." The second quality illustrates that this process, or complex, has a "certain temporal coherence or unity." Therefore, process has a temporal dimension that cannot be eliminated. Lastly, all processes have structure or a shape or format that they adhere to. (Kraus pp. 1-9)

A process philosophy involves certain basic notions and propositions in its study of reality. Time and change are among the basic metaphysical categories. Process is a "principal category of ontological description." Process is more or equally fundamental to actual objects and entities. Many elements, such as people, material items, nature, and God, are best understood in process related terms. Finally, "contingency, novelty, emergence, and creativity," are fundamental factors in understanding metaphysics, and as a result our understanding of the real. (Kraus pp. 1-9)

The process metaphysician will point to many different areas of study, in particular science, in providing justification for their ideals. Twentieth century physics has shed new light on the study of atomism. Instead of small elements, or atoms, combining to produce processes, the study has shifted to emphasizing that very small processes occur that produce elements. Process metaphysicians also point to evolution as another defense for their arguments about reality. If it were not for the process of evolution, philosophy would not exist. Evolution is a reflection of the process metaphysical emphasis on the importance of process in determining the structure of the world. Evolution is a symbol of how significant process is in comprehending the nature of the world and reality. Evolution implies change, and since it implies change it is inferring a level of instability. Certainly, the idea of change, according to the process metaphysician, is a key element in all process, since a process entails phases. Different phases depict a type of change has occurred, otherwise how would one distinguish between phases? (Kraus pp. 60-69)

The process metaphysician is clearly a proponent of evolution and views it as a process occurring in nature. However, process metaphysicians have differing views of nature. One sect is of the opinion that a type of inner push or drive exists in nature that can allow further developments and change. The other view is a teleological view. This is a theological perspective that sees natures processes directed toward a positive destination. Both share the view that there is a type of centrality or source of what occurs within nature. The naturalist perspective views this focus in terms of a type of randomness or element of chance that strays away from theories and formulations that were derived in the past. The teleological perspective views the drive in nature has something predetermined or pre-established by a type of force guided by values. Therefore, process metaphysics has a two-sided relationship with evolution. The naturalist, secularist view of nature views nature as a system of "self-sustaining" workings. The view does not consider the possibility of higher being acting upon nature. The teleological view of nature exhibits God's, or any other higher beings, influence on nature. Regardless of the potentially differing viewpoints in regards to evolution and nature, process metaphysicians view the theory of evolution with a tremendous amount of affection. It is in fact a model on how large-scale processes can be derived from small-scale processes. (Kraus pp. 29-38)

A bit of a negative element exists in process metaphysics. Process metaphysics portrays the belief that since everything changes, nothing is eternal. Time will inevitably destroy elements of reality. Essentially, everything that comes into being must inevitably perish. Despite this belief, which the process metaphysician firmly maintains, process metaphysics insists their concepts are not profoundly positive. Process metaphysics views nature as a massive process. The process is leading toward a positive destination. Even though there are elements and features in this process that could be viewed as pessimistic and disturbing, it is all part of the process which is pointing in a positive direction rather than a negative direction. For the process metaphysician, the processes of nature afford for the development of creation, innovation, and generally more complex forms of existence. Process metaphysics attempts to illustrate that process will ultimately lead to progress. The process philosopher has the permeating belief that the latter is always better. New ideas that result from processes are always superior to previous ideas. The new concepts that result from processes involve more detail. We are able to see things in a superior way with more detail. (Kraus pp. 29-38)

Process metaphysics

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