Dr. Plantinga uses a biological point of view to argue against naturalism. Firstly, naturalists deny the existence of God, and propose that everything in the universe is matter. Therefore, in the same sense, human beings are materialistic objects. Besides, naturalists believe in the evolution theory, which suggests that human beings came into existence probably by mutation or a natural occurrence. Consequently, they constantly adapt specific behavior to survive in their environment. Dr. Plantinga delves into the behavioral adaptation concept. He posits that people’s behavior is a consequence of their neurons. For instance, when someone faces danger, the neurons stimulate the body to act, by either running away or fighting. Subsequently, the neurons affect people’s beliefs or how they think. Therefore, for people to adapt certain behavior, the neurons must evolve. When the neurons evolve, then people’s beliefs change too. Dr. Plantinga argues that if the evolution theory and naturalism are to hold, then it means our beliefs are constantly evolving; hence very unreliable (Intelligent Faith, 2013). He, therefore, proposes that we can never know the truth of anything because of the evolving beliefs. Dr. Plantinga may have a valid argument but I think he confirms the naturalism view of the world. All over the world, people have different beliefs, which are to a large extent influenced by their environment. Secondly, people have held different views over time, which have incessantly changed or ‘improved’. As long as people live, changes in perception of various phenomena will always occur.
Prompt 2
Taylor Swift’s “Look What You Made Me Do” consists more with existentialism than nihilism. Existentialism is a philosophy which proposes that everyone needs to live by free will or should choose what they would like to pursue in their lives while nihilism rejects everything; that life is meaningless (Sire, 2009). In Taylor Swift’s song video, a grave is shown bearing the words “HERE LIES TAYLOR SWIFT’S REPUTATION”. That shows Taylor Swift believes everyone needs to be remembered with how they chose to live their lives; freedom of choice.
Delegate your assignment to our experts and they will do the rest.
References
Intelligent Faith. (2013). Evolution Disproves Naturalism?!? - Dr. Alvin Plantinga. YouTube . https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZXkcTFmFMa8
Sire, J. W. (2009). The universe next door: A basic worldview catalog . InterVarsity Press.
Taylor Swift. (2017). Taylor Swift - Look What You Made Me Do. YouTube . https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3tmd-ClpJxA
TEDx Talks. (2016). How can Practical Everyday Existentialism help you live better. YouTube . https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6YDygRClCRc
