Naturalist philosophy is a type of philosophy that explains everything as part of nature. This includes people, we are as integral a part of nature as wildlife and plants. The concept is that all reality is interconnected and we can use the laws of nature, its relationships and patterns to understand and define our own values and principles. The key points of naturalist philosophy are rooted in honesty, curiosity and responsibility:
Ontology
Ontology is the nature of things and the relationship between them. Nature is all of reality, there is nothing supernatural, separate or non-natural. Everything that exists can be observed and is interconnected, allowing for scientific study. Nature has patterns and laws that allow us to understand regularity and coherence.
Epistemology
Epistemology is the theory of knowledge, including its methods and allows us to assess if studies are valid. Naturalist philosophy creates a natural branch of this theory of knowledge. It states that knowing is a human, biological and social process and therefore can be studied scientifically using experience, experiment and critical reflection.
Ethics
The ethics of naturalist philosophy describe moral facts and virtues as rooted in human nature and that they are the conditions of flourishing in this world. It is not societally created values, but the laws of nature. Values emerge from our needs, relationships and the consequences of our actions for living beings and ecosystems.
Axiology
Axiology is the study of value and meaning. Meaning and purpose are not created by society but a part of the laws of nature. We learn about them through being part of nature, through relationship, creativity, responsibility and care.
The Evolution of Naturalist Philosophy
Naturalist philosophy has its roots in ancient attempts to understand the world through observation. Early Greek thinkers turned from mythic stories to explanations based on elements, causes and the inherent order of nature.
Scientific naturalism emphasizes that scientific method as our most reliable way of investigating reality, linking philosophy and natural sciences. Pragmatic naturalism, associated with thinkers like John Dewey, focuses on how ideas work through experience and how inquiry can help people grow, cooperate and solve problems. Contemporary naturalists explore consciousness, free will, ecological ethics and social justice within a natural framework.
Naturalist Philosophy and Human Potential
From a naturalist perspective, human potential is about fully realizing who we can become within nature. We grow when we face challenges, develop new skills, become more aware and contribute to something greater than self.
Naturalist philosophy suggests that:
- Awareness comes from our natural capacities for reflection and relationship. It can be trained and expanded over time
- Empowerment comes from understanding cause and effect in our lives and environments, then taking responsibility to contribute to something greater than self
- Purpose and meaning comes when we link our personal development with contribution to something larger than self, such as conservation or a multi-generational community.
Want to learn more about how we live a naturalist philosophy in all that we do, and how to apply it to your own life? Take a look our Online Training where you will see how we are immersed in nature, or sign up for Field Practice or Immersion Training:
