This is a very weird question, so no worries if y’all don’t have great answers because I have exactly zero answers myself.

I’ve been thinking recently about how I am a dedicated ML, and do subscribe to materialism. But I also have a spiritual tinge to me, one that was pretty fired up by psychedelic use and the listening to some Buddhist audios along with Duncan Trussell and Alan Watts.

I guess I’m just wondering if there’s any serious contradictions by subscribing to MLMZT while also getting a little deeper into the metaphysical aspect of philosophy? I have always found the Buddhist outlook and the lenses that I look at life through propelled by psychedelic use very useful, interesting, motivating, and just fun.

Like, I can recognize when there’s people just saying extremely vague things and selling a “get enlightened NOW” course for $999.99, so don’t get the idea that I’m like falling into some culty shit. I just enjoy the hope-core, insightful/philosophical takes that don’t seem to fall directly in line with Marxism.

The Egg story (Kurg video on YT ironically enough, the Gates funded channel) being an example, or Duncan Trussells “The Midnight Gospel” (which I haven’t actually watched but just saw the one famous clip of the mother being sucked away into death as she talked about the ego, reincarnation, the universe just being love, etc.)

Interestingly, I actually got involved with Marxism originally partly because of psychedelic use and the shock it sent through my philosophical/world outlook.

Anyways yap over, THIRD PARAGRAPH IS THE MEAT OF THE POST!!! thx in advance <3

  • loathsome dongeater@lemmygrad.mlEnglish
    3·
    9 months ago

    but what you say can lead to the conclusion

    Sorry but I am not following here. First of all I don’t understand what ghost in the machine means in this context. Secondly I am not sure which part of what I said you are referring to here.

    • QueerCommie@lemmygrad.ml
      31·
      9 months ago

      Sorry, I’m referring to the last paragraph. It could be taken to mean that consciousness can only be explained by metaphysical means, and is beyond science. “The ghost in the machine” is a phrase that describes Cartesian dualism where a soul or soul like thing is said to inhabit a physical body from beyond the material world.

      • loathsome dongeater@lemmygrad.mlEnglish
        3·
        9 months ago

        I meant to say that the way I described it is one way to perceive it, not the correct one of course. It can seem that way at times, especially when our consciousness sort of dissociates from the physical part of our being. Science has not come close to explaining what features of our neurology make consciousness happen and other such questions which I cannot fathom. Spirituality is not a drop-in replacement for hard scientific analysis but it can be useful when it grapple with questions about our sense of purpose, staying motivated, sane, contended in the chaos that surrounds us, our sense of connection with our loved ones and so on. Science as we study it leads to answers that teeter on the precipice of individualistic nihilism.

        • QueerCommie@lemmygrad.ml
          21·
          9 months ago

          I agree

          especially when our consciousness sort of dissociates from the physical part of our being.

          My take is influenced by various and contradictory things, but I can attempt an explanation. Humans can never experience the universe as it “really is.” Our brains are a product of evolution, and our senses are not “correct,” they are just useful for survival. We have no metaphysical “control” of our thoughts, they are the product of a natural process. Our thoughts are largely spontaneous, which you’ll notice if you meditate. Thus, it is possible to tune into one’s senses to a greater or lesser extent, but it is no more “real” either way.