NEW MYSTERIANISM Meaning and
Definition
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New mysterianism is a philosophical position that asserts the inherent limits of human knowledge and the suggestion that certain aspects of reality may forever be beyond our comprehension. It emerged as a response to various philosophical dilemmas and challenges posed by scientific and philosophical inquiry in the realms of consciousness, language, and the nature of reality.
At its core, new mysterianism emphasizes the idea that there may be fundamental aspects of reality that lie beyond the reach of human cognitive abilities. It posits that there are genuine mysteries, intractable questions, or problems that humans are simply incapable of understanding, regardless of technological advancements or the accumulation of knowledge. This stance challenges the prevalent belief that progress in science and philosophy will eventually unveil the secrets of the universe.
New mysterians argue that the limitations of human cognition prevent us from ever fully grasping certain phenomena, such as subjective consciousness or the origins of language. They maintain that there are inherent boundaries to human knowledge and understanding, beyond which human reasoning and empirical observation fall short.
Moreover, new mysterians caution against assuming that the mind's capacity for understanding is infinite. They argue that there may be inherent cognitive limitations that prevent humans from ever answering certain questions or comprehending particular aspects of reality fully. This philosophical position tends to foster humility in the face of profound mysteries and encourages acknowledging the limits of our intellectual capabilities.
Etymology of NEW MYSTERIANISM
The term "New Mysterianism" is a philosophical concept coined by the American philosopher Thomas Nagel in his 1986 paper titled "The View From Nowhere". It builds upon the term "mysterianism" created by the cognitive scientist Colin McGinn in his book "The Mysterious Flame: Conscious Minds in a Material World" published in 1999.
The word "mysterianism" itself derives from the noun "mystery", which comes from the Middle English word "mysterie", borrowed from Old French "misterie", meaning "secret or hidden matter" or "religious truth".
In the context of philosophy of mind, New Mysterianism is a skeptical view that believes human minds may never fully comprehend certain aspects of consciousness or how it relates to the physical world. It suggests that certain truths about consciousness are beyond the capacities of human cognition.
