The World is Dominated by Dualism, What If Materialism Took Over?

Most psychology courses make mention of two basic theories of the mind. The first theory is dualism, in which the mind (or soul) is a separate entity from the body. Materialism, on the other hand, dictates that the brain and the mind are one and the same. In other words, every thought you have is actually a brain impulse. The majority of the population believes in dualism. What would happen if suddenly, all the people of the world were suddenly convinced of materialism? Here's my prediction.

The most obvious difference would be the absence of religion as we know it. Conventional religion relies heavily on the concept of a soul. If everything we are could be explained by brain impulses, then we would have no soul. We could have a reasoning conscious and subconscious. Still, once we die, the theory of materialism becomes clear cut. In materialism, there is no life after death. Our brain is dead, therefore we are dead. Religion as we know it would cease to exist. This one change would impact everything else we believe about life. Mind boggling, isn't it?

There would be mass confusion and panic. If we suddenly discovered that materialism is the correct theory, people all over the world would instantly lose their footing. Their security blanket would be ripped out from under them. They would no longer know who to believe in or what to do with their lives. They would have to be stronger, in and of themselves. They might even choose to live as animals. They might become lost souls. On the other hand, there could be some positive effects.

People might be more careful about the way they live and die. True, there would be no more worry about heaven or hell after death. On the other hand, we would have one (and only one) life to live. While that idea is a little hard to take, it would completely change our thought process. Life would become more precious and sacred. Imagine this is the only life you would get. How would you spend your time? Wouldn't you live more productively? Would you take your own life (or another) if you knew there was no after life (No happier place to go to)?

We might look within ourselves for answers. Every single thought would be regarded differently. Maybe we would argue less. This is because we would see thought processes as a purely physical function. We might use subliminal messages more often, to manipulate our enemies, or just the average consumer. Our brain power might become more valuable than our looks. We might see each other in a completely different light.

The creatures of the world might treat each other as equals. Wouldn't that be incredible? Imagine all the people (human and otherwise), sharing all the world. (Thank you John Lennon.) We would essentially be animals, with a more highly developed brain. Imagine everyone looking at themselves as purely physical beings. Imagine a lack of superiority and jealousy. Imagine a place where race matters not, because brains are all the same color. Take yourself to a world where the body and the mind are one entity.

What do you think would happen to the world if the theory of materialism became dominant over the theory of dualism?

Please note: This is not an argument for or against the existence of God. It's simply a speculation on what might happen if the majority of people in the world suddenly believed that the mind and the spirit are one and the same.

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Source:

Personal Opinion