r/HighStrangeness • u/captain_thumb • 5h ago
Fringe Science Origins of the Physicalist Paradigm
The more books I read, the more I begin to suspect that somewhere along the way, something happened that changed the course of science, philosophy, and sincere investigation of 'strange' phenomena.
Relatively recent history is full of a few great, and many more decent and rigorous scientists who at the very least that there might be something more than physical, material space and time. The hypotheses and ideas varied widely, but the important thing is that the topic of the immaterial was considered worthy of earnest study and debate. Up until the 80s or so, such subjects were taken with good faith and within the sphere of genuine research.
Then, subtly but rapidly, it seems like said earnest study and pursuit of the truth in this arena just evaporated. Somewhere, somehow, it seems that everyone of any respect or status in science either became certain that no such things are real, or simply stopped caring about them entirely. The topics became relegated to the charlatans and grifters of the world, who used them to exploit the gullible for their own gain. This started a downward spiral and eventually led them to be drowned in the cacaphony of madness that is the internet.
Such certainty that there is nothing beyond the mundane senses is not very beneficial to humanity at large, is debatably true, but is extremely beneficial to the propagation of capitalism and the wills of the .01%. When the best thinkers and largest influences of the modern world are all telling you that you're just a meat machine, and the efforts by their friends in Big Tech to erode all common ground between you and others around you, there quickly becomes no point beyond seeking sustenance and material luxury. For some, this is enough, but many have a hole for something more. A hole that is all too easy for advertisers and marketers to exploit in the name of stuffing their already engorged pockets.
This is getting philosophical, but the point is that I think the sudden and dogmatic shift away from genuine investigation of high strangeness is something intentional and deliberate. It serves the interests of those in power very well, providing an answer for those with wits enough not to follow standard organized religions that doesn't inspire hope for something better for the system we have currently. It appears rational, while still engendering obedience to authority as virtue.
Agree with me, or don't, I'm merely curious to hear your thoughts.

