#20: What’s Real and Why Does it Matter?

What is real? This has been a defining question in our modern era. How should a thinking Christian answer this question? J.P. and Stan describe the foundational beliefs and distinctions necessary for addressing this central issue in grace and truth.

In this podcast, we discuss:

• What is a property? What are some examples of properties? How is this question related to what truth is, the Incarnation, and so much more?
• Why is it not commonplace to assume properties exist? How underlying assumptions impact beliefs about what is real.
• What is a “universal”? How do we experience universals and why would a person reject them?
• What is the difference between physicalism and naturalism? How are they similar? What would people with these views of reality believe to be real?
• Why do some believers reject universals on theological grounds? Are they right?
• What is nominalism? What are the various types of nominalists?
• Why is it important to work hard at understanding ideas that don’t seem to have immediate practical value?

Resources mentioned during our conversation:

• Stan Wallace, “Three Reasons to Believe in Things You Can’t See”
• J.P. Moreland and Garrett DeWeese, Philosophy Made Slightly Less Difficult: A Beginner’s Guide to Life’s Big Questions, Chapter 2: What is Real? Metaphysics–The Problem of Universals
• J.P. Moreland and William Lane Craig, Philosophical Foundations for a Christian Worldview, Chapter 10: General Ontology: Two Categories–Property and Substance
• Paul Gould, Beyond the Control of God?: Six Views on the Problem of God and Abstract Objects
• Paul Gould’s Website