cultural naturalism

[yukinon]

I have a philosophy paper due in about a week in which I have to write about a specific cultural consequence of naturalism. It'll be lots of fun, but the thing is, I can't think of any specific cultural consequences to write on. I know they're out there, I just can't pinpoint them, ne? The class is based around some of C.S. Lewis's writings on naturalism. (Problem of Pain, Abolition of Man, Miracles, Mere Christianity, That Hideous Strength)

Anyway, any ideas? Here's a quick definition of naturalism, if needed. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Naturalism

[termyt]

I'm not that well versed in theatrical philosophies, but I believe naturalism attempts to make the play or movie seem more realistic by using commonly spoken language like slang and profanity as well as high-detailed, believable set design. So in otherwise, it minimizes the need of the audience to suspend disbelief by offering a setting that is already very believable.

That said, it is the single most significant form of theater in the US today since virtually every movie and TV show does exactly that. Even a movie like Spider-Man is naturalistic in that the characters act and speak in a manner that would be expected if they were really wandering around New York City - which is also very realistic.

[yukinon]

I think it's more of a philosophical naturalism that the paper is supposed to be about.

[Technomancer]

Well, there are several different definitions of "naturalism" depending on the context in which you're working one of which is your Wikipedia article. You may be instead referring to the question of naturalistic world views: ontological naturalism which holds that only natural causes or processes exist (this should of course, be distinguished from methodological naturalism)

In any event, you could try here:
http://www.infidels.org/library/modern/nontheism/naturalism/index.shtml

(or you could be interested in naturalists who are nature-lovers). Realistically though, don't rely to heavily on the internet for your research including my own link.

[yukinon]

Exactly, naturalism as a worldview. Gomen, I'm used to using these terms in class and everyone understanding the implied meanings.

It's not really a research paper, more of an opinion paper. I understand naturalism, it's pinpointing specific cultural consequences of it that I'm having trouble with.

Anyone familiar with the debate between C.S. Lewis and G.E.M. Anscombe on naturalism? We studied it in class this year. (My teacher is insane. But entertaining.)

[Kaori]

I don't know if this helps much, but the consequence of naturalism in literature in the twentieth century was a tone of pessimism and despair; literature from this time period tends to focus on only the negative and ugly aspects of life.

[yukinon]

oooo, focusing on literature could be fun. ^^ And then I could take up page space talking about nihilism too...ah, the skills you learn in college.