BASIC
ELEMENTS

The Naturalism of Mystrikism  ​

 

​[Audio version]

Mystrikism embraces a worldview grounded entirely in naturalism, meaning it sees the natural world as the ultimate reality and guide. In this philosophy, everything that exists is part of nature and behaves according to natural laws, leaving no room for supernatural forces. This perspective aligns Mystrikism with several complementary forms of naturalism: Metaphysical Naturalism (the belief that nature is all there is), Methodological Naturalism (the practice of using natural causes in science), Epistemological Naturalism (the idea that knowledge comes from empirical evidence and reason), and Ethical Naturalism (the view that moral values stem from human nature and well-being, not divine commands). Mystrikism’s natural philosophy blends these four aspects into a cohesive whole. In doing so, it offers a rational, awe-inspired alternative to supernatural belief systems, one that celebrates the complexity of the universe without invoking gods or ghosts.

 

In the sections below, we break down each of these forms of naturalism, explain how Mystrikism incorporates them, and provide real-world examples. Together, they illustrate how Mystrikism stays “beyond the supernatural” by finding all meaning and knowledge within the natural world. We’ll also highlight what Mystrikism pointedly rejects – views that rely on the supernatural or unfounded dogmas – to clarify the contrasts.

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Metaphysical Naturalism: Nature Is All That Exists

 

Metaphysical naturalism is the philosophical stance that reality consists only of the natural world, with no supernatural realms, entities, or forces at work. In other words, nature is complete and self-contained – “nothing beyond, nothing other than” nature exists. Mystrikism aligns closely with this view. It asserts that everything from the smallest atom to the grandest galaxy is part of one natural reality governed by consistent laws of physics, chemistry, and biology. If something can affect our world, then it must ultimately be a natural phenomenon. Even things we don’t yet understand are assumed to be natural (just not understood yet) rather than attributed to magic or gods. This outlook leads Mystriks to reject the supernatural outright – no deities, spirits, or mystical energies are intervening in the universe. Any claim of a supernatural happening is seen as either a misunderstanding of a natural event or simply unsupported. Mystrikism holds that the wonder of the universe – from the spiral of a galaxy to the emergence of life – is sufficient in itself without needing supernatural explanations.

 

Countless examples in history and science support this principle. If reliable evidence for something that seemed “supernatural” ever emerges, it simply becomes part of nature – showing that it wasn’t beyond nature after all. Many phenomena once thought supernatural have been successfully explained by natural causes as our knowledge has grown. Mystrikism points to this track record as validation: rather than invoking mystical ideas, we should investigate the unknown through reason and observation. By assuming everything is natural, Mystriks remain open-minded and curious, ready to study any mystery scientifically. This attitude reflects a humble acknowledgement that “we don’t know everything yet, but we trust that there’s a natural explanation when we do figure it out.”

 

Real-World Examples – Metaphysical Naturalism:

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• Lightning and thunder, once attributed to gods like Thor or Zeus, are now understood as purely electrical and atmospheric processes of the natural world.

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• Epileptic seizures and mental illnesses were historically blamed on demonic spirits; today, we know they have biological causes in the brain and can be addressed with medicine.

 

These examples show how viewing the world as entirely natural provides consistent, testable explanations. Mystrikism uses such cases to illustrate that no matter how mysterious an event seems, history has repeatedly shown that natural explanations win out over supernatural ones. By firmly planting its flag in metaphysical naturalism, Mystrikism frees itself from superstition and encourages a deep reverence for the actual universe – which is often more fascinating and profound than imaginary supernatural realms.

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Methodological Naturalism: Science’s Natural Approach

 

While metaphysical naturalism is about what exists, methodological naturalism is about how we learn and investigate reality. It is the guiding principle of science that we should explain phenomena using only natural causes and laws. In practice, scientists assume that every effect has a natural cause that can be measured and understood, and they do not invoke supernatural explanations in their research. Mystrikism fully supports this scientific approach. The methods of science – forming hypotheses, gathering empirical data, and testing ideas – only work under the assumption that the universe follows knowable natural rules. If one were to claim “a ghost did it” or “magic caused this outcome,” it wouldn’t be a testable or useful explanation. Thus, Mystriks adhere to methodological naturalism by insisting that any claim about how something works must be grounded in observable, natural mechanisms.

 

By confining inquiry to natural causes, science has produced remarkably reliable and useful knowledge. This isn’t a bias against the supernatural. Instead, it’s a recognition that supernatural hypotheses have never proven fruitful in investigation. For example, if a disease outbreak occurs, a scientist searches for bacteria, viruses, toxins or genetic factors – tangible causes that can be tested and addressed – instead of assuming witchcraft or divine punishment. This methodological naturalism has practical benefits: it leads to cures, technology, and predictive theories, whereas supernatural “explanations” often lead nowhere (what some call “god-of-the-gaps” dead ends). Mystrikism embraces this practice wholeheartedly. Mystriks value a critical, evidence-based mindset in everyday life, even as non-scientists. They prefer explanations that can be examined and potentially falsified over those that rely on mystery or authority.

 

Real-World Examples – Methodological Naturalism:

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• A doctor seeking to treat illness looks for natural causes like viruses or genetic disorders. They do not assume evil spirits have cursed the patient because only natural causes (which can be tested and treated) will lead to a cure.

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• Weather forecasters use physics and meteorological data to predict storms. Invoking a rain god or saying, “It will storm because of an angry spirit”, provides no predictive power or useful insight, so such notions are excluded from scientific weather models.

 

In each case, sticking to natural causes enables understanding and control: medicine improves, and weather predictions become accurate. Mystrikism’s commitment to methodological naturalism means it trusts the scientific method as our best tool for learning about reality. By explaining events through natural laws, we gain knowledge that is consistent and shared by all observers, regardless of personal beliefs. This approach reflects intellectual honesty – we follow the evidence wherever it leads instead of settling for supernatural answers that can’t be scrutinised. It also fosters a sense of empowerment and optimism: if phenomena have natural causes, then in principle we can discover them, understand them, and perhaps use that knowledge to improve life.

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Epistemological Naturalism: Knowledge from Evidence and Reason

 

Epistemology is about knowledge – how we know what we know. Epistemological naturalism is the view that genuine knowledge is obtained through natural means like observation, experimentation, and logical reasoning rather than through divine revelation, pure speculation, or mystical insight. Mystrikism aligns with this by asserting that our beliefs about reality should be grounded in empirical evidence and the scientific process. If a person claims something is true, a Mystrik asks: “What is the evidence? How can we test or verify this?” This sceptical, inquiry-driven stance helps filter out wishful thinking and unfalsifiable dogmas. It is a humble approach, acknowledging human cognitive limits but also trusting in our ability to learn about the world through careful study. In Mystrikism, reason and experience are the primary tools for building knowledge, whereas assertions that can’t be examined (such as “because an ancient book says so” or “because I just feel it’s true”) carry little weight.

 

Mystriks avoid speculative metaphysics that aren’t anchored to evidence. For example, rather than debating what an undetectable realm of spirits might be like, Mystriks would say we have no basis to treat such a realm as real in the first place. As the Union’s philosophy explains, claims that cannot be verified or falsified scientifically – like the existence of omnipotent gods or supernatural powers – remain meaningless from a knowledge perspective because there’s no way to test them. This doesn’t mean Mystrikism pretends to know everything; on the contrary, it emphasises continuous inquiry and openness to new data. But it does mean that beliefs are provisional and must be justified by evidence. Our understanding of reality improves as discoveries are made, and Mystrikism welcomes that refinement. By rooting knowledge in the natural world, Mystriks find they can reach broad agreement on truth claims (since the evidence is publicly observable) rather than splintering into irreconcilable opinions based on private revelation or unfounded ideology.

 

Real-World Examples – Epistemological Naturalism:

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• Suppose someone claims they can speak to the dead. A Mystrik would approach this claim by looking for empirical support – e.g. can this person provide verifiable information that they could only know via such communication? If rigorous tests fail to show any evidence beyond cold reading or coincidence, the Mystrik will remain unconvinced. In contrast, they will accept phenomena like radio waves or black holes as real because they are backed by extensive observational and experimental evidence.

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• Scientific knowledge constantly requires evidence. For instance, the idea of microscopic germs causing disease was initially controversial, but over time, it was confirmed by experiments with microscopes and sterilisation. Now, it’s accepted knowledge because it’s observable and repeatable. On the other hand, a claim like “crystals heal diseases through energy vibrations” is not accepted by Mystrikism without solid evidence from controlled studies – anecdotal stories or personal beliefs are not enough to count as knowledge.

 

Through such examples, we see how epistemological naturalism encourages healthy scepticism. Mystrikism teaches that saying “I don’t know” is okay rather than believing something without evidence. This mindset has profound practical benefits: it prevents us from being misled by charlatans or errors and directs our curiosity toward findings that can be shared and built upon. By insisting that knowledge comes from a natural, testable basis, Mystriks ensure their worldview stays self-correcting and closely tied to reality. It is a philosophy of learning that prefers uncomfortable truths over comfortable fantasies, echoing the scientific spirit. Ultimately, this commitment to evidence and reason keeps Mystrikism honest and continually evolving, avoiding the stagnant dogmatism that often comes with supernatural belief systems.

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Ethical Naturalism: Morality Rooted in Human Nature and Well-Being

 

Ethical naturalism is the idea that moral values and principles are derived from natural facts about humans (and other sentient beings), such as our biology, psychology, and social needs, rather than handed down by a deity or existing in some supernatural realm. In Mystrikism, morality is viewed as an emergent feature of the natural world – specifically, of human nature and the reality of what causes sentient creatures to suffer or to flourish. We do not need divine commands to tell us what is right or wrong; instead, we can study the impact of actions on the well-being of individuals and communities to guide our ethics. Mystrikism promotes values like kindness, honesty, fairness, and compassion because these traits support the thriving of conscious beings and harmonious societies. Such values have deep roots in our evolution and social experience: humans are a social species that have developed empathy and cooperation as survival advantages. Essentially, what is “good” coincides with what helps conscious life prosper and reduces unnecessary suffering, which we can understand through reason, empathy, and empirical observation (for example, through psychology, sociology, and biology research).

 

Because of this naturalistic grounding, Mystrikism’s ethics emphasise evidence and consequences over strict rules. Rather than obeying moral rules solely because a holy book or authority figure declares them, Mystriks ask: “Does this action cause harm or benefit? How does it affect the well-being of those involved?” Science and reason become partners in morality. For instance, if data show that a certain policy (say, access to education or healthcare) improves people’s quality of life, a Mystrik would deem it ethically positive. Likewise, cruelty is condemned not because it offends a god but because we can see the pain it inflicts and how it destabilises society. Mystrikism’s ethical naturalism also extends to concern for animals and the environment – ancient texts do not arbitrarily define our moral circle but are informed by understanding the capacity of other beings to suffer or flourish. This results in an objective-yet-compassionate ethical framework: objective in that morality is tied to observable outcomes (health, happiness, suffering, social cohesion) rather than to supernatural decrees, and compassionate in prioritising kindness and empathy as evolved human excellences.

 

Real-World Examples – Ethical Naturalism:

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• Human empathy can be observed naturally. Studies of primates and other animals show behaviours like empathy, fairness, and altruism in social groups – suggesting that the building blocks of morality are part of our biological and social evolution, not exclusively taught by religion. Mystrikism builds on these natural empathic tendencies, encouraging kindness and cooperation because they enhance group survival and individual well-being.

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• Consider the moral principle “lying is wrong.” In Mystrikism’s view, this isn’t wrong because a supernatural force forbids it but because lies erode trust – a natural social bond – and tend to harm relationships and communities. Honesty is valued since we can see that societies with higher trust and truthfulness have better outcomes for their members (stronger cooperation and less conflict). In the same way, helping someone in need is good because it relieves suffering and strengthens social connections, which we recognise as positive through our empathetic nature and reasoning – no divine command is needed.

 

Through ethical naturalism, Mystrikism provides a moral compass grounded in reality and human experience. Morality becomes a science of well-being: we learn from fields like psychology, neuroscience, and sociology about what conditions help humans (and other sentient creatures) thrive, and we derive ethical guidelines from that knowledge. This approach has the advantage of being adaptable and evidence-informed – as we learn more about human needs and the consequences of our actions, we can refine our ethical principles. It also unites people under common human values (like reducing suffering and increasing happiness) that transcend culture or creed rather than dividing them over doctrinal differences. By rejecting the notion that morality comes from an unseen higher realm, Mystrikism places moral responsibility in our own hands: we are responsible for figuring out how to live compassionately and justly, using our natural insights and reason. This is both empowering and challenging – it means we must continuously strive to understand the impact of our actions, but it also means ethics is open to improvement and not fixed by ancient dogma. In summary, ethical naturalism within Mystrikism ties our moral ideals to the very fabric of human nature and the realities of life on Earth, making goodness a natural pursuit.

 

 

How These Naturalistic Elements Work Together

 

Having outlined the four pillars of Mystrikism’s naturalism, it’s important to see how they interconnect to form a cohesive worldview. In truth, these aspects reinforce one another. Mystrikism starts from the metaphysical naturalism premise that reality is wholly natural – this gives a solid foundation and a unifying context for everything else. If the universe is entirely natural, then it follows that the best way to understand it is through naturalistic methods (science) and that any knowledge we trust should come through natural epistemology (evidence and reason). In turn, recognising ourselves as natural beings in a natural universe informs our ethics: we derive what is good or bad by looking at the natural consequences for living creatures rather than imagining supernatural edicts. In a sense, these four facets are like pieces of a puzzle that fit together to complete the picture of Mystrikism’s philosophy:

 

• A Natural Cosmos (Metaphysical) provides the stage where everything happens. There are no supernatural wild cards, so the play unfolding on this stage follows consistent rules of nature.

 

• A Scientific Method (Methodological) is the spotlight illuminating the stage. By only shining light on natural causes, it reveals the mechanics of the play without getting distracted by imaginary props or invisible actors.

 

• An Evidence-Based Understanding (Epistemological) is the script, constantly edited and refined by what the spotlight reveals. It throws out lines that have no proof and keeps those confirmed by observation, ensuring the storyline stays true to the reality of the stage.

 

• A Human-Centered Morality (Ethical) is the theme of the play – the values and lessons that emerge from how characters (humans and other beings) interact on stage. Since the play is set in the natural world, the themes revolve around natural needs like love, suffering, cooperation, and happiness rather than directives from an off-stage deity.

 

Working together, these elements create a consistent and integrated worldview. A Mystrik’s beliefs about what exists, how we know, and how we should act all stem from the same source: the natural world and our rational inquiry into it. There is no internal conflict where the methods of science say one thing, but faith says another, or natural compassion says one thing, but a holy rule says the opposite. In Mystrikism, if science discovers something new about the universe that seamlessly becomes part of the metaphysical view (since all is natural), it updates the epistemology (our body of knowledge). It can even inform ethics (perhaps by revealing new implications for well-being or environmental responsibility). For example, the scientific discovery of climate change – a natural phenomenon – not only enhances our knowledge but also carries ethical weight by showing us how certain human actions cause harm to our planet’s life support systems. Mystrikism would respond by integrating that knowledge into moral action (like urging sustainable practices), illustrating the chain from facts to values.

 

Another way these aspects cohere is through the sense of wonder and meaning Mystrikism derives from reality. Far from being a cold, clinical outlook, Mystrikism’s naturalism deepens one’s appreciation for life and the cosmos. Knowing that we are products of the same star-stuff and evolutionary processes that created all life can instil a profound sense of connection. This is where Mystrikism introduces the idea of “naturalised spirituality” or Aweism – finding spiritual fulfilment in the marvels of nature and the vast unknown without any supernatural beliefs. The commitment to evidence and reason does not rob the world of mystery or beauty; instead, it shows truth can be sublime. A Mystrik can gaze at the Milky Way, comprehend it as a natural galaxy of billions of stars, and feel overwhelming awe and humility. That emotional experience is as powerful as any sentiment, yet it remains grounded in naturalism. Thus, the methodological and epistemological disciplines (science and reason) feed into a more meaningful metaphysical view (the grandeur of a natural universe) and a rational ethical outlook (recognising the preciousness of life). Each pillar supports the others: science gives us facts that enrich our sense of wonder and guide our ethics; our ethical values encourage us to use science kindly (like medical research to alleviate suffering); and the absence of supernatural dogma ensures nothing stands in the way of honestly exploring reality or compassionately improving the human condition.

 

In summary, Mystrikism’s integration of metaphysical, methodological, epistemological, and ethical naturalism produces a holistic philosophy. It is one in which reality, truth, and values are all of a piece – all understood within the framework of nature. This unity provides clarity and purpose: Mystriks devote themselves to understanding the universe and improving life using natural means, and they find joy and inspiration in the very act of doing so. The result is a coherent way of life that is intellectually satisfying (since one’s beliefs are evidence-based and non-contradictory) and morally uplifting (since one’s values aim to enhance well-being in the real world). Everything works together in harmony, much like the ecosystems in nature that Mystrikism reveres. In the end, all four aspects combine into a single naturalistic worldview – one that sees truth through science, meaning through wonder, and goodness through empathy, all without ever appealing to the supernatural.