Social Sciences of Physicalism

A field that studies physicalism—the view that everything that exists is physical or supervenes on the physical—as a social phenomenon. It examines how physicalism became dominant in academic philosophy and science, how it is taught and transmitted, and how it shapes research priorities and funding. It also studies the social correlates of physicalist belief (e.g., profession, disciplinary training), and how physicalist communities respond to challenges from dualists, idealists, or panpsychists. The social sciences of physicalism treat physicalism not as a proven truth but as a historically situated framework with its own social life.

Example: “Social sciences of physicalism research showed that physicalism’s dominance in neuroscience is reinforced by grant funding patterns—research that assumes physicalism is funded, while research that questions it is dismissed as ‘philosophical.’”

Sociology of Physicalism

The sociological subfield focusing on the communities, institutions, and practices that sustain physicalism. It examines how physicalist orthodoxy is enforced in academic departments, journals, and conferences; how dissenters are marginalized; and how physicalist commitments shape career trajectories. The sociology of physicalism also studies how physicalism functions as a boundary marker—distinguishing “serious” scientists from “woo” advocates—and how this boundary is policed through peer review, hiring, and public communication.

Example: “The sociology of physicalism revealed that graduate students in neuroscience quickly learn to avoid any language suggesting that consciousness might be non‑physical—not because the evidence is settled, but because expressing doubt would harm their careers.”

Social Sciences of Physicalism by Abzugal Nammugal Enkigal April 16, 2026