A second problem with materialism is that it obscures the importance of relations. It sees every object as distinct and discrete from all other objects. Each object is simply an inert clump of matter that is only externally related to other things. The idea of matter as primary makes people think of objects as being fundamentally separate in time and space, and not necessarily related to anything. But in Whitehead's view, relations take a primary role, perhaps even more important than the relata themselves. A student taking notes in one of Whitehead's fall 1924 classes wrote that: COUNT 8
QSN1 What is the general materialistic view of an object? ANS1 Each object is simply an inert clump of matter that is only externally related to other things QSN2 How the fundamental concept of matter influence people to view objects? ANS2 The idea of matter as primary makes people think of objects as being fundamentally separate in time and space, and not necessarily related to anything QSN3 What is Whitehead's belief regarding the importance of relations? ANS3 in Whitehead's view, relations take a primary role, perhaps even more important than the relata themselves QSN4 What is the materialistic view of matter in relation to other objects? ANS4 It sees every object as distinct and discrete from all other objects. QSN5 What is another issue that Whitehead had with materialism? ANS5 it obscures the importance of relations QSN6 What obscures the importance of relations according to Whitehead? ANS6 materialism QSN7 What does Materialism see each object as? ANS7 distinct and discrete QSN8 How is each object related to other things? ANS8 externally