noun
- things that are not physical in nature; entities or phenomena that lack material substance or bodily form
Usage: plural form; often used in philosophy, theology, or abstract contexts
Examples
- In philosophy, nonphysicals such as thoughts and emotions are difficult to measure scientifically.
- The debate between physicalists and dualists centers on whether nonphysicals can exist independently of the brain.
- Some argue that consciousness and free will are nonphysicals that cannot be reduced to neural activity.
- Religious traditions often emphasize nonphysicals like the soul and spirit.
- The study of nonphysicals requires different methods than those used in natural science.