Nematerial

Nematerial is a concept in phenomenology, a branch of philosophy that explores the nature of conscious experience. This concept, created by philosopher Graham Harman, challenges traditional notions of materiality and substance. Harman defines nematerial as that which is not physical matter, yet is still considered to have an existence separate from our perceptions and the physical world.

Nematerial entities are not necessarily abstractions, as they are not simply concepts or ideas, but rather entities that exist independently of the physical world. They can be entities such as objects, cultural entities, or even qualities and attributes. Nematerials can influence and interact with the physical world, yet remain unchanging and imperceptible. They are often referred to as "flat" objects, meaning that their relation to other objects is just as meaningful as their intrinsicality.

Harman uses the concept of nematerial to address the limits of materialism, a philosophical perspective that sees the physical world as the sole reality. He argues that nematerial entities demonstrate that there are many truths beyond the reach of our senses, and that we need to account for their existence in a comprehensive philosophy. Nematerial is not simply the opposite of materialism, but rather a more nuanced understanding of reality, which acknowledges the intertwining of physical and non-physical realms.

Nematerial has been applied in various fields, including philosophy, ontology, and object-oriented ontology, to explore the relationship between objects and the world. It continues to be a site of interest for scholars seeking to understand the nature of existence and reality beyond traditional conceptions of materiality.