Demonstrations of the existence of the spirit (Part 1):

The argument of the transcendence of the natural world

1. It can be seen in the man a set of actions and manifestations that transcend the mere dynamics of the natural
world: The truth of this premise is evident from the moment we understand the simple concept of “civilization”.
Indeed, the specificity of human development through the history not only gives it in its many forms and
manifestations transcends the mere natural world through what we call “cultura”, but also in that the men can
know their laws under of what we call “science” and to apply conscious and controlledly by means of
“technology” to achieve alternative objectives, which is precisely what constitutes the “economy”.

2. But if man were nothing but matter could not in any way transcend this dynamic: A established metaphysical
principle is that no being can transcend nature itself. Therefore, if man is not to be more than just matter in any
way could transcend the nature since then its dynamic and action would be fully determined by instinct. However,
that does not seem to be the case because, while “the swallows build their nests today in the same way that built
two thousand years ago” and “beavers build (...) outside their rooms rivers such as the builders the first beavers”
(“Man compared to animal”, Panorama Review, Year I, No. 6, Madrid, 1838, pp. 83-85), in man there is a
continuous and trascendent progress not only in architecture but also science, technology, arts, humanities, and
other aspects.

3. Consequently, it should be immaterial ontological substrate that allows him to do it: The man is a being of
nature, of course. But, as we have seen, also makes operations and exhibits manifestations that transcend the mere
dynamic of nature. It is therefore necessary to postulate that there is in him an ontological substrate or quality
entitling him to do so, being that this quality can not be material because if it were, would be entirely subject to the
laws of nature.

4. This immaterial ontological substrate is which we all know by the name of spirit: This is so since, to our
language, the phrase “man is an animal that transcends nature” implies the formulation “the spiritual man is an
animal”.

5. Therefore, the spirit exists: Well established premises, this is the conclusion.