What is Idealism in Philosophy?
Idealism is a philosophical current that seeks to understand reality from the human mind, emphasizing the importance of thoughts, ideas and perceptions in the construction of the world. This current emerged as a reaction to materialism, which argued that reality was composed only of matter and that the mind was just a product of that matter.
In idealism, reality is seen as a mental construction, where ideas and perceptions play a fundamental role in shaping the world. For idealists, the mind is active in creating reality, and not just a passive receiver of external stimuli.
Main characteristics of Idealism
Idealism has some main characteristics that differentiate it from other philosophical currents. Among them, the following stand out:
1. Primacy of the mind
In idealism, the human mind is considered as the starting point for understanding reality. The mind is seen as active in the construction of the world, being responsible for creating the ideas and perceptions that form our experience.
2. Rejection of materialism
Idealism rejects the materialist view that reality is composed only of matter. For idealists, matter is just a manifestation of the ideas and perceptions that arise in the human mind.
3. Importance of ideas and perceptions
In idealism, ideas and perceptions play a central role in the construction of reality. They are what shape our experience and allow us to understand the world around us.
4. Subjectivity of reality
For idealists, reality is subjective, that is, it varies according to the perceptions and interpretations of each individual. There is no objective reality independent of our minds.
5. Connection between mind and world
In idealism, there is an intimate connection between the mind and the world. The mind is not just a passive spectator of the world, but an active agent in its construction.
6. Search for absolute truth
Idealists seek to find an absolute truth that is beyond individual perceptions. They believe that, through reason and reflection, it is possible to achieve true and universal knowledge.
7. Importance of philosophy
In idealism, philosophy plays a fundamental role in the search for understanding reality. Through philosophical reflection, it is possible to question established perceptions and ideas, seeking a deeper understanding of the world.
Conclusion
In short, idealism in philosophy is a current that emphasizes the importance of the human mind in the construction of reality. For idealists, reality is subjective and depends on the ideas and perceptions of each individual. Through philosophy, we seek to understand the absolute truth that is beyond individual perceptions. Idealism represents a way of thinking that questions materialist views and places the mind as an active agent in creating the world.
