Objective idealism

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Charles Sanders Peirce

Objective idealism is a philosophical doctrine that asserts the reality of the external world is rooted in an all-encompassing consciousness or spiritual presence. This viewpoint stands in contrast to subjective idealism, which posits that our personal perceptions shape reality, and materialism, which argues that reality is fundamentally material or physical. Objective idealism suggests that the universe and all of its contents are manifestations of a cosmic mind or an absolute spirit. This concept has roots in the works of Plato and was further developed by philosophers such as Georg Wilhelm Friedrich Hegel and Josiah Royce.

Overview

Objective idealism posits that the material world is not independent of the mind but is instead a kind of expression or realization of a spiritual reality. Unlike subjective idealism, which maintains that only our own mental activities are real, objective idealism asserts the existence of a universal mind or spirit that transcends individual consciousnesses. This universal mind is thought to be the ultimate reality, giving form and purpose to the material world.

Historical Development

The origins of objective idealism can be traced back to Plato's theory of Forms, which suggests that non-material abstract forms (or ideas), and not the material world of change known to us through sensation, possess the highest and most fundamental kind of reality. However, it was Georg Wilhelm Friedrich Hegel who is most closely associated with fully developing the concept of objective idealism. Hegel's philosophy proposed that reality is the manifestation of an absolute spirit or Geist, progressing towards self-realization through historical events and the development of human society.

Josiah Royce, an American philosopher, further contributed to the development of objective idealism in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Royce's version of idealism emphasized the role of a communal spirit or universal will, which is realized through the ethical and moral development of individuals within a society.

Key Concepts

• Absolute Spirit: A central concept in objective idealism, particularly in Hegel's philosophy, referring to the ultimate reality that manifests itself in the world and in human history, progressing towards self-awareness and freedom.
• Phenomenology of Spirit: Hegel's work that outlines the development of the absolute spirit through historical epochs, showcasing the dialectical process of thesis, antithesis, and synthesis.
• Community and Individual: In Royce's philosophy, the interplay between individual wills and the larger communal will is crucial for the realization of the universal spirit.

Criticism and Influence

Objective idealism has faced criticism from various philosophical perspectives. Materialists and physicalists argue that it overemphasizes the role of mind or spirit at the expense of the physical and empirical aspects of reality. Empiricists and logical positivists question the verifiability of the metaphysical claims made by objective idealists. Despite these criticisms, objective idealism has significantly influenced the fields of metaphysics, theology, and political philosophy, contributing to discussions on the nature of reality, the role of the individual in society, and the progression of history.

See Also

• Metaphysics
• Philosophy of mind
• German Idealism
• American Idealism