Idealism after Existentialism: Encounters in Philosophy of Religion

Idealism, which was popular a century ago, lost favor in the 20th century Anglo-American analytic and Continental schools.

Format: Hardback
Length: 98 pages
Publication date: 01 March 2023
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

A century ago, the prevailing philosophical perspective was not some variant of materialism or naturalism, but rather idealism. Nevertheless, this way of perceiving reality lost favor within the Anglo-American analytic tradition and the Continental schools of the twentieth century. Idealism, which posited the existence of an underlying reality beyond the observable world, held sway century ago. It emphasized the importance of ideas, values, and the mind in shaping our understanding of reality. Idealists believed that the material world was merely an illusion created by our minds and that true knowledge could only be obtained through introspection and spiritual experience.

However, idealism began to lose its appeal as the twentieth century progressed. One reason for this was the rise of scientific empiricism, which emphasized the importance of empirical evidence and observation in understanding the natural world. Scientific discoveries such as the theory of evolution and the discovery of quantum mechanics challenged the notion of an underlying reality beyond the observable world.

Another reason for the decline of idealism was the rise of postmodernism, which questioned the authority of traditional ideas and institutions. Postmodernists argued that reality was fragmented and subjective, and that there was no universal truth that could be accessed through rational means.

Despite the decline of idealism, it still has influence in certain philosophical circles and in the arts. Idealism continues to be a source of inspiration for artists and writers who seek to explore the depths of the human mind and the nature of reality. It also remains a topic of debate among philosophers who are interested in the relationship between the mind and the world.

In conclusion, idealism was once the dominant philosophical outlook, but it lost favor in the Anglo-American analytic tradition and the Continental schools of the twentieth century. While idealism may have lost its popularity, it continues to inspire and influence contemporary thinkers and artists who seek to understand the nature of reality and the human experience.

Weight: 350g
Dimension: 216 x 138 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781032457703