The Routledge Handbook of Idealism and Immaterialism

The Routledge Handbook of Idealism and Immaterialism provides a comprehensive introduction to idealism and immaterialism, covering key topics in philosophy, science, and theology. It explores post-materialism developments and includes contributions from an international and interdisciplinary team of contributors. Ideal for students and researchers in metaphysics, philosophy of science, philosophy of religion, and philosophy of mind.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 680 pages
Publication date: 31 May 2023
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

The influence of materialist ontology on philosophical and scientific discussions has been profound, but there is a growing interest in exploring alternative ontologies that go beyond the confines of materialism. From the perspective of panpsychism, which posits that at the base of reality exists potential minds, minds, or mind-lets, to idealism and dualism, which assert that all of reality is both material and mental, there are a range of viewpoints that challenge the traditional understanding of the world.

In response to this resurgence, The Routledge Handbook of Idealism and Immaterialism emerges as an invaluable reference source and the first comprehensive collection of its kind. This handbook is grounded in historical scholarship and driven by a constructive motivation, offering a comprehensive introduction to idealism and immaterialism for students and scholars alike. It covers key topics in philosophy, science, and theology, providing a thorough exploration of these philosophical frameworks.

Furthermore, the handbook addresses post-materialism developments, specifically focusing on variations of idealism and immaterialism. It delves into the view that reality depends on a mind or a set of minds, exploring the implications and complexities of this perspective. Comprising 44 chapters written by an international and interdisciplinary team of contributors, the Handbook is organized into five clear parts:

Idealism and the History of Philosophy: This section provides an overview of idealism's historical development, tracing its roots from ancient Greek philosophy to contemporary thinkers. It explores the key ideas and concepts associated with idealism, such as the notion of the mind as the ultimate source of reality, the importance of intuition, and the relationship between the mind and the body.

Important Figures in Idealism: This section profiles influential idealist philosophers, including Plato, Aristotle, Descartes, Leibniz, and Kant. It examines their contributions to idealism and their impact on the philosophical landscape.

Systematic Assessment of Idealism: This section offers a systematic evaluation of idealism, exploring its strengths, weaknesses, and potential criticisms. It examines the various interpretations of idealism and discusses the challenges and controversies surrounding it.

Idealism and Science: This section explores the relationship between idealism and science, examining how idealism can be reconciled with scientific findings and the nature of scientific inquiry. It discusses the challenges posed by materialism and the need for alternative ontologies to account for the complexity of the natural world.

Idealism, Physicalism, Panpsychism, and Substance Dualism: This section examines the various branches of idealism and immaterialism, including idealism, physicalism, panpsychism, and substance dualism. It discusses the key differences and similarities between these perspectives and their implications for understanding reality.

Essential Reading for Students and Researchers in Metaphysics, Philosophy of Science, Philosophy of Religion, and Philosophy of Mind: The Routledge Handbook of Idealism and Immaterialism is an essential resource for students and researchers in metaphysics, philosophy of science, philosophy of religion, and philosophy of mind. It provides a comprehensive and up-to-date introduction to idealism and immaterialism, covering the key topics and debates in these fields.

Furthermore, the Handbook will also be of interest to those in related disciplines where idealist and immaterialist ontology impinge on history, science, and theology. The Routledge Handbook of Idealism and Immaterialism is a groundbreaking work that will shape the future of philosophical and scientific discourse. It offers a comprehensive and accessible guide to these complex and fascinating philosophical frameworks, providing students and scholars with the tools they need to engage with these ideas critically and constructively.

Weight: 453g
Dimension: 246 x 174 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781032065762