After studying the theory and application of mind-body dualism yesterday, today we turn to a philosophical thought that is closely related but also different from it -- idealism.
The basic definition of idealism
Idealism is a philosophical thought that asserts the mind or spirit as the primary or sole entity of reality, in contrast to or transcending matter or physical reality. In other words, it emphasizes the centrality and importance of spirit or mind.
is a typical representative of idealistic thought. He said: "When you come to look at this flower, its color becomes clear instantly." This means that when we observe an object or phenomenon, its existence and our cognition are closely linked. This suggests that the mind or consciousness is not only a tool for interpreting reality, but it itself is also a part of constructing reality.
reveals profound philosophical implications linked to idealism. In this film, Truman lives in a world designed entirely for him until he begins to question and explore this "reality." The movie conveys a perspective on how we perceive reality and how it might be shaped by our own minds.
had differences that reflect the philosophical debate between materialism and idealism. Plato advocated for a metaphysical world of ideas, believing its reality transcends the sensory world we see. While Aristotle also acknowledged metaphysical existence, he emphasized the role of matter and substance, differing from Plato's idealistic stance.
The main differences between idealism and dualism are reflected in the following aspects:
Idealism holds that spirit is primary and matter is secondary, while dualism holds that both matter and spirit are primary and coexist. Idealism believes that spirit is the essence of matter, and matter is the product or manifestation of spirit, whereas dualism believes there is no connection between matter and spirit; they are two independent existences. The worldview of idealism is subjective, while the worldview of dualism is objective.