BY LETTER
Idealism
Metaphysical position which asserts that forms and ideas have reality apart from their physical expression.
e.g. there is an idealized color "blue" that has a real but abstract existence apart from blue objects. Considers the spiritual world to be more primary than physical reality. In extreme forms of idealism, the physical reality is considered a mere shadow or misinterpretation of the spiritual. Classic Idealism dates back to the Greek philosophers Pythagoras and Plato, Old Earth.
Idealistic cosmologies and philosophies are very popular among a number of Sophic clades and cultures. Subtypes, variations, and partial equivalents include dualism, emanationism, mentalism, and acosmism. Contrast realism.
e.g. there is an idealized color "blue" that has a real but abstract existence apart from blue objects. Considers the spiritual world to be more primary than physical reality. In extreme forms of idealism, the physical reality is considered a mere shadow or misinterpretation of the spiritual. Classic Idealism dates back to the Greek philosophers Pythagoras and Plato, Old Earth.
Idealistic cosmologies and philosophies are very popular among a number of Sophic clades and cultures. Subtypes, variations, and partial equivalents include dualism, emanationism, mentalism, and acosmism. Contrast realism.
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Development Notes
Text by M. Alan Kazlev
Initially published on 10 November 2001.
Initially published on 10 November 2001.
