Concrete universal is a term used in philosophy to describe an entity or concept that exists in both the abstract and the physical world. The spelling of this word is kən-ˈkrēt ˌyu-nə-ˈvər-səl, with the stress on the second syllable of both "concrete" and "universal." The IPA transcription of this word is /kənˈkriːt ˌjuːnɪˈvɜːrsəl/. The pronunciation of "concrete" is kən-KREET, with the stress on the second syllable, while "universal" is pronounced yoo-nuh-VUR-suhl, with the stress on the second and third syllables.
The term "concrete universal" refers to a concept in philosophy that describes the synthesis of two seemingly contradictory ideas – the concrete and the universal. It is a philosophical concept that is often associated with the German philosopher Georg Wilhelm Friedrich Hegel.
In simple terms, the concrete universal is an abstract and general concept that is manifested in a specific and tangible form. It represents the idea that universal concepts or categories have a specific existence in reality, rather than being merely abstract or theoretical. It emphasizes the idea that universals are not separate from their particular manifestations but are inherently connected to them.
The term "concrete" refers to something that is specific, singular, and tangible, while "universal" refers to something that is general, abstract, and applicable to a wide range of instances. The concrete universal, therefore, brings together these opposing aspects by asserting that the universal can only be understood through its concrete manifestations.
For example, consider the concept of "beauty" as a concrete universal. While it is an abstract concept that can be universally understood, it can only be grasped through specific instances of beauty that we encounter in the world. These instances of beauty provide a tangible and concrete understanding of the universal concept.
In summary, the term "concrete universal" refers to the idea that universal concepts are not divorced from their specific manifestations but are intrinsically linked to them. It underscores the belief that abstract ideas can only be comprehended through their concrete expressions in reality.
The term "concrete universal" is a concept that originated in Hegelian philosophy.
The word "concrete" is derived from the Latin word "concretus", which means "grown together" or "condensed". It refers to something that is existing in a particular, tangible form or reality.
The word "universal" comes from the Latin word "universalis", which means "pertaining to all" or "applying to all instances". It refers to something that is general, abstract, or common to all.
In Hegelian philosophy, the "concrete universal" refers to the synthesis of the abstract or universal concept (the "universal") with its actual expression or manifestation in the world (the "concrete"). It suggests that universal concepts or ideas only find their complete expression and understanding in particular, tangible instances or realities. So, a concrete universal brings together the abstract and the specific in a unified whole.