The word "idealisms" refers to the belief in or pursuit of ideals, especially unrealistic ones. Its pronunciation is [aɪˈdiːəlɪzəmz], with the stress on the second syllable. The first syllable is pronounced with the long "i" sound, spelled with the letter "i," followed by the "d" sound. The second syllable begins with the "ee" vowel sound, spelled with the letter "e," followed by the "uh" vowel sound, spelled with the letter "a." The final syllable is pronounced with the "z" sound, spelled with the letter "s," followed by the "-m" and "-s" sounds.
Idealism is a philosophical doctrine that asserts the primacy of ideas and mental concepts over material reality. It holds that reality is ultimately dependent on the mind and its ideas, and that the external world is inextricably linked to this subjective mental experience. Idealism posits that the things we perceive and understand are fundamentally shaped by our perceptions, beliefs, and interpretations.
This philosophical concept asserts that the mind is the source of all knowledge and that reality is constructed through our thoughts and consciousness. According to idealism, our understanding of the world is mediated through our individual subjective experiences, rather than being determined solely by objective facts or physical properties.
Idealists propose that ideas and concepts have a more foundational role in shaping the nature of reality and can exist independently of physical objects. They argue that the material world is ultimately governed by immaterial and intangible principles, such as universal truths or spiritual realities. Idealism often embraces metaphysical or spiritual beliefs, positing that there is a deeper reality beyond the physical realm.
In summary, idealism is a philosophical standpoint emphasizing the role of ideas and mental constructs in shaping reality. It posits that the mind is the primary source of knowledge, and that our perceptions and interpretations play a central role in defining the nature of the external world.
The word "idealisms" is formed from the noun "idealism" by adding the plural suffix "-s". The etymology of the word "idealism" traces back to the early 19th century, derived from the French word "idéalisme", which was coined in the 1760s by the French philosopher Antoine-Louis-Claude Destutt de Tracy. Destutt de Tracy used the term to describe his philosophical system that focused on the study of ideas and their origins. However, the concept of idealism itself can be traced back further to ancient Greek philosophy, particularly to the works of Plato, who believed in the existence of ideal forms or ideas beyond the material world.