Naturalism and idealism

In philosophy, there are several currents of thought that seek to explain the world around us and human existence. Two of these currents are naturalism and idealism, which have very different approaches, but which are important to understand in order to understand philosophy in general.

naturalism

Naturalism is a philosophical current that maintains that everything that exists world It is a product of natural processes. That is, everything in the world, including human beings and their thoughts, can be explained by scientific laws and biological processes.

Characteristics of naturalism

• Maintains that the world is material and physical, not spiritual or metaphysical
• Takes into account science and the scientific method as answers to fundamental questions about human existence
• Rejects the existence of supernatural or divine beings
• It ensures that human life is governed by natural selection and the survival of the fittest.

The idealism

Idealism, on the other hand, is a philosophical current that maintains that everything that exists in the world is a product of the human mind, including what is perceived as external reality. That is to say, that physical reality is an illusion and that everything that exists is a product of the human mind and consciousness.

characteristics of idealism

• Maintains that the world is a product of the human mind, it is not material or physical on its own.
• Takes into account imagination, creativity and ideas as answers to fundamental questions about human existence
• It ensures that human life is governed by intention and thought, and not only by physical action.
• Rejects the idea of ​​an external and objective reality

Comparison between naturalism and idealism

The main difference between these two philosophical currents is their focus on how reality is understood. Naturalism focuses on the physical world and the scientific laws that govern its existence. Idealism, on the other hand, focuses on the human mind and ideas as the basis of reality.

In simpler terms, naturalism focuses on the real world and science, while idealism focuses on ideas and subjective perceptions.

Some final considerations

It is important to remember that both naturalism and idealism are philosophical currents that seek to explain the world around us and human existence in a different way. Both have their defenders and detractors, and there is no single and definitive answer to these questions.

While naturalism and idealism are very different approaches, they both have a lot to offer when it comes to understanding the nature of our human existence and the world around us.

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