Idealism is a philosophical view that says reality is fundamentally mental, spiritual, or idea-based rather than purely material.
In simple terms:
What is ultimately real is mind or consciousness, not matter.
Core Idea
Materialism says:
Matter=produces mind.
Idealism says the reverse:
Mind=produces or structures what we call matter.
From an idealist perspective, the physical world is either:
- Dependent on consciousness
- Constructed by consciousness
- Or inseparable from consciousness
Major Forms of Idealism
1. Subjective Idealism
- “To be is to be perceived.”
- Objects exist only insofar as they are perceived.
- Reality is made of perceptions in minds.
2. Transcendental Idealism
- We never know reality “as it is in itself.”
- We only know reality as structured by the human mind.
- Space and time are mental frameworks, not independent things.
This doesn’t deny the external world, it says we can only know it through the mind’s organizing structures.
3. Absolute Idealism
- Reality is a single, unified spiritual whole.
- History and consciousness unfold dialectically.
- The universe is the development of Absolute Mind.
4. Modern Idealism
In contemporary philosophy of mind, some argue:
- Consciousness is fundamental.
- The universe may be mind-like at its base.
- Physical reality could emerge from informational or mental processes.
Idealism vs. Realism vs. Materialism
| View | What is fundamental? |
|---|---|
| Materialism | Matter |
| Dualism | Mind and matter |
| Idealism | Mind |
| Realism | Reality exists independent of mind |
Psychological Meaning of “Idealism”
In everyday language, idealism also means:
- Believing in high ideals
- Wanting the world to match moral or spiritual standards
- Optimism about human potential
That’s different from philosophical idealism, though historically connected.
Why It Matters
Idealism directly impacts questions like:
- What is consciousness?
- Does reality exist without observers?
- Are mystical experiences glimpses of deeper structure?
- Is the universe mental at its foundation?
Shervan K Shahhian
LIBERTY PSYCHOLOGICAL ASSOCIATION 