Dialectical idealism
Dialectical idealism is a philosophy, most notably associated with Hegel, that views the progression of reality and history as an ideal (non-material) process driven by contradictions. It uses the dialectic method of thesis, antithesis, and synthesis to explain how a prevailing idea (thesis) generates its opposite (antithesis), which are then resolved into a new, higher-level concept (synthesis). This new synthesis becomes the next thesis, continuing the cyclical process of change and progress in consciousness, society, and history.
Key components
- Idealism: The belief that reality is fundamentally mental or spiritual, not material.
- Dialectic: A process of conflict and resolution between opposing ideas or forces.
- Thesis, antithesis, synthesis:
- Thesis: An initial idea, concept, or system.
- Antithesis: The opposing idea or contradiction that arises from the thesis.
- Synthesis: A new, higher-level idea that resolves the conflict between the thesis and antithesis, incorporating elements of both.
- Cyclical progression: The synthesis is not the end, but becomes the new thesis, starting the cycle over again in a continuous process of development and evolution.
Example
- Initial state (Thesis): A society’s initial political system.
- Conflict (Antithesis): Internal contradictions within that system lead to a revolutionary movement or opposing ideology.
- Resolution (Synthesis): The two forces merge into a new political structure that incorporates elements of the old system but also addresses the new ideas and grievances. This new structure then becomes the new thesis for the next stage of change.
Contrast with dialectical materialism
- Dialectical idealism sees the driving force of history as mental or spiritual evolution.
- Dialectical materialism (associated with Karl Marx) argues that history is driven by material and economic conditions, with consciousness and ideas being a product of the material world.
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[4] https://armchairjournal.com/hegels-dialectical-idealism-antidote-to-intolerance/
[6] https://brainly.in/question/60033261
[7] https://www.dialecticinstitute.org/white_papers/WP-problems_pseudo-dialectics.htm