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Debate: Idealism versus Materialism

The debate over the nature of reality, especially human reality, often pits idealism against materialism where philosophical explanations are concerned. Idealism is associated with Plato's beliefs that the essence of human existence is of a higher realm and cannot be deduced by human reason. As Ackendorf (2010) defines it, idealism is "the belief that reality is essentially idea and mind rather than matter" (p. 1). Materialists view the nature of human life as caused by material properties or elements that are readily discernible through rational or scientific study. Ackendorf (2010) defines materialism as "the belief that matter is the ultimate constituent of reality" (p. 1). This analysis will provide a comparison and contrast of materialism versus idealism. A conclusion will address the author's opinion of which view is more satisfactory as an explanation for the nature of human existence.

One of the most significant differences between idealists and materialists is that the former views the true nature of human existence or the cause of human existence as being some higher power or supernatural being. Idealism views human beings as "qualitatively" distinct from non-living beings, but entities whose essence "exist only in the mind of the Creator" (Rank, 2010, p. 1). In this sense, we can never understand the essence or cause of human nature since it is an idea that exists in the mind of the Creator and is therefore unknowable from philosophical or rational inquiry. In contrast, materialism believes that we are able to understand the essence or nature of human existence.

Materialists believe we are able to know the cause or essence of human existence because human beings may be special beings in comparison to others, but they are material beings none the less and "not immune to rational study" (Rank, 2010, p. 1). In stark contrast to the primary belief of idealists that a

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Debate: Idealism versus Materialism. (1969, December 31). In LotsofEssays.com. Retrieved 08:55, March 28, 2024, from https://www.lotsofessays.com/viewpaper/2001429.html