Absolute

Definition

In philosophy, the term 'absolute' refers to a concept or entity that is independent, self-sufficient, and not contingent on anything else. It embodies a state of being that is complete and unconditioned, often associated with ultimate reality or truth. In the context of idealism, it is often linked to notions of totality and completeness, which can provide a foundation for understanding existence beyond mere empirical observation.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. In Schelling's System of Transcendental Idealism, the absolute represents a unity that reconciles both nature and spirit, highlighting the interconnection between all aspects of existence.
2. Schelling argued that the absolute is not just a static entity but a dynamic process that involves development and self-realization.
3. The concept of the absolute serves as a counterpoint to finite beings, emphasizing that while individuals are contingent, the absolute is necessary and self-existing.
4. Schelling believed that through artistic expression and nature, humans could gain insights into the absolute, bridging the gap between the finite and infinite.
5. The idea of the absolute has significant implications for understanding freedom in Schelling's thought, where true freedom is found in aligning oneself with the absolute.

Review Questions

• How does Schelling's notion of the absolute relate to his understanding of nature and spirit?
  • Schelling's notion of the absolute emphasizes a profound unity between nature and spirit. He posited that the absolute encompasses both realms, reconciling their apparent differences. This perspective allows for a holistic understanding of reality where both natural processes and spiritual experiences are interconnected, leading to a comprehensive view of existence.
• Discuss how Schelling's concept of the absolute challenges traditional views of finite beings.
  • Schelling's concept of the absolute challenges traditional views by presenting it as a necessary foundation for understanding existence. While finite beings are contingent and limited, the absolute is portrayed as self-sufficient and unconditioned. This distinction highlights that all individual entities derive their significance from their relationship to this ultimate reality, prompting a reevaluation of how we understand autonomy and dependence.
• Evaluate the implications of Schelling's view on freedom in relation to the absolute and how it affects our understanding of human agency.
  • Schelling's view on freedom intricately ties human agency to the concept of the absolute. He asserts that true freedom emerges when individuals recognize their place within this all-encompassing reality. By aligning their will with the absolute, individuals transcend mere personal desires and attain a deeper sense of autonomy that harmonizes with universal truths. This perspective profoundly impacts our understanding of agency, suggesting that genuine freedom is not isolation but rather an integration into a larger moral and metaphysical framework.

Related terms

Transcendental Idealism: A philosophical approach that emphasizes the role of the mind in constructing the experience of reality, suggesting that knowledge is shaped by the perceiving subject.

Absolute Idealism: A philosophical doctrine asserting that reality is fundamentally composed of an all-encompassing Absolute, where all distinctions and differences are ultimately reconciled.

Self-Consciousness: The awareness of oneself as an individual and distinct being, which plays a crucial role in understanding the relationship between the individual and the absolute.