Three
idealisms: Schopenhauer, Berkeley, and Dewey
I propose three idealisms,
which summarize all other idealisms generally. By this I mean there may be some minor differences but as a whole most "idealisms" will fit into one of these.
1.
Theory S for Schopenhauer. This
theory begins with Kantian epistemology but moves into a pre-Kantian ‘eastern’
namely Buddhist atheistic approach. In this theory, the noumenal world is
singular and the phenomenal world all connected in this way, giving rise to sensations
and compassion. This noumenal world is outside of time and space and is
therefore complete and actual. There is meaninglessness but also peace at the
heart of the cosmos, and humans can find solace through a life of compassion
and indifference.
2. Theory B for
Berkeley. This theory was pre-Kantian and theistic approach. In a very similar
way the noumenal world is one, but is encompassed by the Christian God. In this
sense, humans are inside of God which also include time and space and is
therefore actual and complete. There is both meaning and peace at the heart of
the cosmos, and humans can find solace in a life devoted to imitating Christ’s
humanity which is based on both compassion and understanding.
3. Theory D for
Dewey. This theory is a post-Hegelian, atheistic and pragmatic approach. The
noumenal world is multiple, as found in Kant, and it is also imperfect. There is
chaos at the heart of the cosmos, and there is neither personal God nor
transcendental unity to find solace or truth in. The chaos of the noumenal is
found in the phenomenal world as well, and humans can find solace in a life
devoted to practical and pragmatic work, in the name of improving the
phenomenal world in whatever ways one can.
