Philosophy is a science that will not leave anyone indifferent. No wonder, because it hurts every person, raises the most important internal problems. All of us are visited by philosophical thoughts, regardless of gender, race and class. As it turned out, for thousands of years people have been troubled by the same fundamental questions, the answers to which have not yet been found. Despite this, there are many philosophical schools and movements that do not abandon attempts to uncover the secrets of the universe.
Matter and consciousness
What is primary - matter or spirit? This question has long divided thinkers into warring camps. As a result, the main philosophical movements appeared - materialism, idealism and dualism. Adherents of each school develop their ideas, rejecting everything that contradicts them. However, each of these currents has generated countless branches that still resonate in the hearts of people.
Materialism is a philosophical movement that claims that matter is primary and only it matters. This school dominated in England and France of the XVII-XVIII centuries, as well as in the socialist states of modern times. Materialists rely on dry, verified facts. They love the natural sciences, such as chemistry, physics, mathematics and biology, actively using them in disputes with idealists. A materialist can confirm most of his claims with logic and scientific facts, which makes this philosophy very attractive. However, they completely reject the possibility of consciousness to influence matter, considering it an independent independent unit.
Idealists
The philosophical current of idealists is completely opposite to materialism. In it they attach great importance to the world of ideas, considering the world of things only its consequence. Idealists believe that matter cannot exist without the idea that generates it. The whole world that surrounds us is the embodiment of ideas and thoughts, and not vice versa. This trend, in turn, is divided into two main schools: objective and subjective idealism. Supporters of the school of objective idealism argue that the world of ideas exists independently of us.
Subjective idealism assumes that the universe exists only in the consciousness of man. Without the process of awareness of reality, there is nothing, since matter is generated by ideas that can only come about thanks to the mind of a living being. Idealism is becoming increasingly popular these days. Western civilization was hungry for spirituality. Materialism reigned for centuries in the countries of Europe and America, so that people were fed up with his ideas. Now they are seeking solace in idealism, which has become for them a breath of fresh air in a static world of established ideas.
Dualism
The followers of dualism did not answer the eternal question. For them, he never stood, as this philosophical trend claims that spirit and matter have always been. Dualists do not attach greater importance to either spiritual or material, arguing that both of these components are equally important for the existence of the Universe. A person is considered by the adherents of the school of dualism as an indivisible fusion of matter and spirit. All objects in the Universe are the product of either consciousness or matter. So, for example, ideas are born through consciousness, but things are derived from matter. Dualism has become a kind of alloy of two opposites, incorporating ideas and assumptions from materialism and idealism. However, this did not bring him much popularity, since it is much easier for people to go to extremes than to look for a middle ground.
Empiricism and Rationalism
Not only the eternal question of the primacy of matter and spirit has split thinkers into different philosophical currents. The directions of this fascinating science also appeared due to disputes about how a person cognizes the world. Two schools emerged here that adhere to completely opposite points of view, but cannot conclusively prove their position. Proponents of the empirical method of cognition say that the world that a person knows inevitably bears the imprint of his personality and all the experience accumulated by him.
Rationalism is a philosophical movement whose foundation was laid by Descartes. His adherents believe that only pure mind, not clouded by emotions and past experience, takes part in the process of cognition. Rationalists also believe in the existence of a number of axioms that are so obvious to them that they do not need proof.
Philosophical trends, trends, schools, teachings of China
China deserves special attention, with its interesting philosophical movements, which have long been popular not only in the Middle Kingdom, but also beyond its borders. The most famous of them is Buddhism. He came from India and quickly spread on fertile soil. Buddha’s teaching teaches that attachment to worldly pleasures and material well-being leads to the degradation of our souls. Instead, Buddhism proposes to choose the middle path, and also use such a subtle instrument as meditation. Thus, you can curb your mind and abandon desires that pull the soul down. The result of good practice is the complete liberation of the soul - nirvana.
Taoism is very similar to Buddhism, since both of these teachings went hand in hand, constantly influencing each other. His ancestor Lao Tzu introduced the concept of Tao. Under this short word is a whole lot of concepts. Tao means both universal law and universal harmony, and the very essence of the Universe - the unifying force from which we all came and to which we will return after death. Taoists try to live in harmony with nature, following the natural course of things. The result of such a life is complete dissolution in Tao.
Confucianism
An interesting area of Chinese philosophy is Confucianism. It owes its name to Confucius. He lived in the V-IV centuries BC and served as an official under the emperor. Despite his high position, the Chinese thinker above all appreciated kindness and philanthropy. He argued that only the most noble and moral people should be allowed to rule the state, who should inspire people by their example. Confucius was an opponent of a strict system built on violence and coercion.
However, an integral part of Confucianism is humility and unquestioning service to those who are above the public ladder. Confucius was an adherent of order, ceremonies and traditions. His ideas are still popular in China, and some of them have long gone beyond its borders.
Modern philosophical movements
In recent decades, science has taken a huge step forward. Many myths were debunked and discoveries were made that completely turned over the old picture of the world. This, of course, was reflected in the modern understanding of the Universe. The most popular trends in modern philosophy are existentialism and analytical philosophy. Existentialism is focused on the very act of existence, on its uniqueness and uniqueness. This direction focuses on the intuitive perception of reality, on emotional experiences. A vivid representative of this philosophy is Jean-Paul Sartre.
Analytical philosophy is focused on the applied use of knowledge. It is important in it that every truth can be verified empirically. Adherents of this school worship logic and accuracy, abandoning many classical philosophical ideas.
Philosophy in everyday life
Mankind has created countless philosophical movements, schools and directions. They are full of smart terms and words that scare ordinary people by their complexity. A touch of scholarship, a pile of obscure words and big names bring philosophy into a number of scientific disciplines that are accessible only to the most stubborn admirers of this art. But do not forget that each of us is a philosopher. Do not be afraid to join this fascinating science. If you like to think, then the truth will come to you, no matter who you are, a professor of philosophy, a football player or a locksmith.