What are the Philosophical Movements? Realism, Rationalism, Nihilism

Philosophical movements are systematic approaches that emerged in various periods of the history of thought and represent human existence, knowledge, morality and ways of understanding the world. Each philosophical movement asks different questions about the world and offers original answers to these questions. Here are some of the most important philosophical movements and their detailed explanations:

Realism

Realism is a movement that argues that objects in the external world exist independently of human consciousness. Reality is independent of human perception. According to this view, objects continue their existence independently of our perception of them.

Representatives: Aristotle, Thomas Aquinas.
Characteristics: An understanding based on natural sciences and experimental knowledge are prioritized.

Idealism

Idealism argues that reality is mental and intellectual. In this movement, objects in the external world are a product of mental processes, that is, reality is a reflection of our consciousness.

Representatives: Plato, Immanuel Kant, Hegel.
Characteristics: The existence of the material world is not accepted as independent of the mind; thought and consciousness are taken as basis.

Empiricism

Epiricism argues that knowledge is obtained from sensory experiences. There is no innate knowledge, all knowledge is obtained through experience.

Representatives: John Locke, David Hume, George Berkeley.

Characteristics: The importance of the scientific method and observation in acquiring knowledge is emphasized.

Rationalism

Rationalism argues that the source of knowledge is not experience, but reason and logic. The human mind has innate knowledge and this knowledge can be discovered through reason.

Representatives: Descartes, Spinoza, Leibniz.

Characteristics: Mathematical and logical thinking is taken as basis, the senses are not trusted.

Positivism

Positivism is a philosophical movement that accepts only scientifically verifiable knowledge. Metaphysical and religious knowledge is rejected, and knowledge obtained through experimental and observational methods is taken as basis.

Representatives: Auguste Comte.

Characteristics: Scientific knowledge is the only valid type of knowledge; social order and progress are provided by science.

Nihilism

Nihilism is a philosophical movement that argues that existence, moral values, and knowledge are meaningless. Human life is meaningless and there is no purpose or value in the universe.

Representatives: Friedrich Nietzsche, Arthur Schopenhauer.
Characteristics: It argues that traditional values ​​and beliefs should be destroyed.

Existentialism

Existentialism is a movement that questions the meaning of human existence in the world. It focuses on human freedom, choices, and individuality. This movement argues that humans should create the meaning of their own lives.

Representatives: Jean-Paul Sartre, Søren Kierkegaard, Albert Camus.
Characteristics: Free will, personal responsibility, and the individual search for meaning are emphasized.

Pragmatism

Pragmatism is a philosophical movement that argues that the truth of a thought or belief depends on its practical consequences. The value of a thought is determined by its usefulness in life.

Representatives: William James, John Dewey, Charles Sanders Peirce.

Characteristics: Importance is given to the practical results of thought and action; they should be real, functional and useful.

Phenomenology

Phenomenology aims at the direct analysis of experiences and consciousness. It is based on perceiving objects as they are and discovering the essence of experiences.

Representatives: Edmund Husserl, Martin Heidegger.

Characteristics: Direct examination of consciousness and perception; experiences should be purified from background beliefs and prejudices.

Marxism

Marxism is a movement that argues that social and economic structures are shaped as a result of class struggles. Historical materialism and class struggle form the basis of this thought. Criticism of the capitalist system and the liberation of the working class are the main themes.

Representatives: Karl Marx, Friedrich Engels.

Characteristics: Criticism of capitalism, class struggle, proposal for a revolutionary social order.

Stoicism

Stoicism is a philosophical approach that argues that virtue alone brings happiness. According to the Stoics, humans should live in accordance with nature and achieve inner peace independent of external factors.

Representatives: Epictetus, Marcus Aurelius, Seneca.
Characteristics: Mastering emotions, living in harmony with nature, and accepting that fate is inevitable.

Hedonism

Hedonism is a philosophical movement that argues that the highest good is pleasure. It suggests that the main purpose in life is happiness and pleasure.

Representatives: Epicurus.
Characteristics: It maintains a balance between physical and mental pleasures; it is important to avoid pain.