What is absolute idealism?

Response

In philosophy, idealism is the belief that thoughts, ideas, or the “mind” is the ultimate basis of reality; thus, physical things are considered illusory or secondary. Absolute idealism takes this a step further by asserting that there is a single unifying “mind” behind all things. This concept is closely linked to pantheism, which also proposes that only one “entity” truly exists. According to absolute idealism, thought is the interaction of experiences within that unifying mind, and truth is described as consistency between thoughts, rather than coherence between distinct objective realities.

The philosopher most associated with absolute idealism is G. W. F. Hegel. He posited that there must be a fundamental basis for reality upon which all other ideas are constructed. For Hegel, this concept only made sense if that ultimate source was a mind, as opposed to something devoid of mind or physical. To Hegel, this mind was not necessarily a conscious being; instead, the “Absolute” would simply be “thought for thought’s sake.” A consequence of this perspective is that “truth” is defined as the agreement between two thoughts. Given that reality in absolute idealism is rooted in thought, this results in a circular definition that can lead to solipsism.

Absolute idealism can be distinguished from concepts like subjective idealism, which asserts that existence relies on being perceived by a mind. Subjective idealism allows for the existence of multiple minds, whereas absolute idealism suggests there is ultimately only one mind. In this sense, absolute idealism shares many similarities with pantheism. Both, essentially, assert that “everything is (ultimately) God.”

Absolute idealism is not in alignment with the Bible’s perspective on truth, creation, or the nature of God. Scripture indicates that God is distinct from His creations (Numbers 23:19;Job 38:4-7). Evil isPortrayed as being opposed to God’s very nature, not merely a contradiction between thoughts in the mind of God (1 Timothy 1:8-11). The Bible’s concept of eternity is especially contrary to absolute idealism; the Bible’s teaching that certain people will exist forever in a place separated from God conflicts with the unity put forward by absolute idealism (Revelation 20:11-15).

While God’s thoughts are higher than ours “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the LORD.”, (Isaiah 55:8), God is not merely thinking: He is a being with intent (Psalm 33:10-12). Nor is the Judeo-Christian God a non-sentient force or generic background noise of abstract thought “For the LORD loveth judgment, And forsaketh not his saints; they are preserved for ever: But the seed of the wicked shall be cut off.”, (Psalm 37:28). Absolute idealism, like many other philosophical approaches, is ultimately false.