L. Feuerbach: Anthropological Materialism and the End of Classical German Philosophy

Many of us have heard the phrase "anthropological materialism L. Feuerbach." The abstract on this topic is written by students not only of philosophical faculties, but even non-humanitarian universities. But this thinker, as well as his spiritual discoveries, did not become a kind of "museum exhibit" or a boring question of the examiner. This is one of the amazing adventures and ups of human genius.

L. Feuerbach. Anthropological materialism as the final period of German classical philosophy

After the death of Hegel in Germany arose a lot of thought directions that flowed from his system, developed and even denied it. Such an unconventional trend was the system of Ludwig Feuerbach. It contrasts with the usual classical theses both in posing problems and in solving them. The peculiarity of Feuerbach's thought development lies in the fact that in the first period of his life he tried to follow the philosophical views of Hegel and his disciples, and in the second turned to the positions of anthropological materialism. But the main thing in his life was the criticism of religion. He tried to counteract this world view and his influence on people.

L. Feuerbach. Anthropological materialism and the struggle against traditional religion

Hegel had nothing against the union of human thought and the concept of God. On the contrary, Feuerbach tried to prove that religion and philosophy are incompatible. These are ways to comprehend the world, which mutually exclude each other. Philosophy is the quintessence of science, its main ideological essence, and in spite of the subject being studied. Theology always hinders the study of nature, society and man. It relies on miracles, using the will and desires of the individual. Philosophy tries to discover the nature of things, and its instrument is the mind. Thinking considers morality as a spiritual category, and religion codifies it as a commandment.

L. Feuerbach. Anthropological materialism and Christianity

The philosopher believed that there were no religious feelings peculiar to man from nature. Otherwise, he would have an organ that is believed. On the other hand, it is not a matter of primitive deception or fear. The whole point is that there are certain features of the human psyche that are reflected in his mind. All religions, according to the thinker, are divided into "natural" and "spiritual", depending on the conditions that put people in dependence. In the first case these are elements, and in the second - society. In addition, man by nature tends to happiness, and this is also reflected in his religious hopes. People believe in gods because they themselves want to be perfect beings who are eternally blissful and do not die. Therefore, it is better to turn your feelings to another person than to love fictitious heroes in vain.

L. Feuerbach. Anthropological materialism and the "new philosophy"

The fact that religion has paralyzed the aspirations of people to each other in this world is also to blame for idealistic philosophy. She tore concepts from their sensory foundations, being transferred to a non-existent world. Therefore, a new philosophy must transform man and nature (as the basis of his sensations) into a single object of study. Any objects that can not be felt directly are not real and valid. This is the anthropological materialism of L. Feuerbach, summarized.