What is the philosophy of Spiritualism?

Spiritualism in philosophy is the concept that an immaterial reality exists beyond what our senses can perceive. This broad framework accommodates diverse systems of thought, ranging from theism and pantheism to dualism and idealism. Historically, the tradition gained prominent association with 19th- and early 20th-century French philosophy, which emphasized the metaphysical and ethical primacy of the individual mind.

What we know

• Spiritualism is the philosophical concept that an immaterial reality exists which cannot be perceived by the senses. [2, 4]
• A wide variety of distinct philosophical systems, including dualism, monism, atheism, theism, pantheism, and idealism, are compatible with spiritualism. [2]
• As a historical tradition, spiritualism was especially associated with 19th- and early 20th-century French thought. [2]
• French spiritualism emphasized the metaphysical and ethical primacy of the individual mind while opposing materialist and empiricist reductions. [2]

Where to go next

• compared withHow does philosophical idealism define reality?
• the bigger pictureWhat schools shaped French philosophy?
• a case in pointHow do 19th-century religious movements connect to spiritualism?
• how it workedWhat role does a personal God play in spiritualist thought?
• what followedHow did analytic philosophy critique immaterialist traditions?
• an unexpected connectionHow does French philosophy link spiritualism and socialism?Both spiritualism and socialism developed as prominent currents within the rich tradition of French philosophy.

Sources

• [1]spiritualism (Wikidata Q2636432) · CC0 1.0
• [2]Spiritualism (philosophy) · CC BY-SA 4.0
• [3]Idealism · CC BY-SA 4.0
• [4]Spiritualism · CC BY-SA 4.0
• [5]French philosophy · CC BY-SA 4.0