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Acosmism
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Introduction
Acosmism is the belief that the universe has no independent reality. In both Eastern and Western traditions this doctrine asserts that only the infinite and unmanifest Absolute – whether understood as Brahman or God – truly exists. Everything else is seen as illusory or as an appearance that obscures the underlying unity. The prefix "a‑" in Greek functions like "un‑" in English and reveals the radical idea that there is "no cosmos" apart from the Absolute【948566600979819†L141-L145】.
In Eastern philosophy, particularly in the non‑dual school of Advaita Vedanta, the concept of Maya expresses this illusion. Maya refers to the world as an ever‑changing phenomenon that veils the true nature of reality【948566600979819†L153-L172】. According to Advaita thinkers, liberation occurs when one realises that the Self is identical with Brahman【948566600979819†L169-L174】. The world we perceive is not unreal but is misperceived; it is constantly being created and destroyed, and our senses provide only a limited, second‑rate knowledge.
In Western philosophy, thinkers such as Spinoza, Fichte and Hegel have been described as acosmists. Spinoza argued that there is only one substance – the infinite God or Nature – and that finite things have no independent existence. The term "acosmism" was coined by Solomon Maimon and used by Hegel to describe a form of pantheism where the finite world disappears into the unity of the infinite【948566600979819†L211-L224】. Modern scholars such as W.T. Stace note that philosophical acosmism often arises from mystical experiences in which the eternal moment contains all reality【948566600979819†L226-L233】.
As you explore this aiMOOC, ask yourself what it means to say that the world is an appearance. How does this belief influence ethical behaviour, art, or scientific inquiry? Is reality ultimately one, and if so, what does that imply about the diversity of forms we encounter?
Traditions and Interpretations
Eastern: Advaita Vedanta
In Advaita Vedanta, Maya is not to be confused with simple illusion; rather, it refers to the dynamic process by which the Absolute manifests as the world. Knowledge of the Self as identical with Brahman leads to liberation and dissolves the illusion of separateness【948566600979819†L169-L174】.
Western: Spinoza and Hegel
Spinoza’s monism asserts that the only true substance is God or Nature; all finite things are modes of this one substance and lack independent reality【948566600979819†L211-L224】. Hegel adopted the term "acosmism" to describe this view, emphasising that the finite world "vanishes" in the unity of the Absolute. To Hegel, the multiplicity of things has its truth in the unity【948566600979819†L220-L225】.
Interactive Tasks
Quiz: Test Your Knowledge
What does acosmism deny? (The independent reality of the universe) (!The existence of any deity) (!The law of non‑contradiction) (!The principle of sufficient reason)
In which Eastern school is the concept of Maya associated with acosmism? (Advaita Vedanta) (!Nyaya) (!Daoism) (!Stoicism)
Which philosopher’s monism led to the term "acosmism"? (Spinoza) (!Aristotle) (!Kant) (!Nietzsche)
According to acosmism, what is the only ultimate reality? (The Absolute or God) (!The material universe) (!The individual soul as separate) (!Nothingness)
Hegel used acosmism to describe which view? (A form of pantheism where the finite world vanishes in unity) (!Dualism between mind and body) (!Existentialism) (!Skepticism)
Maya in Advaita Vedanta means: (Illusion or appearance) (!Eternal reality) (!Rational order) (!Cosmic energy)
Which concept emphasises that the individual self is the same as the universal Self? (Nonduality) (!Dualism) (!Materialism) (!Rationalism)
W.T. Stace claims that philosophical acosmism is rooted in: (Mystical experience) (!Empirical science) (!Political ideology) (!Economic conditions)
Which Western idealist is associated with acosmism? (F.H. Bradley) (!G.E. Moore) (!John Locke) (!Thomas Aquinas)
How do many Western acosmists view the finite world? (As less real rather than utterly illusory) (!As entirely non‑existent) (!As the sole reality) (!As a mechanical machine)
Memory
| Acosmism | Denial of the universe’s independent reality |
| Maya | Illusion or appearance in Hindu philosophy |
| Advaita Vedanta | Eastern school associated with non‑dualism |
| Spinoza | Philosopher whose monism inspired the term |
| Absolute | Ultimate reality in acosmism |
Drag and Drop
| Assign the correct terms | Topic |
|---|---|
| Acosmism | Denial of the reality of the universe as separate from the Absolute |
| Maya | Illusion that veils the Absolute |
| Spinoza | Philosopher whose monism is labelled acosmism |
| Advaita Vedanta | School in which the world is considered Maya |
| Hegel | Philosopher who used the term to describe pantheism |
Crossword Puzzle
| Spinoza | Philosopher whose views led to the term acosmism |
| Advaita | Non‑dualistic Hindu school that considers the world as Maya |
| Maya | Concept of illusion in Hindu philosophy |
| Acosmism | Philosophy denying the independent reality of the world |
| Absolute | Term for ultimate reality in acosmism |
| Hegel | Philosopher who described pantheism as acosmism |
LearningApps
Cloze Text
Open Tasks
Easy
- Illustrate Maya: Draw an image or create art that represents illusion, showing how perceptions can be deceptive.
- List examples of illusion: Write a list of everyday situations where things are not what they seem.
- Create a collage: Make a collage representing the Absolute and the illusory world using images or magazine cut‑outs.
- Mindfulness meditation reflection: Practice a brief meditation on unity and write a short reflection on your experience.
Standard
- Compare pantheism and acosmism: Write an essay comparing these two philosophical views and identify their similarities and differences.
- Research Advaita Vedanta: Summarise the teachings of Advaita on Maya and Brahman in your own words.
- Discuss Spinoza’s monism: Present how Spinoza’s concept of substance relates to the idea that the world lacks independent reality.
- Interview a religious scholar: Speak with someone knowledgeable about religion or philosophy about the concept of illusion in their tradition and summarise the conversation.
Hard
- Philosophical argument on reality: Compose a paper arguing for or against the claim that the world is less real than the Absolute. Use examples from different traditions.
- Analyse Hegel’s interpretation: Analyse how Hegel uses the dialectic to show that the finite world "vanishes" in unity with the infinite.
- Create a multimedia project: Use art, poetry, or music to explore the idea that reality is an appearance and present your work to peers.
- Explore mystical experience: Read accounts of mystical experiences and discuss how they support the doctrine of acosmism.
Learning control
- Define Maya and its role: Explain the concept of Maya and why it is central to Advaita Vedanta.
- Explain Spinoza’s monism: Discuss how Spinoza’s view of substance supports the claim that the finite world lacks independent reality.
- Compare Eastern and Western acosmism: Contrast Advaita Vedanta’s approach with that of Western philosophers such as Spinoza and Hegel.
- Provide an analogy: Offer an analogy that helps explain how the finite world can "vanish" into unity.
- Application: Reflect on how understanding acosmism might influence your perception of everyday life and ethical decisions.
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