Many of us have heard the expression “the anthropological materialism of L. Feuerbach”. Abstracts on this subject are written not only by students of philosophical faculties, but even non-humanitarian universities. But this thinker himself, like his spiritual discoveries, did not become a kind of “museum exhibit” or a boring question from an examiner. This is one of the amazing adventures and ups of the human genius.
L. Feuerbach. Anthropological materialism as the final period of German classical philosophy
After Hegel's death in Germany, many directions of thought arose that stemmed from his system, developed and even denied it. Such an unconventional trend was the Ludwig Feuerbach system. It contrasts with the usual classical theses both in the formulation of problems and in their solution. The peculiarity of the development of Feuerbach’s thought lies in the fact that in the first period of his life he tried to follow the philosophical views of Hegel and his students, and in the second he moved to the position of anthropological materialism. But the main business of his life was criticism of religion. He tried to counteract this worldview and its influence on people.
L. Feuerbach. Anthropological materialism and the fight 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 of comprehending the world, which are mutually exclusive of each other. Philosophy is the quintessence of science, its main ideological essence, moreover, regardless of the subject being studied. Theology always hinders the study of nature, society and man. She relies on miracles, using the will and desires of the individual. Philosophy is trying to discover the nature of things, and its tool 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 inherent in man by nature. Otherwise, he would have an organ that is believed. On the other hand, the point here is not primitive deception or fear. The thing 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 make people dependent. In the first case, this is the elements, and in the second - the society.
In addition, a person by nature seeks happiness, and this is also reflected in his religious hopes. People believe in gods because they long for to be perfect beings who are eternally blessed and do not die. Therefore, it is better to turn your feelings to another person than to vainly love fictional characters.
L. Feuerbach. Anthropological materialism and the "new philosophy"
Ideal philosophy is also to blame for the fact that religion has paralyzed people's aspirations for each other in this world. She tore concepts from their sensual basis, transferring to a non-existent world. Therefore, the new philosophy should turn man and nature (as the basis of his sensations) into a single object of study. Any objects that cannot be felt directly are not real and real. Such is the anthropological materialism of L. Feuerbach, summarized.
