The concept of matter in philosophy began to take shape in antiquity. It was noticed by the ancient Greek philosopher Democritus that with the help of information about the origin of one substance, it is completely impossible to explain the origin of another.
Matter in philosophy
Human knowledge improved over time, improved understanding of the structure of bodies. Scientists have found that bodies are made up of atoms, which are something like very small “bricks”. A discrete map of the world existed until about the end of the nineteenth century - then being was presented as a specific interaction of discrete (minute) particles of substances.
A little later, completely new information about atoms was discovered. The important thing is that they are not simple particles (an electron was discovered), but very complex in their structure. We also note that new information has appeared that made it possible to consider the concept of a field differently. Recall that initially the field was perceived as the space surrounding any object. This did not contradict the knowledge that matter is matter, since the field was perceived as something like an attribute of matter.
It was later proved that this field is not only an attribute of an object, but also a kind of independent reality. Together with matter, the field becomes a special kind of matter. In this form, continuity, and not discreteness, becomes the main property.
Characteristic features of matter:
- self-organization;
- the presence of movement;
- ability to reflect;
- location in time and space.
Elements of the structure of matter traditionally include:
- wildlife;
- society;
- wildlife.
Any matter exhibits the ability to self-organize - that is, it is capable of reproducing itself without the participation of any external forces. Fluctuations are random deviations and fluctuations that are inherent in matter. This term is used to describe its internal changes. As a result of this kind of change, matter eventually passes into another, completely new state. Having changed, it can die completely or gain a foothold and continue to exist further.
Western society for the most part tends to idealism. This can be explained by the fact that materialism is traditionally associated with a material-mechanical understanding of matter. This problem is solvable thanks to dialectical materialism, the concept of which considers matter in the light of knowledge of natural science, gives it a definition, eliminates the necessary connection with matter.
Matter in philosophy is something that exists in the variety of specific systems, as well as formations, the number of which has no limit. Concrete forms of matter do not contain primary, unchanging and structureless substance. All material objects possess systemic organization, as well as internal orderliness. First of all, orderliness is manifested in the interaction of the elements of matter, as well as in the laws of their motion. Due to this, all these elements form the system.
Space and time are universal forms of being of matter. Its universal properties are manifested in the laws of its existence.
The problem of matter in philosophy
Lenin defined matter on the basis of its relation to consciousness. He perceived matter as a category that exists in relationships, reflects sensations, but at the same time exists completely independently of them.
Matter in philosophy is rather unusual in dialectical materialism. In this case, the concept of it is not strongly associated with questions about its structure and structure.
In dialectical materialism, there are two propositions that recount the basic concept of the matter of philosophy:
- not all manifestations of matter are given in sensations;
- Matter can be determined through consciousness, and it is precisely consciousness that will play the decisive role in this ratio.
In defense of dialectical materialism:
- in sensations, matter is given not only directly, but also indirectly. A person cannot perceive it completely, as it is limited in its sensitive ability;
- matter in philosophy is infinite and self-sufficient. Because of this, she does not need self-awareness.
The concept of matter as a kind of objective reality in dialectical materialism characterizes its only substance, which has many properties, its own laws of structure, development, motion, and functioning.
