Although many people think that philosophy is a "useless study" or "waste of time," it is definitely an amazing way to cloud the mind. It is one thing to be confused by someone else, but quite another to confuse yourself. Who is not happy when they manage to think so hard about something that it literally makes their head hurt?
Below are some of the strangest philosophical theories. Some of them make some sense, while others seem completely absurd. Of course, they all make some sense if you look at the social background of the time in which they were formulated. As the great Cicero once said, "There is nothing so absurd that it has not been said by some philosopher."
1. Idealism
The theory of idealism holds that there are no fundamental beliefs. Instead, our beliefs exist in a system of internally connected perceptions. With this theory, one can eventually conclude that no one's beliefs are more important than anyone else's. Ultimately, this theory is completely circular. If a particular belief is true because it is coherent or fits many people, to whom is it coherent? Unfortunately, there is no objective answer to this. In the end, one is left in an infinite loop.
2. Theory of innate ideas
The theory of innate ideas states that the mind is already endowed with ideas and knowledge. This theory was developed to refute John Locke's idea that the human mind is a "tabula rasa," i.e., a blank paper that is filled with experiences throughout life. So the theory of innate ideas says that we already knew simple mathematical truths, e.g., that 1+1 = 2, and other truths about God. But if this theory is correct, then why do people find it difficult to add larger numbers (like 1298+9831). And if we have these innate beliefs, why doesn't everyone believe in religious beliefs? And how do we know we will ever learn something new? Is it just something we already knew and just memorized?
3. Zoism
Zoism states that the soul and spirit exist not only in humans and animals, but also in objects such as stones, plants, lightning, mountains, and others. Many claim that zoism is used only in cultures where society and religious beliefs are not heavily based on science and mathematics. Many skeptics declare that the philosophy of animalism is only used to provide answers to unanswered questions. But most would find it hard to believe that the stone in the ground has a soul of its own.
4. Logical Atomism
Logical atomism was promoted by Bertrand Russell and states that the world is made up of logical data (atoms) that cannot be "broken down" into smaller parts. It also claims that all truths are based on a layer of individual data. Consequently, the theory claims that language reflects reality. And it is based on the fact that the world consists of data that is extremely simple and easy to understand.
5. Decomposition
Named after Jacques Derrida, this theory states that there is no specific meaning when you read a text. Instead, a text has many different interpretations. The theory also states that someone reading a literary text decides for themselves what meaning what they read has. Although it contains some testable ideas, this theory renders literature meaningless. If you keep reducing the meaning of something, it ends up being meaningless. And if it is we who determine the meaning of something, how can anything ever be misunderstood?
6. Phenomenalism
Phenomenalism states that physical objects do not exist as such, but only as perceptual phenomena. This means that we cannot know if something is true beyond what we can perceive and confirm. Although this theory sounds interesting, it has its pitfalls. What do we define as "confirmed"? And what about mathematics? Mathematics is undoubtedly true and does not need aesthetic perception.
7. Ethical egoism
Ethical egoism states that every moral being should do what is in his or her own best interest. Basically, it is necessary and sufficient for an action to be morally right in order to maximize the interests of all. This means that we act on the basis of a certain morality, and that these actions are right because of our self-interest. The theory essentially states that it is right to steal money because it serves one's self-interest and brings a high reward.
8. Moral absolutism
The theory states that there is absolute right and wrong and that it depends on the context of the action. This raises one of the most popular philosophical questions? Is it okay to lie for the greater good? Suppose you told a lie to save a life. Is that morally wrong simply because it's a lie? Who knows, it never ends.
9. Neutral Monism
Neutral monism states that the spiritual and the physical are not two completely different things. Instead, it holds that the body and mind are made of the same substance, which is neither mental or physical. The theory assumes that the mind is "real" and relies heavily on the mental faculties.
10. Solipsism
Solipsism is a philosophical theory that states that although a person knows nothing, he/she exists and that the self is the only thing that exists. In general terms, solipsism expresses the belief that what one believes is the only true thing. This is extremely egocentric.
