Definition of the word idealism

The word "idealism" originated in the 17th century from the Greek words "idea" (ἰδέα), meaning "form" or "pattern," and "-ism," indicating a philosophical or methodical approach. Initially, idealism referred to the philosophical ideal of a perfect or ideal form, which was used to describe the concept of an idealized or perfected version of something. In the 18th century, German philosopher Immanuel Kant popularized the term "Idealismus" (idealism) to describe his philosophical theory that the human mind organizes and interprets sensory data according to innate mental structures or "ideal" forms. This concept emphasized the active role of the mind in shaping our understanding of the world. Since then, the term "idealism" has evolved to encompass a broader range of philosophical and interpretive approaches, encompassing topics such as ethics, aesthetics, and social justice.