Immanence Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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immanence
[ɪˈmænəns ]
Definition
philosophical context
Immanence refers to the inherent qualities or presence of something within a particular realm or experience, often contrasted with transcendence, which denotes a state of being beyond or outside of the material world. In philosophy and theology, it describes the divine presence that permeates the universe and is within all aspects of the creation. This concept is frequently discussed in relation to ideas of God and the universe, suggesting that divine essence is not detached but rather resides within the world itself.
Synonyms
inherent presence, innateness, pervasiveness.
Examples of usage
- The immanence of the divine in nature can be observed in various religious texts.
- Philosophers often debate the implications of immanence versus transcendence.
- The artist sought to capture the immanence of life's beauty in her work.
Translations
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Interesting Facts
Philosophy
- Immanence is often discussed in relation to the divine, suggesting that the sacred is present within the physical world.
- Philosophers like Spinoza argued that God is immanent, meaning God's essence is identical to the universe, not separate from it.
- In existential philosophy, it suggests that meaning and existence are found within our experiences and surroundings.
Religion
- In various religious traditions, immanence contrasts with transcendence, which denotes God's existence outside of the universe.
- Many Eastern religions, like Hinduism and Buddhism, emphasize the immanence of the divine, where the divine can be experienced in everyday life.
- The concept encourages a view of spirituality that focuses on connection to the world rather than escapism from it.
Art and Literature
- Several literary works explore themes of immanence, highlighting the idea that beauty and meaning exist within the commonplace.
- The Impressionist art movement reflected immanence through capturing light and color as they exist in the moment, rather than striving for perfect realism.
- In poetry, imagery often evokes states of being immanent, illustrating how emotions can overflow from the mundane to the profound.
Science
- Contemporary physics looks at immanence through the lens of theories that suggest all matter and energy are interconnected within the universe.
- Concepts like emergent properties demonstrate how complex systems arise from simple components, reflecting the idea of immanence in natural phenomena.
- Biological systems also exhibit immanence, where life forms adapt and are present in various environments, influencing those ecosystems.
Origin of 'immanence'
Main points about word origin
- The word comes from the Latin 'immanere', meaning 'to remain in' or 'to dwell in'.
- It first appeared in English during the late 16th century, primarily used in philosophical contexts.
- Related terms include 'transcendence', which refers to something existing outside of and independent from the material world.
The term 'immanence' originates from the Latin word 'immanere', which means 'to remain within'. This etymology combines 'in-' (meaning 'in') and 'manere' (meaning 'to remain'). The concept has roots in various philosophical and theological discussions, particularly during the medieval era and the Enlightenment, as thinkers sought to understand the nature of existence and divinity. The usage of immanence in contrast to transcendence began to take shape during these times, influencing diverse movements such as Romanticism and existentialism. Philosophers like Baruch Spinoza and later Emmanuel Levinas expanded on the notion of immanence, arguing for a perspective where the divine is accessible within the material world, rather than existing in a distant, separate reality.