Immanency Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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immanency
[ɪˈmænənsi ]
Definition
philosophy concept
Immanency refers to the inherent presence and active involvement of a divine being or spiritual force within the material world, as opposed to being transcendent or separate from it. This concept is often discussed in philosophical and theological contexts, where it contrasts with the notion of transcendence. The understanding of immanency suggests that the divine is accessible and manifest in everyday life, influencing reality directly. Many religious teachings emphasize this idea, indicating that one can encounter the divine through nature, events, and human experiences.
Synonyms
divinity, existence, presence.
Examples of usage
- The immanency of the divine can be felt in nature.
- Philosophers debate the immanency versus transcendence of God.
- Immanency plays a key role in understanding spirituality.
Translations
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Interesting Facts
Philosophy
- In philosophical discussions, immanency refers to the idea that the divine or spirit is present within the world and not separate from it.
- Philosophers like Spinoza considered the universe as immanent, suggesting that everything is interconnected and part of a greater whole.
- Immanency challenges traditional views of a detached deity, proposing that understanding comes from our lived experiences.
Science
- In physics, the concept can relate to forces being present in a system, such as gravity always acting on objects close to each other.
- Understanding environmental systems involves recognizing how immanent factors, like climate, shape local ecosystems.
- Ecology studies immanency by looking at how all living things within an environment interact continuously.
Literature
- Writers often explore themes of immanency through characters experiencing profound connections to their environment.
- In poetry, immanency can symbolize the idea of finding beauty and meaning in the ordinary or everyday experiences.
- The concept appears in many works as a way to express the richness of life that surrounds us, emphasizing presence.
Psychology
- In psychology, mindfulness practices encourage individuals to recognize the immanency of their feelings and thoughts in the moment.
- Persistent awareness of the present is linked to emotional well-being, fostering stability and reducing anxiety.
- Therapeutic approaches often guide people to appreciate the immanency of their environments to enhance their coping strategies.
Origin of 'immanency'
Main points about word origin
- The term comes from the Latin word 'immanens', meaning 'remaining in' or 'remaining within'.
- Its first known use dates back to the late 17th century, highlighting its philosophical roots.
- Immanency often contrasts with 'transcendence', emphasizing presence versus existence beyond.
The term 'immanency' derives from the Latin word 'immanens', which means 'remaining in' or 'dwelling within'. The roots of the word can be traced back to 'in' and 'manere', indicating to stay or remain. Historically, the concept of immanence has been significant in various philosophical discussions, especially concerning the nature of God and the universe. It gained prominence during the Middle Ages, where the theological implications of immanency were debated among scholars. The rise of Enlightenment thought further popularized the distinction between immanence and transcendence, influencing many modern philosophical and religious perspectives. As culture evolved, immanency became associated with various movements that emphasized the connection between humans and the divine, exploring how the sacred interweaves within the fabric of daily life.