Acosmism

Acosmism is a philosophical doctrine that denies the reality of the universe as distinct from the sole reality of an all-encompassing, ultimate being, often identified with God or the Absolute. In essence, it posits that the world, or cosmos, as we perceive it, is ultimately an illusion, a non-substantial appearance within or of the singular true reality.

Acosmism often arises in metaphysical systems that emphasize the oneness or unity of all existence. If reality is fundamentally a single, indivisible entity, then the apparent multiplicity and diversity of the world must be understood as something other than truly independent existence. This understanding can range from regarding the world as a mere appearance (similar to a dream) to viewing it as a mode or manifestation of the ultimate reality, but always subordinate to and ultimately contained within it.

While often associated with certain interpretations of Eastern philosophies, particularly Advaita Vedanta, the concept of Acosmism also appears in some Western philosophical and theological contexts. It is distinct from pantheism, which identifies God with the universe, and from panentheism, which holds that God encompasses the universe but is also greater than it. In acosmism, the universe itself, as a separate entity, has no ultimate reality.

Criticisms of acosmism often center on its perceived inability to adequately account for the experience of the world and the problem of evil. If the world is an illusion, then how do we explain the persistent and seemingly real suffering within it? Proponents of acosmism typically address these concerns by arguing that suffering, too, is part of the illusion or that its true significance can only be understood from the perspective of the ultimate reality.

Related concepts include illusionism, idealism, and monism, all of which grapple with the relationship between appearance and reality. The precise interpretation of acosmism varies depending on the specific philosophical or religious system in which it is found.