What did Gurdjieff think of Kant?

In this video, Martin Butler delves into the provocative ideas of George Gurdjieff, a mystic and philosopher who notoriously dismissed many established domains, including science, religion, medicine, and philosophy. Gurdjieff's broad critique spared almost nothing, suggesting he possessed a unique knowledge beyond ordinary human understanding. Martin contrasts this view by entertaining the possibility that Gurdjieff's dismissals might have been self-serving, a way to elevate his own teachings.
The discussion highlights Gurdjieff's complex relationship with philosophy, noting that while he generally disparaged it, he held the German philosopher Immanuel Kant in high regard. Kant, known for his work "The Critique of Pure Reason," is acknowledged for his insights into idealism-the notion that reality as we perceive it is a mental construct. This perspective aligns with Gurdjieff's views, suggesting a deeper connection between his teachings and philosophical idealism.
Martin explores the fundamental philosophical divide between idealists, who believe reality is a product of the mind, and realists, who assert that knowledge comes from external experiences. Gurdjieff’s endorsement of Kant hints at his alignment with idealist thought, which posits that our sensory experiences are mere reconstructions by the brain, not direct interactions with the external world.
The video also touches on related philosophers like Spinoza and Berkeley, who contributed to the discourse on the nature of reality and perception. Spinoza's idea that the mind perceives itself and external bodies through mental constructs is linked to modern neurological theories. Kant's belief that space and time are properties of consciousness, not external realities, further underpins the idealist philosophy.
Martin Butler reflects on his own decades-long study of Gurdjieff and the teachings derived from these philosophical insights. He concludes that the primary takeaway is the distinction between being absorbed in one's self-made representation of the world and observing it from a detached perspective. This observation can lead to a profound shift in one's internal state, emphasizing a conscious awareness of existence over mere engagement with perceived reality.
CF67 KantH
2017-06-23