Основополагающим философским течением является материализм. Именно с опорой на эту философскую концепцию происходило развитие многих естественно-научных дисциплин. Принципы материализма легли в основу биологии и физики. В статье раскрыты фундаментальные философские основы материализма.

Heidegger developed a new approach to understanding being that differed from traditional philosophical concepts. He argued that being cannot be conceptualized as an object, but must be seen as a process that we carry out in our lives.

Schopenhauer and Nietzsche had similar themes, considered the will to be the driving force behind personal development, and were influenced by Indian philosophical thought. Nevertheless, there are differences in their teachings.