20th Century Western Thought: A Philosophical Analysis

Posted on Apr 30, 2024 in Social sciences

Socio-Economic and Political Landscape

World War I (1914-1918)

The war involved the Central Powers (Germany, Austria-Hungary) and the Allies (France, Great Britain, Russia, USA). Sparked by the assassination in Sarajevo, the conflict stemmed from European colonial dominance and German ambitions. The war saw years of trench warfare and resulted in millions of deaths and the collapse of empires, leading to the emergence of new nations like Czechoslovakia and Poland.

The Russian Revolution

The first implementation of Marxism, the revolution saw the overthrow of the Czar and the rise of a Marxist workers’ party. Following Lenin’s death, Stalin’s stricter policies divided European intellectuals.

The Great Depression

Despite initial economic prosperity and democratic progress in the 1920s, the Wall Street Crash of 1929 triggered a major capitalist crisis, impacting living conditions and agricultural sectors.

Fascism

In response to worker and peasant movements, fascist regimes emerged in Germany (Hitler) and Italy (Mussolini), implementing measures to consolidate power.

World War II (1939-45)

The Axis Powers (Germany, Italy, Japan) clashed with the Allies (USA, USSR, England, France) due to the rise of fascism, economic crisis, and German militarization. The war ended with the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki and Germany’s surrender, leaving over 50 million dead and establishing the USA and USSR as superpowers.

The Cold War

Following World War II, the USA and USSR engaged in an ideological struggle, with the USSR aiming to spread communism and the USA promoting capitalism and democracy. The Cold War led to an arms race and the formation of NATO and the European Economic Community.

Decolonization

The weakening of European powers after World War II led to decolonization movements in Asia and Africa, granting independence to numerous nations.

Cultural Shifts

The 20th century witnessed significant cultural transformations, including the rise of consumerism, the influence of mass media, advancements in science and technology, new social movements (feminism, environmentalism), and evolving artistic expressions like jazz, rock, pop, surrealism, and cubism.

Philosophical Trends

Several philosophical movements shaped 20th-century thought:

  • Vitalism (Ortega y Gasset) emphasized the significance of life.
  • Phenomenology (Husserl, Heidegger) focused on the study of consciousness.
  • Existentialism (Sartre) explored the nature of existence.
  • Philosophy of Science (Popper, Kuhn) examined the foundations and methods of scientific knowledge.
  • Critical Theory (Frankfurt School) provided social critiques and addressed ideological issues.
  • Language Analysis (Wittgenstein, analytic movement, hermeneutics) investigated the nature and function of language.

Ludwig Wittgenstein: Life and Works

Born in Vienna in 1889, Wittgenstein studied engineering and later philosophy at Cambridge under Bertrand Russell. His early work was influenced by Russell’s logical atomism, while his later philosophy focused on language analysis. His major works include the “Tractatus Logico-Philosophicus” and “Philosophical Investigations.”

Wittgenstein’s Core Ideas: Fractures in Logos

Wittgenstein explored the concept of “logos” and its evolving meanings throughout history. He identified two major fractures in the understanding of logos:

  1. The Modern Fracture (17th Century): The separation of thought from the world, leading to questions about the possibility of knowledge and the role of consciousness.
  2. The 20th Century Fracture: The recognition that language shapes our thought and understanding of the world, shifting the focus of philosophy towards language analysis.

Wittgenstein’s Two Philosophical Stages

  1. Formalism (1900-1930): Influenced by logical positivism and Russell’s logical atomism, Wittgenstein sought a perfect, logically precise language to represent reality. This period culminated in the “Tractatus Logico-Philosophicus.”
  2. Anti-Formalism (Post-1930): Wittgenstein shifted his focus to ordinary language and its role in shaping our understanding of the world. He explored the concept of “language games” and emphasized the limitations of language. This period is represented by his “Philosophical Investigations.”

Wittgenstein’s Impact

Wittgenstein’s work significantly influenced the development of analytic philosophy and language philosophy. His ideas challenged traditional notions of language, knowledge, and reality, paving the way for new approaches in philosophical inquiry.

Conclusion

The 20th century witnessed profound transformations in Western thought, encompassing socio-economic and political upheavals, cultural shifts, and diverse philosophical movements. Figures like Wittgenstein played a crucial role in shaping contemporary philosophical discourse, particularly in the areas of language analysis and the relationship between language and reality.