Historical Reason and the Theory of Generations: Ortega’s Philosophy

Historical Reason

The historical reason is crucial for understanding human reality. It helps us overcome the limitations of purely scientific reasoning by focusing on the historical construction of human life and its categories. Unlike traditional philosophy, which viewed human nature as static, Ortega emphasizes change and history. Modernity’s focus on pure reason and mathematics, while successful technically, fails to grasp the dynamic nature of human existence. Humans are not static things but are shaped by temporality and history.

Ortega distinguishes between explaining things through quantitative laws and understanding them by grasping their meaning. The latter is essential for understanding the human world, which consists not just of facts but of meanings. Historical reason helps us understand these meanings by relating human actions and matters to the beliefs, values, feelings, and projects of individuals, groups, and communities.

This involves considering the categories, beliefs, and mindsets that individuals and cultures use to give meaning to life. Historical reason utilizes interpretive resources like biographical analysis, the theory of generations, and an understanding of historical periods.

Ideas and Beliefs

Historical reason relies on understanding beliefs, values, and feelings. Ortega differentiates between ideas, which are conscious thoughts we can discuss and potentially abandon, and beliefs, which are deeply ingrained assumptions we live by without question. Beliefs shape our actions and reactions even when we are not consciously aware of them.

Theory of Generations

Ortega’s theory of generations views generations as the building blocks of history. Each generation has a unique way of life (beliefs, ideas, etc.) that lasts for about 15 years. At any given time, multiple generations coexist: one expiring, one dominant, and one emerging. Youth generally inherit the lessons of the previous generation and transform them to drive progress.

Ortega believed that members of the same generation have more in common than people from different generations, even if they hold opposing political or aesthetic views. Each generation includes both an elite, responsible for creativity and leadership, and the masses. Progress occurs when the masses follow the elite’s lead. However, Ortega also recognized the potential for the masses to revolt and reject the elite.

Historical progress is not always linear. Sometimes, a generation may squander valuable lessons, leading to setbacks. However, the overall trend of history is forward. Periodically, crises lead to a loss of belief (or a sense of meaninglessness), requiring a period of disorientation and frantic activity before a new direction emerges.

Concept of Philosophy

Ortega defines philosophy as “the radical study of the entire universe.” He draws on influences from Kant, Hegel, Nietzsche, Husserl, Dilthey, and Heidegger. He engages with traditional metaphysical problems and seeks to uncover the truth behind things. Philosophy, for Ortega, is concerned with understanding the world and clarifying concepts, recognizing that these concepts are influenced by our circumstances and history.

Unlike mystics, philosophers use concepts rather than images or visions. Life is the fundamental reality, and it is not a static thing or a spirit but a continuous process of self-creation. Each individual’s life is a unique existence shaped by circumstances and striving towards selfhood, authenticity, and destiny.