Key Ideas in Philosophy
Hegelian Logic
Humanity expresses cosmic rationality both within and above the “on,” simultaneously human and divine. “All rational is real, and what is real is rational.” Reality drives action, increasing rationality and the capacity for universality. “Everything real is constantly in motion, denying and affirming.” Logic is always in motion, progressing by overcoming contradictions. The more perfect it becomes, the more finite.
Dialectic
For Hegel, dialectic is a process of progress. Being becomes what it could be.
Philosophy of Mind
This studies human behavior through a tripartite analysis:
- Subjective Spirit: Anthropology, phenomenology, and psychology.
- Objective Spirit: Law, morality, and ethics.
- Ethical Life: Family, civil society, and state.
Key Trio: Art, Religion, and Philosophy
Dialectical Materialism
An abrupt opposition between thesis and antithesis, governed by these laws:
- Law of reciprocal action of matter and universal connectivity.
- Universal law of change and constant development of matter.
- Law of qualitative change.
- Law of the struggle of opposites (negation or overcoming dialectic).
Infrastructure
The material elements essential for societal function and evolution, comprised of the economy.
Superstructure
The set of ideas and beliefs (social, political, religious, legal, philosophical) organized by human relationships, constituting ideology.
Alienation
Dispossession or loss of something that belongs to us. In the capitalist economy, it means the worker is deprived of their labor’s fruits.
Productive Forces
The means, instruments, and human activity involved in production. The productive force is human and historically constant.
Production Relations
The various forms productive forces have adopted throughout history.
Commodity
In capitalism, anything bought and sold.
- Use Value: An object’s inherent worth or its ability to satisfy human needs.
- Exchange Value: The price of acquiring objects or activities, subject to supply and demand.
Profit
Capitalist gain at the expense of workers. Without profit, the capitalist is ruined and becomes a proletarian.
Anarchism
Rejection of Dictatorship
Marxist authoritarianism and the dictatorship of the proletariat are rejected.
Insufficiency of Economism
Anarchism didn’t solely rely on economic mechanisms to explain reality.
Anthropological Confidence
Anarchism viewed mutual support as inherent to human nature, rather than class struggle as the motor of history.
Comte’s Stages of Progress
Theological Stage
Religion arises from ignorance and the need for a common belief. This stage includes fetishism, polytheism, and monotheism. Comte considered this the infant stage of rationality.
Metaphysical Stage
Comte criticized the metaphysical stage for its belief in essences beyond phenomena. He adopted a phenomenalist view, affirming only the reality of phenomena. This is the juvenile stage.
Positive Stage
The adult stage where humanity abandons God and focuses on understanding phenomena. Social physics (sociology) helps understand the laws governing society, improving living standards and creating practical wisdom.