Understanding Modern Philosophy: Renaissance to Enlightenment
Modern Philosophy: From Renaissance to Enlightenment
Culturally, the Modern Age is usually divided into the Renaissance (15th and 16th centuries), the Baroque period (17th century), and the Enlightenment (18th century).
The 14th century introduced an important change in mentality, promoting the distinction between knowledge of the supernatural order (assigned to Theology) and knowledge of nature (assigned to philosophy and science), although science had not yet fully separated from Philosophy. In
Read MorePlato’s Philosophy: Ideas, Soul, and the World
Plato’s Philosophy: Maturity Period (385 BC – 370 BC)
The Maturity Period (385 BC – 370 BC) is a significant era in the history of literature and philosophy. During this time, Plato’s theory of practical ideas and theory of love emerged, and he exposed some of the great myths, such as the myth of the destiny of souls and the winged horse.
Influences on Plato’s Thought
Plato’s philosophy was influenced by several pre-Socratic thinkers:
- Heraclitus: Plato acknowledges Heraclitus’s concept of constant change.
Understanding Long Lease, Security Rights, and Roman Law
A long lease involves establishing plantations. The lease and the surface are legal relationships, and their historical phases were considered property rights in the post-classical period rather than the classical period, for these reasons:
- The lease concerns the ground, while the surface concerns the building to be constructed.
- Both institutions involve a personal bond in the enjoyment between the person and their right.
From Roman times, the lease was the institution used by large landowners to obtain
Read MoreUnderstanding Metaphysics: Core Concepts and Key Thinkers
Metaphysics: Exploring the Nature of Reality
Metaphysics is the study of the fundamental nature of reality and being. Aristotle noted that a deeper analysis of the common aspects of all that exists was necessary, beyond the study of natural phenomena. This analysis became the object of ‘first philosophy,’ focusing on the study of reality and existence itself.
Aristotle’s View on Being
Aristotle stated that first philosophy explores the features of ‘being qua being,’ also known as substance. He sought
Read MoreDescartes’ Philosophy: Exploring Mind-Body Dualism and Thought
Descartes: Knowledge and Ideas
The Cartesian notion of cogitatio, or thought, is central to Cartesian philosophy. According to Descartes, for an act to be considered thought, it needs to be borne by immediate consciousness. Descartes identifies two types of acts that fall under thought: cognitive acts (perception) and acts of will.
Thought is the main attribute of the spiritual substance, which is why identifying the soul means identifying the thinking substance. It is also thought that confirms one’
Read MoreUnderstanding Empiricism and Its Philosophical Foundations
Empiricism Unlike rationalists, defended the human mind as capable of resolving problems by applying the appropriate method. For empiricists, it was doubtful whether one could attain some knowledge; they did not believe in the rational powers of man. Locke (1632–1704) was born in a household in Wrington. He was Puritan, bonded by a love of simple things and hard work. He studied the classics and joined the University of Oxford, where he lived for 30 years. He studied logic and metaphysics from
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