Critical Realism vs. Idealism: Ortega’s Perspective
Critical Realism and Idealism
Development requires a critical philosophy of both realism and idealism. Ortega addresses relativism and dogmatism: the former claims we cannot achieve universal truths, while the latter views perspective as an absurd notion. For Ortega, the only way to grasp reality is from one’s concrete circumstances; the world is our perspective. Therefore, our knowledge is neither pure realism nor pure idealism; it is knowledge rooted in life.
Realism vs. Idealism
- Realism: Assumes
Plato’s Theory: Understanding Types of Knowledge
Plato’s Types of Knowledge and Their Value
Plato identified two primary types of knowledge:
- Sense Knowledge (Doxa): This is derived from our senses and represents opinion.
- Intellectual Knowledge (Episteme): This is acquired through intellect or mind, enabling us to grasp and manage ideas.
A central tenet of Plato’s philosophy is the assertion that ideas or concepts exist independently, preceding our comprehension. Therefore, knowing involves discovering the appropriate concept for each object or subject
Read MoreUnderstanding Key Concepts in Philosophy and Culture
Key Concepts in Philosophy and Culture
Item 1: Philosophy
- Philosophy: The word philosophy comes from the Greek sophia, meaning love of learning.
- Philosophy, in addition to knowledge, is an attitude and an activity.
- Classical philosophy often takes an idealistic and organismic approach to the questions raised.
- Renaissance philosophy launched a scientific revolution.
- The philosophy of the Enlightenment (17th and 18th centuries) was expressed in two main streams: empiricism and rationalism.
- The interdisciplinary
Locke’s Political Theory: Social Contract and Liberalism
Locke’s Liberal Pact and Political Theory
Locke’s political theory shares similarities with Hobbes’ but stands as an antithesis to absolutism. For Locke, the origin and legitimacy of the state stem from a pact among individuals forming society. This contract, which legitimizes the state, doesn’t involve surrendering personal rights, contrasting with absolutist theories. Locke aims to justify personal rights, such as subsistence and private property, from a liberal perspective. The state, in this
Read MoreUnderstanding Human Rights: Principles and Applications
A Universal: That is, it must recognize all human beings without exclusion. Every human being must be treated as a peer, as someone who has the same dignity as another. Universal is the requirement to recognize them, but in fact, in many places, they are not recognized yet.
Imprescriptible: I mean that they do not expire or prescribe, if you have an emergency at all times and for all. It does not mean having no limits, because to move, you have to set limits around to enjoy other rights.
Citizen
Read MorePlato’s Theory of Forms: Understanding the Realm of Ideas
Plato’s Theory of Forms
Opinion (doxa) corresponds to the sensible world, with objects and bodily entities. It corresponds, therefore, to a lower kind of knowledge, imperfect and misleading. Whoever only adheres to the sensible world will never reach perfect knowledge. It is necessary that man look on the inside, using his own reason to come to the knowledge of true reality: ideas. Plato further divided Opinion into two levels: Imagination and Belief.
The Philosopher-King
For Plato, it was necessary
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