Kant and the Enlightenment: Reason, Freedom, and Morality
Kant’s thinking evolved during the eighteenth century, a period known as the Enlightenment. The Enlightenment had its origins in England and spread throughout Europe, influencing movements like the French Revolution. It is considered to have begun with the English Revolution of 1688 and ended with the early stages of the French Revolution of 1789. This century was marked by a strong belief in the illuminating power of reason.
Enlightenment reason was secular, independent, and critical. The highest
Read MoreUnderstanding the Human Being: Evolution, Philosophy, and Freedom
Understanding the Human Being
The human being, through the accruing evolution of the primate family, is characterized by a genome specific to the species. From this emerges a symbolic and social intelligence, processing information in a self-aware manner, allowing us to:
- Communicate
- Direct our own behavior
- Create cultural events that introduce changes in how we utilize our intelligence and our relationship with the social and physical environment.
Ways of Understanding Humanity
Jean-Paul Sartre, a very
Read MoreNietzsche’s Philosophy: Nihilism, Will to Power, Eternal Return, and the Superman
Nietzsche’s Nihilism and European Devaluation
Nietzsche identifies European nihilism as the devaluation of traditional values resulting from Christianity and the concept of moral truth. He distinguishes between two forms of nihilism:
Passive Nihilism (Camel Phase)
This form denies life, aligning with false Western values. It attributes the perceived worthlessness of life to the Western tradition, specifically:
- The Problem of Idealism: Prioritizing reason over instinct.
- Transcendent Reality: Belief in
Myth vs. Logos: Sophists, Socrates, and the Pursuit of Truth
Myth vs. Logos
Myth vs. Logos: “Myth” designates a particular type of speech that tells the stories of the gods, in contrast to ‘Logos,’ which designates speech that is explained and demonstrated. The meaning of the word ‘logos’ is quite broad, including: count (tell), reason, and counting (calculating). From this area, we generalize the word ‘logos’ as a concept opposed to ‘myth’.
Logos, as ‘science’ or philosophy, is the knowledge that rests on foundation and proof (deduction). Although we know
Read MoreWarrior Society & Fate in Beowulf: Heroic Values
The Warrior Society in Beowulf
Within the warrior society depicted in Beowulf, the bond between a warrior (thane) and his lord was paramount. This relationship was built upon mutual trust and respect, rather than simple subordination.
When a warrior pledged loyalty to his lord, he became a voluntary companion, taking pride in defending him and fighting in his battles. In return, the lord was expected to care for his thanes and reward their valor generously. A good king, such as Hrothgar or Beowulf,
Read MoreSaint Thomas Aquinas: Historical, Sociocultural, and Philosophical Context
Background of Saint Thomas Aquinas
Historical Context
Saint Thomas Aquinas, born around 1225, lived in a Europe where, since the ninth century, there had been constant attempts to unite all territories under a single nation (empire) and the Christian religion. The latter’s heyday was supported by the Byzantine Empire, which existed during the Middle Ages after the fall of Rome to the Visigoths.
The twelfth century was the century of universities, which were part of the Church and served as important
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