John Locke, George Berkeley, and David Hume: Empiricism
John Locke (1632-1704)
Early Influences and Studies
Locke’s interest in philosophy was awakened after reading Descartes, who would have a great influence on him. He studied not only philosophy, but also physics, chemistry, and medicine. He was an advocate of liberal ideals and free thinking.
Locke’s Works: Origin of Ideas
Locke’s fundamental assertion is that all our ideas come from experience. The central question is how these ideas arise—in other words, how the human mind acquires ideas and what
Read MoreUnderstanding Mind and Knowledge: From Descartes to Kant
Psychological Theory: The DELA Topology of Mind
This theory is the first to develop a DELA Topology of Mind, setting the mind as a space to analyze. It posits at least two parts: cogito ergo sum (consciousness) and a space to fill with knowledge. There is a psychological, metaphysical fact that proves existence, leading to solipsism. To overcome this, one must fill the other part with knowledge, paving the way for psychology as a science.
Physical Theory: Res Cogitans and Res Extensa
After defining
Read MoreMill and Bentham: Classical Liberalism and State Intervention
Classical liberalism traditionally opposes state intervention. However, Mill argued that intervention is sometimes necessary to guarantee equality, individual development, and self-improvement, which he believed were essential for happiness. He advocated for state-funded, free education for all, but also cautioned against excessive state control that could stifle individual thought and diversity. He believed in diverse educational approaches and universal access to culture, optimal working conditions,
Read MoreUnderstanding Freedom, Responsibility, and Citizenship
Freedom:
- External Freedom (Action): The ability to perform intended actions without obstacles or constraints, whether political or social.
- Internal Freedom (Choice): The ability to choose among alternatives without predetermined moral options.
Determinism: The posture that denies freedom, defending that our choices and actions are conditioned or predetermined.
- Natural Limits: Natural laws govern everything, including human behavior, which is not free unless subject to natural coincidence.
- Genetic Determinism:
Perspectivism: Ortega’s Philosophy on Truth, Knowledge, and Humanity
Perspectivism: Ortega’s Philosophy
International Relations According to Ortega, the whole truth will emerge from the union of partial truths that propose all perspectives: all life is an irreplaceable perspective and therefore must be heard. Do not forget that when Ortega uses the expression ‘individual’ he refers not only to a specific human being, but also to a town. Again, Ortega’s arguments apply to the complex framework of the relation between groups, parties, civic organizations, cultures,
Read MoreNietzsche’s Philosophy: Nihilism and Western Culture
Nietzsche’s Life and the Roots of Nihilism
Friedrich Nietzsche was born in 1844 in Germany. Raised in a religious environment, he received strong support throughout his life from his sister, Elisabeth. He studied theology and philosophy at the University, specializing in Greek Philosophy. He was appointed professor of classical philosophy, but in 1879, his declining health forced him to retire. In 1888, he struggled between lucidity and madness, finally succumbing to madness in 1889. His mother and
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