Understanding Cartesian Rationalism and the Search for Truth
The Search for Truth in Learning
The search for truth, which has always been the goal of learning, whether in science or philosophy, requires a criterion of certainty.
The Shift in Criteria
In the twelfth century, authority is no longer accepted as the criterion, and subjectivity becomes the only acceptable alternative. Descartes intends to “build on land that is entirely mine.” One must not doubt what is accepted as valid, and it must become part of a set of knowledge that constitutes the understanding
Read MoreAristotle’s Philosophy: Reality, Ethics, and Society
Reality
Aristotle believed that only Physis (nature) exists, opposing Plato’s theory of Ideas. He posited that Physis is studied by both physics and metaphysics. Physics, according to Aristotle, is based on hylomorphism: beings are composed of matter and form, complementing each other for their existence. These beings change, seeking to perfect themselves. This change is the actualization of potential. The change is a shift from potentiality to actuality, guided by essence.
To explain the nature
Read MoreAugustine of Hippo: Faith, Reason, and the City of God
Augustine of Hippo: Historical and Cultural Context
Augustine saw Christianity as a pillar of society, situated within a medieval social and political order based on religion. He believed that temporal political power should be subject to religious spiritual power, arguing that humanity should not strive for the temporal power of the earthly city but must submit to the spiritual power of the City of God. The decline of the Roman Empire, marked by barbarian invasions (Swabians, Vandals, Alans in Hispania;
Read MoreObjective vs. Subjective Knowledge in Philosophy
Unit 1: Science and Philosophy
Objective Knowledge (Universal, Rigorous, Singular)
Objective knowledge encompasses factual, verifiable information and meaningfully verifiable concepts. It is rigorous, precise, unequivocal, and valid. Scientific theories, which are cumulative, exemplify this type of knowledge. Objective knowledge employs contrastable procedures to determine truth or falsity.
Subjective Knowledge (Particular Perspective)
Subjective knowledge involves eidetic and axiological concerns
Read MoreKant’s Philosophy: Knowledge and Reason
Kant’s Philosophy: Structure and Order
Kant’s philosophy can be ordered and structured around three questions posed in his Logica:
- What can I know?
- What should I do?
- What can I hope?
What I can know relates to the theory of knowledge.
Definition of Science
Kant considered scientific knowledge to have these characteristics:
- It is universal knowledge, and scientific statements are true and applicable to all individuals.
- It is, therefore, necessary knowledge; it cannot be otherwise and would deny contradiction.
Plato’s Allegory of the Cave: Unveiling Reality and Knowledge
The philosophy of Plato expressly states that the myth of the cave is used to illustrate issues relating to the theory of knowledge. However, it also has clear implications for ontology, anthropology, politics, and ethics. Plato asks us to imagine ourselves as prisoners inhabiting a cave.
These prisoners are chained and immobile, only able to see the back of the cave. Behind them, on a higher plane, a fire is lit. Between the fire and the prisoners, there is a higher road with a wall along its edge.
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