Christianity, Nietzsche, and Existentialism: Key Concepts
Christian Conception of Human Beings
Christianity introduces a new way of understanding the world and human life. Central to this understanding is the idea that all individuals are equal and possess the same dignity. Furthermore, Christianity posits that humans are created as rational and free beings. A third key idea is that human life has a transcendent meaning. According to Christianity, humans are beings in need of salvation, which is defined as eternal life and belonging to a church community.
Read MorePlato’s Republic: Ideal Society and the Nature of Justice
Plato’s Republic
What is Natural Sociability?
The tendencies that incline human beings to love, friendship, and coexistence in general are natural tendencies.
What Concept Does Plato Intend to Clarify in The Republic? Why?
The objective was to determine what justice is. This is a virtue common to man and city (we should look for it). There is no known city that is just; Socrates proposes the creation of an ideal city. Being a perfect society, it cannot lack any perfection, and we must find there the
Read MoreCarl Rogers and Humanistic Therapy: Understanding Human Nature
Carl Rogers: American Psychologist and Humanistic Therapy
Carl Rogers, an American psychologist, was one of the originators of humanistic therapy. Humanistic therapy suggests that we wear a “mask” to hide aspects of ourselves and conform to societal expectations. As we grow, we adopt different masks to be accepted. Rogers proposed that therapy should help us remove these masks and find genuine happiness. Happiness is often seen as corny, but humanistic theory encourages embracing it.
Rogers’ Method
Open
Read MorePlato’s Republic: Justice in Ancient Athens
Plato’s Republic: A Dialogue on Justice
Historical Context
Plato, a prominent Greek philosopher of the 5th and 4th centuries BC, penned the dialogue *Republic, or On Justice*. This comprehensive work encapsulates the major themes of Plato’s thought during this era. The historical backdrop is the Greek city-state of Athens, which had recently been defeated in the Peloponnesian War and subjected to the hegemony of aristocratic Sparta.
Two of Plato’s uncles were involved in the Spartan-backed government,
Read MoreHuman Evolution: From Primate Ancestors to Modernity
Differences Between Our Ancestors and Modern Humans
Biochemical, Anatomical, and Genetic Differences
While the biochemical and genetic differences between us and our ancestors are not vast, we differ significantly anatomically, and we are very anthropoid. Key features include:
- Smaller teeth and jaw size
- Larger brain size
- Bipedalism and upright walking
Our development became more complex over time.
Differences in Behavior
We are independent of the environment and have set ourselves apart from other species.
Read MoreMethodical Doubt: Descartes’ Path to Certainty
Methodical doubt is the understanding that must be found if only the fundamental truths. The starting point must be an absolutely certain truth about which there can be no doubt, and discard anything that might imply doubt. Doubt is convenient in the previous step to reach certainty and evidence. Man has no certainty about anything, but the need and clear thinking are those in which it is impossible to doubt. From here begins his methodical doubt. Descartes said:
- The clearest reason to doubt our