Einstein’s Theory of Relativity: A Dynamic and Open System
The Theory of Relativity
Albert Einstein came to the conclusion that light behaves as both a wave and a particle, and its speed is constant. This was the beginning of the **Theory of Relativity**.
According to the theory, there is no absolute motion or fixed reference point. There is no time and space apart, but a space-time continuum. Mass and energy are interchangeable. This theory explains the accelerated motion of bodies, and in particular, gravity as a curvature of space-time.
New Ways of Thinking
In
Read MoreNietzsche’s Philosophy: Apparent World, Value Transmutation, and Innocence of Becoming
Nietzsche’s Concept of the Apparent World
The “apparent world,” in Nietzsche’s philosophy, refers to his division of reality into two realms, a concept influenced by metaphysics and religion. One realm is considered superior, attainable through reason, objective, immutable, eternal, and associated with good and the spiritual. This corresponds to Plato’s world of Ideas, the Christian concept of God, and Kant’s realm of noumena. The other realm, the lower world, is the “apparent world”—subjective,
Read MoreRousseau and Kant: Social Contract and State Foundations
Rousseau’s Philosophy of the Social Contract
Rousseau is the highest representative of the philosophy of the social contract as a form of explanation of the state. He also distinguishes between the state of nature and social status. Contrary to Hobbes, Rousseau believes that man is good by nature, but social life perverts him. Given the impossibility of returning to their natural state, a renewal of the social contract is inevitable. The Social Contract is one of his most influential works.
For Rousseau,
Read MorePlato’s Theory of Ideas: Sensible and Intelligible Worlds
The Intelligible World
Plato’s theory of ideas posits the existence of two distinct realms:
- The Sensible World (SW): This is the world of our ordinary experience, perceived through the senses. It consists of a series of changing things and qualities, imperfect as they are born and die. In the Myth of the Cave, this realm is represented by the shadows on the cave wall.
- The Intelligible World (IW): This realm consists of perfect, permanent, universal, and unique realities, not subject to birth and
Mythological Thought to Philosophy: Ancient Period
The Transition from Mythological Thought to Philosophy
Myth is the first attempt to explain what surrounds us, from natural processes to social, political, moral, and religious aspects. Overall, mythical thinking has the following features:
- Using people or legendary figures: In myth, the forces of nature are personified as deities (anthropomorphism).
- Fantastic stories: While myths reflect a process of observation of nature, the explanations used are not substantiated or verifiable laws, but rather
Hume and Empiricism: A Shift in Modern Philosophy
Hume and the Rise of British Empiricism
David Hume, like Immanuel Kant, is considered a key figure in modern philosophy, although he belongs to the 18th century, specifically to the Enlightenment. Hume represents a significant philosophical current of the modern age called British Empiricism, a trend opposed to Rationalism. While these two schools of thought have opposing viewpoints, they share some common ground, such as subjectivism.
Descartes and the Foundation of Modern Philosophy
René Descartes,
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