Empiricism vs. Rationalism: Descartes’ Philosophy
Empiricism and Rationalism
Empiricism and rationalism: Descartes initiated modern philosophy and a new style of thought based on the subject called rationalism. Mathematics is the science necessary to know. Empiricism is another branch of modern philosophy. The two share the same goal for the origin and justification of knowledge. They diverge on the solutions, the answers to questions about this.
Rationalism
Rationalism is a philosophical system that regards reason as a means of achieving authentic
Read MoreKey Social and Economic Terms of the 18th and 19th Centuries
Glossary of Terms: 18th and 19th Centuries
Stratified Society
First defined as a closed social group, it belonged to individuals who performed the same or similar functions in society. They were endowed with a legal status, with specific laws or privileges (then meant private law). The privilege determined the exclusive and closed nature of the estate.
Bourgeoisie
Until the 18th century, it was used to describe different social groups, as well as the city where that applied. During the 19th century,
Read MoreDescartes’ Skepticism: A Path to Philosophical Inquiry
The Cartesian Method and the Pursuit of Knowledge
The Cartesian ideal of achieving “episteme,” or universal and necessary knowledge, is not likely to be satisfied. Perhaps philosophy should focus on encouraging questions in our relentless pursuit of answers. This approach has undoubtedly made possible the scientific development we see today, which itself does not seem to escape criticism in its attempt to embrace the truth. Fear seems to have prompted some, including Plato and Descartes, to combat
Read MoreEpistemology and Ontology: A Philosophical Analysis
Epistemology: Foundations of Knowledge
(Epistemology) Speech method: Rules for the Direction of the Mind
1. Rule of Evidence
To accept as true only that which is so clear and distinct that it cannot be doubted. Avoid hasty judgments and accept only what is undeniably true.
2. Rule of Analysis (Resolution)
Divide complex problems into their simplest components to better understand and solve them. This process moves from the unknown to the known, from complex ideas to simple principles.
3. Rule of Synthesis
Reorganize
Read MoreMastering Oral Communication: Techniques and Strategies
Oral Communication
1. Oral Expression
Oral expression is communication that takes place through speech and allows for immediate feedback. This type of communication is used daily in all situations. It can happen among people who are present or those who are communicating via telephone or other means, such as the Internet. Communication is widely used in the workplace in different contexts, such as giving instructions or orders, or conducting interviews or meetings. It is very important that we do
Read MorePlato, Aristotle, and Cicero: Ideal Political Regimes
For any regime, the best regime is always going to be the regime that is most connected to the end. It meets the end of political life most fully.
Why Plato Favors the Callipolis as the Best Regime
The Callipolis is the best regime, on Plato’s view, because it meets the end most fully. Democracy falls afoul of the end and is a degenerate regime.
Plato’s Hierarchy of Regimes
- Aristocracy
- Rule on the basis of reason
- Thymos
- Material Appetites
- Timocracy
- Honor/Thymos
- Material Appetites
- Cause: The upper class begins