Kant’s Philosophy: Reason, Ethics, and the Social Contract
Kant’s Critique of Rationalism and Empiricism
Rationalists (or dogmatists) are Cartesian-rationalists. They believe that metaphysical knowledge is possible based solely on pure concepts (reason), without any experience, leading to the construction of a philosophical system. Kant accused them of being too critical, not self-reflective enough, with the concept of reason that they use because it starts from the premise that it must be true. The truth of the postulates of reason becomes a dogma. For
Read MoreHellenistic Philosophy: Stoicism, Epicureanism, Skepticism, and Neoplatonism
Hellenistic Philosophy: Key Schools and Concepts
**a) 4th Century BC to 1st Century BC:**
Three schools of thought are prominent during this period:
- Stoicism: Founded by Zeno of Citium, Stoicism had a significant influence on Christianity. Stoics taught at a stoa (a covered walkway or portico). This school can be divided into three periods:
- Old or Greek
- Middle (of little importance)
- Roman: The most representative period, reaching its greatest expansion.
Notable Stoics include Emperor Marcus Aurelius. Stoics
Subjective Assessment in STEM: Belief vs. Knowledge
Opinion
Opinion is a subjective assessment. An opinion is usually a review of reality, how resources should be used, and may be based on beliefs, but normally the content is not supported by reasons.
Belief (Assertive Use)
When we speak of belief in STEM, we often do not have enough evidence to prove it. Belief is the acceptance of the truth of knowledge.
Knowledge
Knowledge is the belief of which STEM fields are safe and can be trusted. The possibility of rationally justifying something characterizes
Read MoreRationalism vs. Empiricism: 17th and 18th Century Philosophy
General Characteristics of the Modern Era (17th-18th Centuries)
The 17th and 18th centuries were a time of clashes between European countries and colonial expansion. The modern state was consolidated, and the dominant political system was the absolute monarchy. The commercial bourgeoisie became the ruling class, experiencing significant development.
Cultural and Philosophical Context
This was the century of the Baroque, witnessing the emergence and rapid development of science as self-knowledge. Science
Read MorePhilosophy: Fundamental Questions and Answers
What is Philosophy?
Philosophy is the love for wisdom, the desire to know. It responds to the natural curiosity of human beings.
What is the Purpose of Philosophy?
Philosophy is not intended to teach one how to make shoes, but it helps in discovering the most convenient way to manufacture good shoes. Without philosophy, we would not know the ultimate meaning of manufacturing shoes.
The Beginning of Philosophy
The origins of philosophy are related to its first steps in history.
Myth
Myths are veracious,
Read MoreMarx, Nietzsche, and Ortega y Gasset: Key Philosophical Ideas
Marx
- Economy: The economic base of society. For Marx, it’s the infrastructure; the superstructure are the laws and ideas. “The economy moves the world.”
- Labor: Linked to production and human praxis (action). It defines the human being. Work is why everything exists.
- Private Property: A capital fact in history. It led to the emergence of social classes, historical materialism, wars, and class struggles.
- Truth: Establishing the concept of dialectic and truth. As dialectic is change, so is truth. Truth