Aristotle’s Philosophy: Metaphysics, Physics, and Ethics
Aristotle (384 – 322 BC)
Born in Macedonia, Greece, into a family with a medical dynasty, Aristotle was educated at Plato’s Academy, where he later taught rhetoric. He was forced to leave Athens during the rise of the anti-Macedonian party and during the political persecution of Aristotle following the Macedonian reaction to the death of Alexander the Great (who was his student and the son of Philip). Later, he founded the Lyceum.
1. Contexts
1.1. Historical
Athens was suffering the consequences of
Read MoreRationalism vs. Empiricism: Locke, Berkeley, and Hume
Similarities and Differences Between Rationalism and Empiricism
Similarities
Both rationalism and empiricism coincide in the conception of representational knowledge. We immediately know not external reality, but our ideas.
Differences
The differences are revealing. Empiricism searches for external knowledge in experience. There are no innate ideas. Consciousness is empty and positive, and it advocates that our representations are the only sensitive element of which we know something of external reality.
Read MoreRené Descartes: Foundations of Rationalism and the Pursuit of Certainty
René Descartes: A Foundation for Modern Philosophy
René Descartes lived during a period marked by uncertainty and confusion. This stemmed from the crisis experienced by individuals of the seventeenth century. The old ways of knowing were no longer valid and were actively debated and questioned by the intellectuals of the time. Two main factors contributed to this sense of unease and confusion: the scientific revolution and the loss of religious unity.
The scientific revolution dismantled theories
Read MoreAristotle’s Philosophy: Ethics, Politics, and the Hellenistic Period
Context: Aristotle and the Hellenistic Period
After the Peloponnesian War, Athens suffered a setback. This marked a clear decline in the polls, alongside a deep economic crisis. This context led to the emergence of a new political-military imperialism. Macedonia, a kingdom that had maintained a feudal type of social organization and a strong warrior class, served the king to initiate a process of unification and expansion. This culminated when Philip II was appointed head of the Hellenic League.
Read MoreHuman Existence: Life, Death, Meaning, and Religion
Distinguishing Between Problem and Mystery
A problem is a situation where there is something unknown that we must ascertain, and difficulty is involved. Typically, a problem, once raised, can be solved if the proper technique is applied.
A mystery is a situation that affects and involves us deeply. It is not a barrier but opens perspectives and gives dimensions to existence. You cannot solve a mystery; there is no solution, so it accompanies us throughout life. Before the mystery, there are several
Read MorePhilosophical Arguments on the Existence of God
Connections to Other Philosophical Positions
This topic can be positively related to all those thinkers who have argued that the rational demonstration of God’s existence is possible. Notable among these are Augustine of Hippo, Anselm of Canterbury, and Descartes. Among those who believe it is impossible to highlight are Hume and Kant.
The Proof of God’s Existence in Augustine of Hippo
The proof of the existence of God in Augustine of Hippo does not adopt the strict and rigorous proof, as would later
Read More