Key Philosophical Concepts: Definitions and Insights
Absolute
Traditionally understood in philosophy as that which exists by itself, independent of anything else. When referring to truth, it signifies complete and total truth.
Abstract, Abstraction
Etymologically, abstract means to extract, to make something out of something, or to remove something from something. In a strict sense, abstraction is the process by which the understanding obtains (extracts) the universal concept from a sensory image, which is particular and concrete. The concept of “house”
Read MoreNietzsche’s Core Concepts and Critique of Western Thought
Nietzsche’s Philosophy: A Critique of Western Culture
Key Concepts in Nietzsche’s Philosophy
Vitalism
Vitalism, in Nietzsche’s view, is the affirmation of life. Nietzsche criticized earlier philosophers for advocating a dualistic conception of reality, where there were two worlds: the world of ideas and the sensitive world, with the former being considered the real world. He believed that a world governed by reason, whose values oppose life, rejects the senses and all forms of irrationality. Nietzsche
Read MorePolitical Power, State Formation, and Social Contract Theories
I. Political Power and the State
Power is the ability of an individual or social group to impose its will on others. It is determined by a relationship in which one element is controlled and determined by the other component of the relationship.
When power relations are predominantly social functioning, there is talk of political power. Political power is organized within the polis. Political power is the power exercised in the management, control, and distribution of the commons.
In most modern societies,
Read MorePlato and Socrates: Influence of Pythagoreanism on Philosophy
**Plato’s Context and Philosophical Influences**
Parmenides’ influence on all later Greek philosophy, including Plato and Aristotle, is undeniable. He stated: *”We need to say and think that being is and that it is not.”* Only this way leads to truth. Being is *one, immutable, immovable, indivisible, timeless.* The reasons behind this description are purely logical. Being is **unique** because, if there were two beings, what would differentiate them? Would it be being? No, because that is what they
Read MoreSt. Augustine on Being, Knowledge, and Love in The City of God
St. Augustine on Being, Knowledge, and Love in *The City of God*
Chapter 27: Essence of Being, Knowledge, and Love
This fragment belongs to Chapter 27 of *The City of God*, entitled “Essence of Both,” written by St. Augustine of Hippo. In the text, the author refers to knowledge, which is characteristic of people, unlike animals, and enables them to reach God. Animals cannot come to knowledge, as all elements except the human being are made to be known, not to know. The excerpt also notes that the
Read MoreNietzsche’s Philosophy: Key Terms and Concepts
Treachery
In legal language, treachery implies that a crime is committed with caution to avoid risk. Nietzsche acknowledges Kant’s contribution to the demystification of the “real world,” but he believes Kant betrays the impulse to cling to a supposed supersensible world as the foundation of morality.
Appearance
The surface appearance of something, which, according to Nietzsche, is a hoax of the senses, motivated by fear of contingency and perpetual growth.
Artist
For Nietzsche, the most authentic attitude
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