Descartes’ Rationalism: Methodical Doubt and the First Truth
René Descartes (1596-1650)
The Father of Modern Philosophy
R. Descartes is considered the father of modern philosophy and a key figure in rationalism. His work marked a new stage in philosophy, characterized by the absolute autonomy of reason. This autonomy meant that reason was not to be curtailed by external factors such as tradition, authority, or religious faith.
Rationalism
Rationalism considers reason the primary source of knowledge, upholds the innateness of ideas, aspires to a universal philosophy,
Read MoreTeaching as a Helping Profession: Competence, Initiative, and Responsibility
4. Teaching as a Profession for Help
The notion of support is essential to understand the essence of educational work and its due professionalism. In modern economic classification of labor, teaching is in the tertiary sector of services. The expansion of this industry is one of the most influential factors in the profession’s design, but teaching is more than a service activity; it is an activity of help. There is a clear conceptual difference between service and support because of their purpose.
Read MoreThe Positive School of Criminology: Key Thinkers and Concepts
Participating in the Positive School
Philosophical and Scientific Bases
The Positive School of criminology is characterized by its use of the scientific method, rather than adhering to any specific philosophical or social system. While some early positivists questioned the rule of law, most emphasized the importance of studying crime as a natural phenomenon.
Core Principles of the Positive School
- Crime is a natural fact to be studied scientifically.
- Determinism: Criminal behavior is influenced by physical
Rousseau’s Critique of Enlightenment: Reason, Virtue, and Society
The Enlightenment according to Rousseau
Most Enlightenment thinkers emphasized reason to define knowledge, virtue, and happiness. They believed that by changing common thought and disseminating knowledge, they could reform society. Rousseau, however, rejected this equation. While acknowledging the importance of knowledge, he championed virtue and critiqued societal disguises that hinder well-being, turning people into slaves of luxury. He argued that the pursuit of knowledge alone could lead to vanity
Read MoreThe Enlightenment: Reason, Society, and Cultural Transformation
General Characteristics
The Enlightenment was a broad cultural movement that developed during the eighteenth century, particularly in England, France, and Germany. This era marked a shift from tradition and subservience to God and princes, akin to a new Renaissance. Reason came of age, aiming to build a better, more humane society. Ideas of duty, God’s presence in man, and tradition were questioned in the name of reason. Humanity sought to build a world of freedom of thought, justice, and dignity.
Read MoreBranches of Philosophy: Action, Ethics, Society, and More
Philosophy of Action
Studies the development of human action, addressing the relations between reasons, decisions, and implementation. This field has evolved from earlier ethical studies.
Ethics (Moral Philosophy)
Studies human behavior from the perspective of good and bad in an absolute sense, concerning the entirety of human existence and its ultimate end. Differentiates, for example, between a ‘bad hunter’ and a ‘good person’ or a ‘good stabbing’ versus a ‘bad action’.
Philosophy of Human Achievements
Philosophical
Read More