Analyzing Humanistic Texts: Television and Philosophy
Humanistic Approach
This text is undeniably humanistic, aiming to develop a subjective perspective on the concept of ‘television’, which can be considered a test case. The fragment belongs to the realm of philosophy, employing a personal style to present ideas.
The text is an essay fragment from the publication Images and Words. It’s not the entire work, but a section intended to argue a specific theory.
Notably, the text uses the 1st person, common in essays, implementing dialectics effectively.
The
Read MoreHumanity and Knowledge: Philosophy vs. Science
Humanity and Existence
What do we need to know about our existence? Philosophy arises from the desire to understand our existence and find meaning. It’s a humanizing task that elevates us beyond mere animality.
Human vs. Animal
- Humans: Adaptation, future-thinking, flexibility, freedom, purpose.
- Animals: Necessity, survival, stimulus-response, instinct, routine.
Animals live immersed in immediate needs, while humans reflect on the past and project into the future.
Facing Reality
A fundamental difference
Aristotelian Concepts: Substance, Happiness, and Cause
Substance
From Latin substantia, translation of Greek ousia. Etymologically, “what’s underneath,” but it has a complex meaning. It means:
- The subject in the resting properties: being Socrates, for example, which predicts certain features such as being an Athenian, being a teacher of Plato…
- What remains in an accidental change: being the same person, Socrates, but changing appearance over time.
- Being independent: having its being not in another but in itself. We must distinguish the level of attributes
St. Thomas Aquinas: Faith, Reason, and Philosophy
St. Thomas Aquinas (1225-1274)
Leading figure of 13th-century scholasticism and Christian thought. Notable works: Commentaries, Summa Theologica, and Summa contra Gentiles.
Reason and Faith
Aquinas sought to establish the boundaries between reason and faith, philosophy and theology. He argued that:
- Reason (knowing) and faith (believing) are distinct powers.
- They are not contradictory.
- There is a zone of confluence, called preambles of faith.
- Mutual collaboration is possible, with reason providing dialectical
Ethical Theories and Ecological Challenges
Objections to Ethical Theories
Some critics argue that ethics cannot be separated from economics. Unfair economic systems create unjust relationships. Aristotle’s concept of happiness was limited to free men, excluding slaves. Utilitarianism aims to address social inequalities, but the welfare of the majority in an unjust system remains problematic. Kantian ethics focuses on the will, disregarding consequences that affect others.
Positive and Negative Selfishness
For Kant, moral actions are selfless.
Read MorePlato’s Philosophy: Soul, Dialectics, Good, Justice
Alma (Soul)
ALMA (Soul): Top of life and knowledge, divine and immortal. Truth and happiness are reached through the soul, recalling ideas from the world of ideas via dialectics, not senses. Plato divides the soul into irascible (noble passions), concupiscible (passions), and rational (immortal, wisdom). The dominant part defines one’s societal role, leading to justice when all fulfill their roles.
Dialéctica (Dialectics)
Dialectics: Study of ideas and the path to true knowledge. It’s a purification
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