Descartes’ Philosophy: Method, Doubt, and Existence
Descartes
Context
Born in The Hague in 1596, René Descartes was fortunate to study at the prestigious La Flèche French school, though he found scholastic training restrictive. After an adolescence marked by illness, he participated in the Thirty Years’ War. Descartes, initially inclined towards science, eventually became the founder of rationalism. His philosophical views led to conflicts, notably at the University of Utrecht, forcing him to flee to Sweden, where he was welcomed by Queen Christina.
Read MoreDemocracy: Origins, Theories, and Modern Challenges
1. Defining Democracy
Democracy is a system where power resides in all members, who make decisions reflecting the collective will. It can be a form of government where decisions are made directly or indirectly through representatives. Broadly, it’s a social interaction based on freedom, equality, and contractual arrangements. Historically, democracy contrasts with monarchy and aristocracy. The term originates from Greek demos (people) and kratos (power). Athenian democracy is considered an early
Read MoreDescartes’ Proofs for God’s Existence
The Existence of God
Descartes needs God to ensure truth and eliminate the evil genius hypothesis. But how to prove God’s existence? In Descartes’ system, only arguments based on the idea of God or the self are possible.
Arguments Based on the Idea of God
Anselm’s Argument
Descartes accepts the ontological argument but believes it lacks a prior assumption: if we perceive clearly and distinctly that the concept of a property P belongs to the concept of something X, then X has that property P. If we perceive
Read MoreMoral Education: Theories and Pedagogical Approaches
ITEM 3: Moral Education
Defining Moral Personhood
Moral responsibility involves awareness and reflection on one’s actions. A moral person responds based on ethical principles, ensuring their behavior does not harm others but rather cares for them. Moral education teaches responsible living.
Genesis of Moral Conscience
Conscience arises from personal reflection, becoming the judge of one’s life. It invokes ethical principles and sentiments, preventing indifference to others. Social interaction, compassionate
Read MoreEvolution of Justice: Philosophical and Legal Perspectives
The Concept of Justice
The word justice comes from Latin justitia, defined in Roman law as the constant and permanent will to give everyone his due.
Ancient Philosophers
Plato
For Plato, a just society is one where each person performs the function that best suits their abilities. Wise rulers govern, strong guardians protect, and economic goods are distributed to prioritize social goals over individual ones. Roles are assigned based on natural talent, aiming for social harmony.
Aristotle
Aristotle links
Read MoreThe Rational Animal: Greek Perspectives on Human Nature
1) The Greeks: The Rational Animal
1.1 The Homeric Hero
Philosophical thought based on reason emerged in 6th century BC Greece as a tool to explain reality. Before the rise of philosophical reason, nature and existence were explained through myths. Poets like Homer and Hesiod offered myths that included not only physical reality but also human nature. Myths explained who the ancient Greeks were, their origins, etc. Myths presented an ideal model for the Greeks: anthropomorphic gods and heroes (superhuman
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