Ortega y Gasset’s Philosophy: A Critical Reflection of Western Thought
Ortega y Gasset (1883-1955)
José Ortega y Gasset developed his philosophy during the first half of the twentieth century. This period in Europe was marked by political tension between democracy and totalitarianism, leading to events such as the two World Wars, the Russian Revolution, the rise of fascism, and decolonization in Africa and Asia. Spain experienced the loss of Cuba, Puerto Rico, and the Philippines, resulting in a national crisis in 1898. Ortega lived through the Bourbon Restoration,
Read MoreSocial Contract & Legal Freedom in Kant’s Philosophy
Social Contract in Contractarian Theories
In different contractarian theories, the social contract refers to the expression of a covenant, agreement, or contract by which people hypothetically decided to create a civil, social, peaceful state out of a semi-wild state of nature. It’s supposed that we lived in this state of nature before the social contract.
For Kant, the social contract is a regulative idea of practical reason. It’s only an idea, but with undoubted practical reality. It links the
Read MorePlato’s Philosophy: Ethics, Politics, and Ideas
Plato’s Ethics and Politics
Meaning and Forms of Virtue
Plato’s work centers on justice as the principal political virtue. A key question is whether justice can be taught. While opinions on fairness exist, Plato sought a precise definition of virtue, connecting it to wisdom as the greatest virtue.
Virtue and Harmony of the Soul
Plato believed that justice, a general virtue, is achieved when all parts of the soul reach perfection. He identified four cardinal virtues:
- Prudence: The virtue of making wise
Ethics, Politics, and Citizenship in the Modern World
QUESTIONNAIRE
Items 1-5
1. The Meaning of Ethics: I Am Myself and My Circumstances
Ortega y Gasset referred to circumstances as the set of elements imposed on human beings. He affirmed that these elements are part of one’s self, underscoring the concept of “I am me and my circumstances.”
2. Practical Reason
Practical reason allows us to:
- Recognize the existence of moral dilemmas.
- Judge the potential for action.
- Choose from possibilities, weighing pros and cons.
3. Theories About the Origin of Consciousness
Thoughts
Read MoreCritique of Practical Reason and the Enlightenment: A Kantian Perspective
Critique of Practical Reason (KPV) – What Should I Do?
Ethics and Practical Reason
According to Kant, human reason has two dimensions: a speculative dimension focused on knowledge and a practical dimension focused on action and decision-making. These are distinct areas. We can know an action is wrong and still be obligated not to do it. Importantly, these are not two separate reasons but two ways reason operates.
Kant’s exploration of practical reason is found in two works: the Critique of Practical
Read MoreThe Person and Community in Mounier’s Philosophy
The 1929 Crisis and the Need for Change
The Wall Street crash of 1929 and its devastating global impact deeply affected Mounier. This event highlighted the inadequacy of existing social and economic structures. Some advocated for changing these structures, believing that a better society would naturally follow. Others argued for changing individuals, believing that improved individuals would then transform the structures. Mounier found both approaches insufficient.
He believed that both structures
Read More