Historical Reason and the Theory of Generations: Ortega’s Philosophy
Historical Reason
The historical reason is crucial for understanding human reality. It helps us overcome the limitations of purely scientific reasoning by focusing on the historical construction of human life and its categories. Unlike traditional philosophy, which viewed human nature as static, Ortega emphasizes change and history. Modernity’s focus on pure reason and mathematics, while successful technically, fails to grasp the dynamic nature of human existence. Humans are not static things but
Read MoreSt. Thomas Aquinas: Philosophy, Theology, and Influence
St. Thomas Aquinas (1225-1274)
Early Life and Education
St. Thomas Aquinas was born in Naples, Italy, a descendant of the Counts of Aquino and Chieti. He began his education at the Benedictine Monastery of Monte Cassino at the age of fourteen. He later pursued studies at the universities of Naples, Paris, and Cologne.
Dominican Order and Academic Career
In Naples, Aquinas joined the Order of Preachers (Dominicans) in 1245, facing opposition from his family who held him captive for a year. He eventually
Read MoreWittgenstein’s Two Philosophical Periods
Wittgenstein’s Philosophy: Two Periods
1. Early Wittgenstein: Logical Atomism
Wittgenstein’s Tractatus Logico-Philosophicus presents his early philosophy. The core idea is that the world’s structure mirrors the logical structure of language.
A. The World
Wittgenstein posits that the world comprises atomic facts, which are indivisible, causal, contingent, and independent. These facts consist of simple objects or things.
B. Pictorial Meaning
Language, according to Wittgenstein, pictorially represents the
Read MoreNietzsche’s Critique of Western Culture: A Revaluation of Values
1. Background
Historical and Cultural Context
The 19th century, following the French Revolution and the subsequent Restoration of absolutism, witnessed the rise of liberalism and the liberal state. Capitalism and the Industrial Revolution brought economic growth alongside the misery of the proletariat. European imperialism expanded across Asia and Africa. Scientific advancements flourished, with notable contributions from Mendeleev and Darwin.
In the cultural sphere, Romanticism emerged as a new art
Read MoreUniversal Values: A Guide to Shared Principles
Shared Universal Values
What are Shared Values?
Shared values are those widely accepted within a society, nation, or community. These include concepts like dignity, justice, freedom, respect for life, physical and social security, happiness, and beauty.
Universal Declaration of Human Rights
The Universal Declaration of Human Rights provides guidelines for societal life and celebrates universal values, both implicitly and explicitly, within its principles. Examples include:
- Freedom and equality in dignity
Social Intelligence and Human Progress
Doc1: The Science of Social Facts
The Empirical Social Sciences
The empirical social sciences study social facts and theories of formal sciences.
Theory: Sociology: Individual and Society
Doc2: The Twin Births: Human and Social
The Social Being Makes Us People
Our humanity, rooted in biological needs, requires another birth: social personhood.
Theory: Sociology: Individual and Society
Doc3: The Social Constitution of Humanity
Solo Through Society
We are individuals, but we thrive and develop within the group.
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