The Fundamentals of Morality, Ethics, and Freedom
Understanding Morality and Conduct
Morality is the practice of conduct in living. We inherit concepts of right and wrong from culture, family, and society. In morality, there is often no need for justification or reason; one simply tries to follow what is considered right.
Even within the same society, we all have different morals (e.g., Christian morals, Buddhism). Many people obey rules from those who claim moral authority without applying their own judgment or questioning them. This leads to living
Read More17th Century Thought, Science, and Baroque Art
The New Thinking: 17th Century Philosophy
In the seventeenth century, two major philosophical currents developed:
Empiricism: Francis Bacon and Experience
Empiricism originated in England. Its theoretical foundations appeared in the work of Francis Bacon, notably in Novum Organum. Bacon believed that scientists and philosophers should be skeptical and not take any knowledge for granted. Therefore, arguments that could not be proven by the scientific method—through observation and experimentation—should
Read MoreKant’s Philosophy: Overcoming Rationalism and Empiricism in the Age of Reason
Immanuel Kant and the Age of Enlightenment (1724–1804)
Immanuel Kant was born in 1724 and died in 1804. His century saw the development of the Enlightenment (Luces).
The 18th Century: Peace, Industry, and Social Change
From a historical standpoint, the 18th century is presented as a century of peace in Europe, situated between the religious wars of the 17th century and the conflicts of the 19th century. The economy, fundamentally based on agriculture, began its revolutionary shift with the Industrial
Read MoreHegel’s Philosophy: Dialectics and Absolute Idealism
Hegel’s Dialectics: Overcoming Dualism
Hegel seeks to overcome the dualism between reason and understanding, between phenomenon and noumenon, and between physical determinism and freedom of conscience. When Hegel speaks of overcoming, he refers to the constant flux of a dynamic, universal reality, where what was true at one time is no longer. The process of overcoming, namely to oppose and fight against elements that are finally reconciled, is called dialectics.
The main law of dialectics is that
Read MoreNietzsche and Plato: Contrasting Philosophies of Western Thought
Nietzsche’s Vitalism vs. Plato’s Idealism
Nietzsche’s 19th-century philosophy, characterized as irrational vitalism, presents an interesting contrast with the rational idealism of Plato (5th-4th century BC). Nietzsche, a professor of Greek at the University of Basel, was a connoisseur of Greek thought. He became a fierce critic of it, considering it the origin and foundation of many evils that have afflicted Western civilization.
Shared Philosophical Ground
Before delving into the significant differences
Read MoreEssential English Vocabulary: Finance, Career & Modern Life
Financial & Career Vocabulary
Key Financial Terms & Concepts
- Inherit: To come into a fortune or money.
- Haggle: To bargain.
- Stock market: A market where stocks and shares are bought and sold.
- Rise: An increase in value or amount.
- Priceless: So precious that its value cannot be determined.
- High-income families: Households with significant earnings.
- Paid on commission: Receiving payment based on sales or performance.
- Go bankrupt: To declare that you are unable to pay your debts.
- Credit card fraud: Illegal