Kant’s Theory of Knowledge: Sensitivity, Understanding, and Metaphysics
Kant’s Theory of Knowledge
The problem of knowledge in Kant and the development of his thought:
Kant addressed the problem of knowledge by distinguishing between two schools:
- Sensitivity: This is passive and receives sensations.
- Understanding: This is active and structures reality from ideas and concepts.
While the latter might seem rational (suggesting no experience is necessary to know reality), Kant, influenced by Hume, understood that our knowledge cannot move beyond experience. He argued that non-
Read MoreMLK Jr.’s Philosophy vs. Trump’s Immigration Policies
During Trump’s presidency, Trump has been enforcing his immigration policies on several major areas, including the completion of the border wall with Mexico and ending DACA to deport immigrant children. Martin Luther King, Jr. would have argued that Trump’s immigration policies are unjust. In his “Letter from Birmingham Jail,” King argues that natural laws are created under the universal moral law, or in this case, the law of God. I believe what Trump is establishing with his policies degrades
Read MoreCultural Relativism: Benedict vs. Rachels on Morality
Cultural Relativism: Benedict vs. Rachels
Relativism is a concept that defines that there is no absolute truth in morality—only the truth of those whose culture happens to believe to be appropriate according to their standards. Strictly speaking, morality depends on the individual’s culture within the society they live in. Two individuals who offer theories on these diverse cultures are Ruth Benedict and James Rachels. Ruth Benedict argues for cultural relativism, while Rachels argues against
Read MoreAristotle’s Ethics: Happiness, Virtue, and the Good Life
Aristotle’s Ethics: Action, Knowledge, and Happiness
Aristotle viewed ethics, knowledge, and politics as practical sciences focused on praxis, or action. His ethical framework aims to achieve happiness. Human beings possess vegetative, sensitive, and rational souls, leading to different types of movements. Movements oriented towards action (praxis) seek happiness and are guided by phronesis (practical wisdom) and episteme (scientific knowledge). Movements oriented towards production (poiesis) aim
Read MoreDescartes’ Three Substances: A Philosophical Analysis
Descartes’ Three Substances
Descartes, through his method, seeks to prove the reality of substance. His conception is dualistic:
Thinking Substance (Res Cogitans)
This substance consists of thought, desire, feeling, and imagination. We may doubt the existence of our body and the external world, as information comes through the senses, but we cannot doubt the existence of our thoughts. Descartes classifies ideas as follows:
- Adventitious or acquired: These originate from sensory experience or teaching.
Plato: Life, Philosophy, and Influential Works
Plato was born into an aristocratic family with significant influence in Athenian politics. His early life was shaped by the Peloponnesian Wars between Athens and Sparta, a conflict that highlighted the tensions between democracy and oligarchy.
At the age of twenty, Plato began his association with Socrates, a philosopher he deeply admired and became a disciple of. The Socratic influence is evident in Plato’s philosophy, particularly in his early works. During this period, Athens suffered defeat
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