Philosophical vs. Mythical Conceptions of Reality
The two tell a journey from a world of appearances, where things are not what they seem, to a world of realities, where things really are what they seem. They suggest that real life is much more valuable than a life built on lies. The problem is only known with certainty once one has experienced “real life”. In both stories, it is shown that men and women do not want to live in deception and prefer truth, love, and understanding; in this measure, all are proponents of truth.
Mythical Philosophical
Read MoreNietzsche’s Critique: Metaphysics, Morality, and the Will to Power
Nietzsche’s Critique of Metaphysics
Critique of metaphysics: Metaphysics has introduced an ontological dualism by distinguishing between the real world captured by permanent reason and the apparent world as captured by changing senses. Consequence: a) It is a static ontology. b) The real reality, being, cannot be seen as it really is. c) The being has his own world. As we know in this world is unreal, we have to search in the other to find the truth. Metaphysics and ontology, according to Nietzsche,
Read MoreUnderstanding Morality and Ethics: A Comprehensive Analysis
Understanding Morality and Ethics
Morality: It can be defined as the set of norms and values accepted by a society, which usually forms a system of rules of behavior or a moral code. Human acts related to the moral code are called moral facts. These are actions taken consciously, freely, and voluntarily. According to their conformity to the moral code, we distinguish three types of acts:
- Moral acts: Those that conform to the standards of morality, like paying taxes in full.
- Immoral acts: Those that
Key Concepts in Aquinas’ Philosophy
On Being and Essence
Being: That which makes a being what it is. Being is not only the essence but an essence responsible for existence. It is found on the side of existence, not on the side of the essence.
Beings (Entities): That which is; that which exists. Aquinas uses this term to distinguish between essence and existence.
Necessary: That which cannot *not* be or be otherwise. It is something which is impossible to be contradicted.
Contingent: That which can not exist or is not contrary to existing.
Read MoreAugustine’s Theory of Intellectual Knowledge & Divine Illumination
Augustine’s Theory of Intellectual Knowledge
Augustine explains how intellectual knowledge occurs:
- Things as Reflections of Divine Perfection: Things are created and formed by God, reflecting His own perfection. God acts according to a plan, or model, and these models are the Ideas within His own mind. Therefore, things imitate, albeit imperfectly, the Ideas of the Divine Mind.
- God’s Implantation of Ideas: God infuses the ideas of all things into the depths of our memory.
- Perception and Recognition:
The Enlightenment: Key Characteristics and Kantian Philosophy
General Characteristics of the Enlightenment
The Enlightenment was a period that followed the English Revolution (1688) and preceded the French Revolution (1789). Thinkers of this era emphasized reason, critical thinking, and the rejection of obscurantism, authority, tradition, and revelation. They had full faith in the new science, defending the autonomy of reason to achieve progress. Philosophy was regarded as an activity of critical reason.
Enlightenment thinkers were nonconformists and criticized
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