José Ortega y Gasset’s Philosophy: Life, Reason, and Perspectives
José Ortega y Gasset’s Philosophy
Overview
Ortega y Gasset conceived of philosophy as encompassing everything in the universe, both real and unreal. He believed in starting without assumptions, going beyond appearances. He emphasized the importance of clarity in philosophical thought, as it relies on concepts and seeks transparency.
Critique of Pre-Modern Philosophy
Ortega critiqued both Realism and Idealism. He argued that Realism, prevalent before Descartes, views reality as a static set of things independent of the subject. In this view, the subject is merely another thing absorbed by the world. Conversely, Idealism, originating with Descartes, posits that reality is based on the subject’s ideas. Ortega believed both perspectives offered only half-truths. He argued that reality is not fixed and immutable, and consciousness is not isolated but always directed towards something.
Radical Reality and Life
Ortega proposed the concept of “radical reality,” which emphasizes the relationship between the subject and the world. This relationship is found in life, which he saw as the foundation of all reality. Both the self and the world are mutually constituted throughout life. Ortega defined life as an “I” that must live in given circumstances, influenced by its environment and beliefs.
Beliefs and Reason
Ortega distinguished between ideas and beliefs. Ideas are pure intellectual content, while beliefs are the ways society ensures the continuity of its creations. He emphasized the importance of reason in clarifying one’s life. He advocated for “ratiovitalism,” where reason is not abstract but found within each individual’s concrete life. This vital and personal reason is also immersed in a particular social and historical reality. Therefore, reason is both vital and historical, acknowledging life’s temporality and understanding reality’s future.
Perspectivism
Ortega’s perspectivism suggests that each individual has a unique perspective, a true self. These individual truths are not absolute but contribute to a constantly changing and evolving reality. Different perspectives combine to form broader truths, but absolute truth remains unattainable as it would require the sum of all perspectives.
Ortega y Gasset’s Life and Times
Early Life and Career
Born in Madrid to a liberal family, Ortega studied philosophy and later held a professorship at the Central University. He founded and directed influential publications like El Sol and Revista de Occidente. His opposition to Primo de Rivera’s dictatorship led him to resign his professorship, but he continued teaching. He was involved in the Second Republic but later went into exile during the Spanish Civil War, returning in 1945.
The 20th Century Context
Ortega’s life and work unfolded against the backdrop of a turbulent 20th century. World War I shattered the 19th-century ideal of progress, and the interwar period saw the rise of fascism and communism. Spain faced its own crisis with the loss of its colonies and political instability. The rise of mass society, advancements in art and science, and the emergence of new philosophical movements all influenced Ortega’s thought.
Intellectual and Philosophical Influences
Ortega was part of the Generation of ’14 (Novecentismo), a group of intellectuals concerned with Spain’s problems. He was influenced by the Generation of ’98 and engaged with the philosophical currents of his time, including the philosophy of life, psychoanalysis, phenomenology, existentialism, Marxism, neopositivism, and analytic philosophy. His work, particularly Revista de Occidente, provided a platform for Spanish intellectuals to address critical issues.