Key Concepts in Western Philosophy: From Pre-Socratics to Modernity
Key Concepts in Western Philosophy
Characteristics of Philosophical Thinking
The work of the philosopher is to reflect on reality, whatever it may be, rediscovering its deeper meanings. It involves overcoming naivete and relying on rigorous and comprehensive thought.
Pre-Socratic Schools
Three prominent pre-Socratic schools are:
- Thales of Miletus
- Heraclitus
- Parmenides
Thales of Miletus considered water to be the essential element of all matter, believing it to be the first element of things, the beginning of everything.
The Importance of Philosophy for Humanity
Philosophy is important because it addresses the insatiable curiosity of human beings, prompting us to question and seek understanding.
Pre-Socratic vs. Socratic Philosophy
Pre-Socratic philosophy primarily focused on explaining the origin of the world and the causes of transformations in nature. Socratic philosophy, in contrast, began to investigate human issues, such as ethics, politics, and techniques.
Plato’s Philosophy
Plato believed that the process of knowledge develops through a gradual transition from the world of shadows and appearances to the world of ideas and essences. He proposed a method of thought and language called dialectics.
Aristotle’s Philosophy
Aristotle posited that there is only one world, which contains both essences and appearances. He is considered the creator of logic, which he viewed as a tool for acquiring knowledge.
The Basis of Medieval Christian Philosophy
Medieval philosophy was characterized by the dominance of the Roman Church in Europe and beyond. During this period, Christian philosophy, or rather theology, emerged. Its fundamental basis was the distinction between the infinite God and finite man and the world, between body (matter) and soul (spirit). Key themes included divine perfection and the paths that lead to God. Notable figures include St. Augustine and Thomas Aquinas.
Renaissance Philosophy
Authors:
- Nicolaus Copernicus
- Galileo Galilei
- Isaac Newton
Main Ideas: The Renaissance was a time of great cultural and political ferment, marked by increasing criticism of the Church, which culminated in the Protestant Reformation. Thinkers explored man’s place in the new world described by science.
Enlightenment Philosophy
Authors:
- Voltaire
- Jean-Jacques Rousseau
- Immanuel Kant
Main Ideas: Enlightenment thinkers believed that man could, through reason, achieve happiness and social progress, freeing himself from religious prejudices, superstition, and fear.
Modern Philosophy
Authors:
- Immanuel Kant
- René Descartes
- Baruch Spinoza
Main Ideas: The modern period was marked by a desire to establish critical criteria of certainty that validate knowledge. It emphasized the priority of reason and the deductive mathematical method as a form of understanding the sensible world.