Modern Philosophy: Key Thinkers & Concepts
Modern Philosophy: Key Thinkers & Concepts
Friedrich Hegel
A child of Romanticism, Hegel believed truth is subjective and there’s no eternal truth or reason. He emphasized the role of history in shaping human thought, arguing that knowledge constantly increases and progresses. Hegel developed the concepts of thesis, antithesis, and synthesis within his dialectic framework for understanding and explaining history and evolution.
Soren Kierkegaard
Kierkegaard countered Hegel and Romanticism. Believing he lived in a dehumanized age, he prioritized individual truth over systems of thought. He developed a unique concept of existence and outlined three life stages: the aesthetic (pursuit of pleasure), the ethical (governed by morals), and the religious (faith over pleasure and reason). For Kierkegaard, Christianity represented the ultimate level of self-reconciliation. His work significantly influenced existentialist thought.
Karl Marx
Marx grounded his philosophy in historical materialism. His Communist Manifesto revolutionized how we view humanity’s role in history. He saw history as a series of class struggles tied to modes of production, progressing from primitive communism through slavery, feudalism, and capitalism to, ultimately, socialism and communism.
Charles Darwin
Darwin profoundly shaped modern thought. His research aboard the Beagle led to his theory of evolution by natural selection. On the Origin of Species represents a landmark achievement in scientific thought about life’s origins and meaning.
Sigmund Freud
A pioneering physician, Freud developed psychoanalysis, the theory of the subconscious, and provided groundbreaking insights into the human mind. He identified the conflict between human instincts and external demands, recognizing that irrational impulses and instincts often shape our dreams and actions. Freud’s work revealed that consciousness is just one part of the mind, with the subconscious playing a significant role. His work on dream interpretation was highly influential.
Existentialism
Existentialism encompasses several philosophical viewpoints. It’s a pessimistic humanism that posits no inherent meaning to existence. Humans, uniquely aware of their mortality, experience angst due to this lack of preordained purpose. Existentialists emphasize the individual’s responsibility to create their own meaning.
Sigmund Freud (repeated section removed)
Existentialism (repeated section removed)
Jean-Paul Sartre
Sartre, a prominent existentialist, was deeply influenced by the Second World War, a time of moral crisis and disillusionment. He argued that life is inherently meaningless but that we must create our own meaning and purpose.
Simone de Beauvoir
Beauvoir, Sartre’s partner, contributed significantly to philosophy with The Second Sex, a foundational text for feminist movements.