Kant’s Philosophy: Knowledge, State of Nature, and Ethics
THEORY OF KNOWLEDGE. Regarding the theory of knowledge, a basic concern of modern philosophy, Kant synthesized Hume’s empiricism and Descartes’ rationalism. He acknowledged Hume’s observation that knowledge arises from the senses, but also supported Descartes’ view that not all knowledge originates from experience. This synthesis, known as Kantian criticism, posits that knowledge is based on a blend of experience (a posteriori) and elements not derived from experience (a priori).
Concerning the Theory
Read MoreKant: Reason’s Limits, Dialectic, and Judgment Types
Kant’s Transcendental Dialectic
After impressions from sensitivity have been synthesized to form an object, and objects have also been synthesized under a concept by the understanding, allowing the formation of judgments, reason takes a further step. It is in the nature of reason, says Kant, to seek an absolute foundation for experience; that is, to seek the unconditioned.
Reason’s Search for the Unconditioned
The unconditioned is beyond experience; it is what Kant called the noumenon or the thing-
Read MorePlato’s Enduring Influence on Western Thought
Impact on the History of Philosophy
The idealist and rationalist conception has had a profound influence on philosophical and scientific thought.
San Agustin
For him, the truths found in the soul, and to achieve them, require interiorization, a process similar to Platonic recollection.
Theory of Ideas and Idealism
These are the two main theses of the rationalists Descartes, Spinoza, and Leibniz, who say that knowledge of reality can be constructed deductively from certain ideas and principles, and that
Read MoreUnderstanding Plato and Aristotle’s Philosophies
Background
Plato’s Theory of Ideas
Plato believed that true knowledge requires stability and permanence in its object. He argued that there could be no true science of the sensible world, leading to a dualism between the world of sense and the intelligible world.
Existence of Ideas
Ideas represent the true being of things, their essences. They serve as the causes and purposes of sensible things and exist separately. Plato considered them to be more than just human concepts, with the Idea of Good being
Read MoreUnderstanding the Human Body, Mind, and Consciousness
The Body: Living Matter
The human body is not inert matter, but a living organism. As such, the body develops and performs functions that allow it to survive independently. We live, feel, and know through the body, making it an essential element of our existence.
The Mind and Brain
The term ‘mind’ designates the set of activities related to human intelligence and affection, processing information from the outside world and conducting vital functions.
It has received many names, such as soul or spirit.
Read MoreUnderstanding Life Insurance: Guarantees, Types, and Policy Features
Life Insurance Guarantees
The guarantees usually covered by the policy are:
Death Benefit
If the insured dies due to an accident within two years from the policy’s start date, the insurer will pay the guaranteed sum to the beneficiaries named in the policy.
Permanent Disability Benefit
If an accident causes permanent disability to the insured, in whole or in part, within two years from the date of the accident, the insurer will pay the specified amount.
Temporary Disability Benefit
If an accident causes
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