Plato’s Political Philosophy: Society, Justice, and Governance
Plato’s Political Inquiries
Plato had political interests from a very young age, and he was disillusioned by the political system due to his lack of faith in the system’s ideas. He reflected on the immortal soul and its care. The dependence of this soul should shape policy.
Organization of Society: The Republic
The Republic describes an ideal state of being, where justice can function well. When the soul is just, each part fulfills its function, regardless of the state itself. The state is divided
Read MoreUnderstanding Scientific Literacy and Competence
Science Education: Beyond Concepts
Science education encompasses more than just scientific concepts; it’s the study of how scientific knowledge is produced and validated. This rigorous process is crucial not only for scientists but also for the average citizen. It equips individuals with a prepared mind to approach reality and truth.
Values Fostered by Science Education
- Thoroughness
- Logic
- Free thinking
- Curiosity
- Critical thinking and skepticism
- Creativity
Science education encourages essential skills such
Read MoreDavid Hume’s Moral Philosophy: Sentiment and Utility
Hume’s Text
Historical Context
Hume, born in 1711 and died in 1776, lived fully within the Enlightenment and is himself a perfectly orthodox example of it. In philosophy, he is undoubtedly the most relevant empiricist author. His epistemological doctrine had a major impact on Kant and is at the starting point of positivism and neo-positivism of the 19th and 20th centuries. Similarly, his ethics were instrumental in the utilitarianism of Mill and contemporary moral emotivism.
Theme
The theme of the
Read MoreKant: Enlightenment, Knowledge, and Moral Theory
Immanuel Kant: Enlightenment, Knowledge, and Moral Theory
Immanuel Kant, a German philosopher of the eighteenth century, concludes the cycle of modern philosophy with a system linked to two fundamental roots: the Enlightenment and the epistemological power of modern philosophy. His formal ethical theory opposes traditional formal ethics and the prevailing British emotivism of the 18th century.
Kant and the Enlightenment
Kant’s thought aligns with many elements of the Enlightenment. First, Kant defends
Read MorePlato’s Cave Allegory: Understanding Reality
Plato’s Dualism and the Allegory of the Cave
Sensible World (Inside the Cave)
- Content: Physical objects and materials (shadows, reflections).
- Driving force: The fire, which illuminates the world of sense and gives life (analogous to the sun).
- Ontological category: A copy that mimics the idea, but is not authentic or real.
- Spatial and temporal dimension: The sensible world occupies space and is subject to time; it changes and becomes.
- Possibility of Change: Dynamism. This world is in perpetual change and
Humanism: Dignity, Virtus, and the Study of Man
The Core Tenets of Humanism
Humanism allowed individuals to compare editions and collections, facilitating in-depth study. Critical editions aimed to recover an author’s original writings. With the invention of the printing press, the dissemination of texts became much more widespread, reaching a broader audience.
Humanists and Their Dual Focus
Humanists directed their work in two primary directions:
- Sharing Knowledge: They shared their knowledge with their peers, contributing to the growing body of