Edad Moderna - Historia

Transition to Modern Age What Happens in the Modern Age?

Shift from Faith to Reason

• The transition from the Medieval period, characterized by faith, to the Modern age marked by reason is highlighted. This shift signifies a new cycle in philosophy.

• The classical philosophy of ancient and medieval times is contrasted with modern thought, which introduces new focal points for philosophical inquiry.

Characteristics of Modern Philosophy

• A significant advancement in understanding the world arises due to the Copernican revolution and Galileo's discoveries, positioning humans at the center of scientific inquiry over religious explanations.

• Human and natural issues gain prominence in philosophical debates, moving away from solely divine explanations towards questioning creation itself and our methods of knowing.

Emergence of Epistemology

• The modern era initiates discussions on human capacities for knowledge, leading to inquiries about what can be known and how we ascertain truth. This marks a pivotal moment in epistemology or nociology.

• Questions arise regarding acceptance of knowledge taught in universities and practical examples like basic arithmetic (e.g., "How do you know 2 + 2 equals 4?"). These questions challenge assumptions about knowledge validity.

Doubts About Existence

• René Descartes emerges as a key figure questioning reality; he posits that perceptions may be illusions created by a "malicious genius," prompting deeper exploration into existence and knowledge acquisition processes.

• Descartes' skepticism leads to a re-evaluation of previously accepted truths from antiquity and medieval times, fostering an environment where foundational beliefs are scrutinized anew.

Conceptualizing Truth

• A new understanding of truth develops during this period, emphasizing that it resides within human thought rather than external sources; this idea underpins rationalism as articulated by Descartes.

• Rationalism asserts that absolute truth exists within reason itself, challenging previous notions reliant on empirical evidence alone while establishing reason as central to philosophical discourse.

Rationale Behind Rationalism

• Descartes investigates intellectual processes through his works "Meditations on First Philosophy" and "Discourse on Method," where he doubts sensory perceptions and seeks certainty about existence through reasoning alone.

• His method involves systematic doubt—questioning everything until reaching undeniable truths—illustrating his approach toward establishing a foundation for knowledge amidst uncertainty about perceived realities like objects around him (e.g., chairs or doors).

Philosophical Foundations: Rationalism vs. Empiricism

The Essence of Rationalism

• René Descartes introduces the foundational principle "Cogito, ergo sum" (I think, therefore I am), asserting that doubt leads to the certainty of existence through thought.

• Modern philosophy is characterized by rationalism, which emphasizes the absolute power of reason as a means to understand reality and knowledge.

The Emergence of Empiricism

• John Locke initiates empiricism in England, with David Hume as its prominent representative, arguing that knowledge originates from sensory experience rather than reason.

• Empiricism posits that all ideas stem from sensory experiences; thus, our understanding is limited to what can be perceived through the senses.

Comparing Rationalism and Empiricism

• Descartes argues for certainty in thought while doubting external objects; empiricists counter that only verifiable sensory data constitutes true existence.

• The debate centers on whether knowledge comes from rational deduction or empirical evidence, highlighting the limitations of each approach.

A Middle Ground: Critical Realism

• Critical realism emerges as a synthesis between rationalism and empiricism, suggesting we can know reality through both sensory experience and rational thought.

• This perspective acknowledges that while senses provide information about reality, reason also plays a crucial role in interpreting this information.

Other Philosophical Movements in Modernity

• Beyond rationalism and empiricism, modern philosophy includes naturalism, enlightenment ideals, idealism (notably German idealism), positivism, and vitalism.

• Key figures include Thomas Hobbes (naturalism), Kant and Hegel (idealism), Marx (left Hegelian), and Auguste Comte (positivism), showcasing diverse philosophical explorations during this era.