Introducción - Historia de la Filosofía

Introduction to the Historical Perspective of Philosophy

Overview of the Course

• The course aims to explore the historical evolution of philosophy, focusing on Western thought.

• Emphasis is placed on understanding how philosophical ideas have developed over time.

Origins of Philosophy

• The speaker notes that responses about the origins of philosophy can vary widely depending on sources like books or online platforms.

• Different cultures are mentioned as potential origins: China, Egypt, and Greece, with a focus on Western philosophy rooted in Greece.

Nature of Philosophical Inquiry

• Philosophy seeks rational answers to fundamental questions, distinguishing itself from mythological explanations.

• Ancient civilizations often relied on myths for explanations (e.g., rain attributed to deities). This highlights a contrast between mythological and rational approaches.

The Transition from Mythology to Rational Thought

Mythological Explanations

• Early societies explained natural phenomena through mythology; for instance, rain was seen as an act of gods like Tlaloc in Latin America or Greek deities in ancient Rome.

• The speaker emphasizes that these mythological perspectives were valid forms of understanding reality at their time.

Emergence of Rational Thought

• The transition from mythos (myth) to logos (rational thought) marks the beginning of philosophy with figures like Thales of Miletus challenging traditional explanations.

• This shift signifies a move towards seeking logical and empirical explanations rather than relying solely on divine narratives.

Structure of Historical Philosophy

Phases in Philosophical History

• The course will cover four main stages: Ancient Philosophy, Medieval Philosophy, Modern Philosophy, and Contemporary Philosophy. This structure aims to provide a comprehensive view of philosophical development over time.