Ancient Greek philosophy, with its diverse and multifaceted ideas, contributes to the intellectual wealth that still influences contemporary thought. At the core of this philosophical tradition lies the concept of thought as a method—the process of thinking, observing, researching, and recalling that has guided philosophers' minds throughout history. Approaching Thought as a Method Thought as … Continue reading Thinking as a method
Category: Philosophy
Η Σκέψη ως Μέθοδος
Η αρχαία ελληνική φιλοσοφία, με τις διάφορες και πολυποίκιλες σκέψεις που περιέχει, συνεισφέρει στο πνευματικό πλούτο που επηρεάζει ακόμα και σήμερα τη σύγχρονη σκέψη. Στην καρδιά αυτής της φιλοσοφικής παράδοσης βρίσκεται η έννοια της σκέψης ως μεθόδου, η διαδικασία της σκέψης, του παρατηρείν, της έρευνας και της ανάκλησης, που έχει καθοδηγήσει τα μυαλά των φιλοσόφων … Continue reading Η Σκέψη ως Μέθοδος
Sartre and drugs
Jean-Paul Sartre, a prominent figure in existentialist philosophy and literature, is best known for his contributions to existentialist thought and his iconic works such as "Being and Nothingness" and "Nausea." His philosophical explorations revolve around themes of freedom, authenticity, and the inherent anguish of human existence. However, Sartre's personal life was not devoid of controversy … Continue reading Sartre and drugs
The Kyoto School
The Kyoto School a distinguished intellectual movement that emerged in Japan during the 20th century, has significantly shaped the landscape of Eastern and Western philosophical discourse. Rooted in Eastern traditions, yet heavily influenced by Western philosophy, this unique school of thought offers a fascinating blend of ideas, presenting a profound interpretation of human existence, ethics, … Continue reading The Kyoto School
Principles of Psychology
Psychology, often referred to as the science of the mind, plays a crucial role in helping us unravel the complexities of human behavior and cognition. By studying the principles of psychology, we gain valuable insights into the underlying mechanisms that shape our thoughts, emotions, and actions. Principle of Individual Differences One of the core principles … Continue reading Principles of Psychology
German philosophy in Russia
In the 19th century, Russia experienced a profound cultural and intellectual transformation. The influence of German philosophy and writers played a crucial role in shaping the intellectual landscape of Russia during this period. German thinkers such as Immanuel Kant, Johann Gottlieb Fichte, Friedrich Wilhelm Schelling, and Georg Wilhelm Friedrich Hegel, along with German literary giants … Continue reading German philosophy in Russia
German philosophy in France
The nineteenth century was a period of immense intellectual and cultural exchange between France and Germany. German writers and philosophers, particularly the Romantics and later figures such as Hegel, Schopenhauer, and Nietzsche, played a pivotal role in shaping French intellectual thought during this era. While their ideas initially faced skepticism and resistance, these German thinkers … Continue reading German philosophy in France
Logocentrism
Logocentrism, a concept rooted in the field of philosophy and literary theory, challenges the long-standing assumption that language and writing are the primary sources of knowledge and meaning. Coined by the French philosopher Jacques Derrida, logocentrism refers to a Western philosophical tradition that privileges speech and writing over other forms of communication and knowledge production. … Continue reading Logocentrism
Is Philosophy Useless? Yes and no
Philosophy, often regarded as the love of wisdom, has long been a subject of debate regarding its practicality and relevance. Detractors argue that philosophy is a useless pursuit, claiming that those who study it struggle to find meaningful employment. However, this perspective fails to acknowledge the profound impact philosophy has had on various aspects of … Continue reading Is Philosophy Useless? Yes and no
Husserl and phenomenology
Phenomenology, as a philosophical approach, has significantly shaped our understanding of consciousness, perception, and the nature of reality. At the forefront of this movement stands Edmund Husserl, a German philosopher who developed and popularized phenomenology as a distinct philosophical discipline. Phenomenology, at its core, is concerned with the study of phenomena as they appear to … Continue reading Husserl and phenomenology
Romanticism and nationalism
Johann Gottfried Herder, a prominent German philosopher and poet, played a pivotal role in shaping the development of German Romanticism and its subsequent impact on nationalism and chauvinism. Born in Riga, Latvia, in 1744, Herder's ideas and writings emphasized the uniqueness and value of different cultures and nations. While he celebrated cultural diversity and advocated … Continue reading Romanticism and nationalism
Foucault and discourse
Michel Foucault introduced the concept of discourse as a fundamental element in understanding power dynamics and the shaping of collective conversations. In his works, Foucault explored the ways in which discourse operates as a system of knowledge and power, influencing and shaping the way we think, speak, and act within society. Discourse, according to Foucault, … Continue reading Foucault and discourse
Derrida and the text
Jacques Derrida was a French philosopher and one of the key figures in the post-structuralist movement. His influential work on deconstruction revolutionized the way we approach texts and understand meaning. Derrida challenged traditional notions of language, truth, and interpretation, arguing that texts are inherently unstable and riddled with contradictions. Deconstruction, as developed by Derrida, is … Continue reading Derrida and the text
Arabs and ancient Greeks
The Arab civilization played a pivotal role in the preservation and transmission of ancient Greek culture. In the centuries following the fall of the Roman Empire, the Arab world became a centre of intellectual and scientific advancement. Arab scholars eagerly embraced the wealth of knowledge found in ancient Greek texts, translating and preserving them for … Continue reading Arabs and ancient Greeks
Plato’s Academy
In the annals of human civilization, few institutions have left an indelible mark on the pursuit of knowledge and the development of philosophical thought quite like Plato's Academy. Established by Plato in 387 BCE, this iconic educational institution in Athens became the epicentre of intellectual discourse, nurturing some of the greatest minds of the ancient … Continue reading Plato’s Academy
A History of Sociology
The history of sociology spans over several centuries and encompassing numerous thinkers, movements, and theories. Sociology emerged as a distinct field of study in the 19th century and has since evolved into a rich and diverse discipline. The origins of sociology can be traced back to the intellectual and social changes that occurred during the … Continue reading A History of Sociology
Claude Lévi-Strauss and structuralism
Structuralism is a theory that has its roots in the structural linguistics of Ferdinand de Saussure. The idea is that the structure of a system or object is more important than the individual components that make it up. This means that it is not the individual parts of a society, for example, that are important, … Continue reading Claude Lévi-Strauss and structuralism
Problems of contemporary philosophy
Philosophy, as the age-old discipline concerned with fundamental questions about existence, knowledge, ethics, and reality, has continuously evolved throughout history. Contemporary philosophy, characterized by its engagement with various intellectual currents and the advancements of the modern world, grapples with a unique set of challenges. The Fragmentation of Knowledge One of the most significant problems in … Continue reading Problems of contemporary philosophy
Heidegger, Sartre, and Existentialism
Existentialism, a philosophical movement that emerged in the 20th century, brought forth new perspectives on human existence, freedom, and the search for meaning. Two prominent figures within this movement were Martin Heidegger and Jean-Paul Sartre. While their contributions to existentialism were significant, their political affiliations during tumultuous times sparked controversy and debate. Heidegger’s controversial association … Continue reading Heidegger, Sartre, and Existentialism
Implications of Recent Discoveries in Physics for Sociology
With advancements in physics expanding our understanding of the fundamental laws governing the universe, it is crucial to examine how these discoveries intersect with social systems, human behaviour, and societal structures. Through an interdisciplinary lens, we look at the potential influence of concepts such as quantum mechanics, relativity, and cosmology on sociological theories and practices. … Continue reading Implications of Recent Discoveries in Physics for Sociology