Philosophical Schools: Ancient, Medieval, Modern, and Contemporary | Active Summary

Objectives

1. Identify and present the main philosophical schools and their representatives throughout history.

2. Analyze and explain the fundamental concepts proposed by philosophers from different eras: Ancient, Medieval, Modern, and Contemporary.

3. Develop argumentation and critical analysis skills by comparing different philosophical schools.

4. Foster the ability to synthesize and clearly express complex ideas.

Contextualization

Did you know that modern democracy owes much to the philosophical discussions of Ancient Greece? The debates about ethics and politics initiated by philosophers like Plato and Aristotle still directly influence our governmental and legal practices today. Philosophy is not just a set of distant theories; it is a living force that has shaped and continues to shape society in fundamental ways. By exploring philosophical schools, we are diving into the roots of our own contemporary world.

Important Topics

Philosophical Schools of Antiquity

The philosophical schools of Antiquity, notably represented by Plato and Aristotle, establish the foundation of Western philosophical thought. Plato focused on abstract ideas and an unchanging reality beyond the perceived world, while Aristotle concentrated more on the observation of the physical world and logic.

• Plato believed in a world of forms, ideal and perfect, accessible only through reason.

• Aristotle, on the other hand, developed a logical system that profoundly influenced the scientific method.

• Both thinkers discussed ethics, politics, and metaphysics, influencing not only subsequent philosophy but also the development of modern political and ethical systems.

Medieval Philosophy

Medieval Philosophy is marked by the synthesis of Christian thought with ancient philosophy, especially that of Aristotle. Philosophers like Saint Augustine and Saint Thomas Aquinas are central figures, seeking to harmonize faith with reason.

• Saint Augustine introduced concepts such as the 'evil' as the absence of 'good', influencing Christian theology and philosophy.

• Saint Thomas Aquinas developed the theory of natural law, arguing that human reason can understand universal truths, which was fundamental for the formation of Western ethical and political thought.

• This era fuses the need for rational explanation with religious faith, influencing how society perceives the relationship between science and religion.

Modern and Contemporary Philosophy

Modern Philosophy, with figures like Descartes, Kant, and later contemporary philosophers like Nietzsche and Foucault, questions and refines concepts about knowledge, ethics, and the human being. Rationalism, empiricism, and existentialism stand out as key movements.

• Descartes, with his 'Cogito, ergo sum', establishes rationalism, emphasizing methodological doubt as the foundation of knowledge.

• Kant explores the relationship between knowledge and experience, influencing concepts of morality and aesthetics.

• Foucault and Nietzsche challenge traditional structures of power and morality, influencing contemporary debates about freedom and justice.

Key Terms

• Platonism: Philosophical system that emphasizes the existence of immutable and perfect forms, accessible through reason.

• Aristotelianism: Philosophy based on practical observation, highlighting logic and empirical analysis.

• Scholasticism: Philosophical movement that sought to reconcile Christian faith with classical philosophy, especially through the work of Saint Thomas Aquinas.

• Rationalism: Current that considers reason as the primary source of knowledge.

• Empiricism: Doctrine that emphasizes sensory experience as the basis of knowledge.

• Existentialism: Philosophical movement that focuses on the analysis of individual existence and freedom.

To Reflect

• How do Plato's ideas about perfect forms apply to or contrast with today's technological and virtual reality?

• In what ways can Saint Thomas Aquinas's theory of natural law be relevant to modern debates about human rights and ethics?

• What is the impact of Nietzsche's critiques of conventional morality on contemporary society, particularly in issues of power and authority?

Important Conclusions

• We revisited the philosophical schools from Antiquity to contemporary times, exploring the thoughts of great philosophers like Plato, Aristotle, Descartes, and Nietzsche. Each era brought with it fundamental reflections that shaped society and human thought, addressing metaphysical, ethical, and political issues.

• We discovered how philosophy is not just theoretical but extremely applicable to our daily lives, influencing everything from political decisions to our understanding of justice and morality.

• We encourage viewing philosophy as a living tool to question and understand the world around us, promoting not only critical thinking but also the ability to argue and synthesize complex ideas.

To Exercise Knowledge

Philosophical Journal: Keep a journal for a week, recording everyday situations and how different philosophical theories could interpret or solve them. Family Debates: Choose a philosophical topic discussed in class and organize a small debate with your family or friends, bringing different viewpoints and grounding your opinions with the theories learned. Concept Map: Create a concept map that connects the various philosophical schools with modern problems, identifying how each school could approach these issues.

Challenge

Create a short video, like a vlog, where you explain how one of the studied philosophical theories could solve a specific modern problem. Share your ideas creatively and persuasively!

Study Tips

• Use visual resources, such as concept maps or infographics, to organize and visualize the connections between different philosophical theories and their impacts throughout history.

• Join online forums or study groups to discuss philosophical ideas with other interested individuals, which can provide new perspectives and deepen your understanding.

• Read original texts from the philosophers discussed, along with modern commentaries, to gain a richer and more varied understanding of the theories.