Introduction to Introduction to Philosophy Philosophy IS-VNU IS-VNU Mr. Mike Mr. Mike Lecture 9 Lecture 9
Introduction to PhilosophyIntroduction to Philosophy
IS-VNUIS-VNUMr. Mike Mr. Mike Lecture 9Lecture 9
Introduction to Philosophy
Idealism ContinuedIdealism Continued
ConservatismConservatism
Liberalism Liberalism
Introduction to Philosophy
Idealism ContinuedIdealism Continued
ConservatismConservatism
Liberalism Liberalism
IdealistsIdealists
Authur SchopenhauerAuthur Schopenhauer (1788-1860)(1788-1860)
Set out to complete the Set out to complete the philosophy that Kant philosophy that Kant startedstarted First openly Atheist First openly Atheist philosopherphilosopher First Western First Western philosopher to seriously philosopher to seriously study Eastern philosophy study Eastern philosophy
IdealistsIdealists
Authur SchopenhauerAuthur Schopenhauer (1788-1860)(1788-1860)
Set out to complete the Set out to complete the philosophy that Kant philosophy that Kant startedstarted First openly Atheist First openly Atheist philosopherphilosopher First Western First Western philosopher to seriously philosopher to seriously study Eastern philosophy study Eastern philosophy
IdealistsIdealistsAuthur SchopenhauerAuthur Schopenhauer (1788-1860)(1788-1860)
Kant's Basic PremiseKant's Basic Premise2 Aspects of Reality: (1) 2 Aspects of Reality: (1) Phenomenal Phenomenal Reality (what Reality (what we perceive) and (2) we perceive) and (2) NoumenalNoumenal Reality (reality Reality (reality in itself)in itself)
Since Reality in itself is Since Reality in itself is beyond our to perceive it beyond our to perceive it we can never know reality we can never know reality as it is as it is
Phenomenal Reality is a Phenomenal Reality is a mental construct of our mental construct of our mindmind
Noumenal Noumenal RealityReality
Sensory Experience of Reality
Events & Things
Mental Construct of Reality
IdealistsIdealistsAuthur SchopenhauerAuthur Schopenhauer (1788-1860)(1788-1860)
Kant's Basic PremiseKant's Basic Premise2 Aspects of Reality: (1) 2 Aspects of Reality: (1) Phenomenal Phenomenal Reality (what Reality (what we perceive) and (2) we perceive) and (2) NoumenalNoumenal Reality (reality Reality (reality in itself)in itself)
Since Reality in itself is Since Reality in itself is beyond our to perceive it beyond our to perceive it we can never know reality we can never know reality as it is as it is
Phenomenal Reality is a Phenomenal Reality is a mental construct of our mental construct of our mindmind
Noumenal Noumenal RealityReality
Sensory Experience of Reality
Events & Things
Mental Construct of Reality
IdealistsIdealistsAuthur SchopenhauerAuthur Schopenhauer (1788-1860)(1788-1860)
Kant's Basic PremiseKant's Basic Premise
Science is capable of Science is capable of providing knowledge of the providing knowledge of the phenomenal (perceived) phenomenal (perceived) worldworld The Noumenal world and The Noumenal world and the Phenomenal world are the Phenomenal world are essentially different things essentially different things Science is not capable of Science is not capable of providing any knowledge providing any knowledge of the noumenal world.of the noumenal world.
Noumenal Noumenal RealityReality
Sensory Experience of Reality
Events & Things
Mental Construct of Reality
IdealistsIdealistsAuthur SchopenhauerAuthur Schopenhauer (1788-1860)(1788-1860)
Kant's Basic PremiseKant's Basic Premise
Science is capable of Science is capable of providing knowledge of the providing knowledge of the phenomenal (perceived) phenomenal (perceived) worldworld The Noumenal world and The Noumenal world and the Phenomenal world are the Phenomenal world are essentially different things essentially different things Science is not capable of Science is not capable of providing any knowledge providing any knowledge of the noumenal world.of the noumenal world.
Noumenal Noumenal RealityReality
Sensory Experience of Reality
Events & Things
Mental Construct of Reality
IdealistsIdealistsAuthur SchopenhauerAuthur Schopenhauer (1788-1860)(1788-1860)
Correcting Kant's MetaphysicsCorrecting Kant's Metaphysics
KantKant – Since the noumenal and – Since the noumenal and phenomenal are essentially phenomenal are essentially different it is impossible for the different it is impossible for the noumenal to be the cause of the noumenal to be the cause of the phenomenal phenomenal Also, “cause” is an aspect of the Also, “cause” is an aspect of the phenomenal phenomenal (i.e. “causes” are (i.e. “causes” are organizational constructs of the mind)organizational constructs of the mind)
SchopenhauerSchopenhauer – Phenomenal – Phenomenal reality and noumenal reality are not reality and noumenal reality are not DIFFERENT realities. They are the DIFFERENT realities. They are the SAME reality. SAME reality.
Noumenal Noumenal RealityReality
Phenomenal Reality
IdealistsIdealistsAuthur SchopenhauerAuthur Schopenhauer (1788-1860)(1788-1860)
Correcting Kant's MetaphysicsCorrecting Kant's Metaphysics
KantKant – Since the noumenal and – Since the noumenal and phenomenal are essentially phenomenal are essentially different it is impossible for the different it is impossible for the noumenal to be the cause of the noumenal to be the cause of the phenomenal phenomenal Also, “cause” is an aspect of the Also, “cause” is an aspect of the phenomenal phenomenal (i.e. “causes” are (i.e. “causes” are organizational constructs of the mind)organizational constructs of the mind)
SchopenhauerSchopenhauer – Phenomenal – Phenomenal reality and noumenal reality are not reality and noumenal reality are not DIFFERENT realities. They are the DIFFERENT realities. They are the SAME reality. SAME reality.
Noumenal Noumenal RealityReality
Phenomenal Reality
IdealistsIdealistsAuthur SchopenhauerAuthur Schopenhauer (1788-1860)(1788-1860)
MetaphysicsMetaphysics
Since space and time are Since space and time are aspects of the phenomenal aspects of the phenomenal world that we can perceive, world that we can perceive, they have no meaning in the they have no meaning in the noumenal world. noumenal world. If space and time do not If space and time do not exist then there can be no exist then there can be no differentiation between things differentiation between things – – Everything is OneEverything is One
IdealistsIdealistsAuthur SchopenhauerAuthur Schopenhauer (1788-1860)(1788-1860)
MetaphysicsMetaphysics
Since space and time are Since space and time are aspects of the phenomenal aspects of the phenomenal world that we can perceive, world that we can perceive, they have no meaning in the they have no meaning in the noumenal world. noumenal world. If space and time do not If space and time do not exist then there can be no exist then there can be no differentiation between things differentiation between things – – Everything is OneEverything is One
IdealistsIdealistsAuthur SchopenhauerAuthur Schopenhauer (1788-1860)(1788-1860)
MetaphysicsMetaphysics
Kant – Acts of the Will are Kant – Acts of the Will are part of the noumenal world part of the noumenal world but are also the causes of but are also the causes of the phenomenal world the phenomenal world
Example: A person wills to Example: A person wills to move his arm (noumenal) move his arm (noumenal) which is followed by the bodily which is followed by the bodily movement (phenomenal) movement (phenomenal)
IdealistsIdealistsAuthur SchopenhauerAuthur Schopenhauer (1788-1860)(1788-1860)
MetaphysicsMetaphysics
Kant – Acts of the Will are Kant – Acts of the Will are part of the noumenal world part of the noumenal world but are also the causes of but are also the causes of the phenomenal world the phenomenal world
Example: A person wills to Example: A person wills to move his arm (noumenal) move his arm (noumenal) which is followed by the bodily which is followed by the bodily movement (phenomenal) movement (phenomenal)
IdealistsIdealistsAuthur SchopenhauerAuthur Schopenhauer (1788-1860)(1788-1860)
MetaphysicsMetaphysics
Schopenhauer – If the Schopenhauer – If the phenomenal and noumenal phenomenal and noumenal are different (Kant) then the are different (Kant) then the acts of the will cannot cause acts of the will cannot cause anything in phenomenal anything in phenomenal reality.reality.
IdealistsIdealistsAuthur SchopenhauerAuthur Schopenhauer (1788-1860)(1788-1860)
MetaphysicsMetaphysics
Schopenhauer – If the Schopenhauer – If the phenomenal and noumenal phenomenal and noumenal are different (Kant) then the are different (Kant) then the acts of the will cannot cause acts of the will cannot cause anything in phenomenal anything in phenomenal reality.reality.
IdealistsIdealistsAuthur SchopenhauerAuthur Schopenhauer (1788-1860)(1788-1860)
MetaphysicsMetaphysics
Solution:Solution: Phenomenal and Noumenal are Phenomenal and Noumenal are not different. not different. Motives (will) are internal and Motives (will) are internal and noumenal. Bodily movement is noumenal. Bodily movement is external (phenomenal). external (phenomenal). Motives and Bodily movements are Motives and Bodily movements are the same event apprehended in the same event apprehended in two different ways (internal and two different ways (internal and external) external)
IdealistsIdealistsAuthur SchopenhauerAuthur Schopenhauer (1788-1860)(1788-1860)
MetaphysicsMetaphysics
Solution:Solution: Phenomenal and Noumenal are Phenomenal and Noumenal are not different. not different. Motives (will) are internal and Motives (will) are internal and noumenal. Bodily movement is noumenal. Bodily movement is external (phenomenal). external (phenomenal). Motives and Bodily movements are Motives and Bodily movements are the same event apprehended in the same event apprehended in two different ways (internal and two different ways (internal and external) external)
IdealistsIdealistsAuthur SchopenhauerAuthur Schopenhauer (1788-1860)(1788-1860)
MetaphysicsMetaphysics
Impersonal Noumenal WillImpersonal Noumenal Will The Whole Noumenal Realm has The Whole Noumenal Realm has the character of Will the character of Will Noumenal Will – Impersonal, Noumenal Will – Impersonal, energy/force behind the energy/force behind the Phenomenal worldPhenomenal world Reality has no purpose, Reality has no purpose, intelligence or goal. intelligence or goal.
Noumenal Noumenal Reality = Reality =
WillWill
Phenomenal Reality
IdealistsIdealistsAuthur SchopenhauerAuthur Schopenhauer (1788-1860)(1788-1860)
MetaphysicsMetaphysics
Impersonal Noumenal WillImpersonal Noumenal Will The Whole Noumenal Realm has The Whole Noumenal Realm has the character of Will the character of Will Noumenal Will – Impersonal, Noumenal Will – Impersonal, energy/force behind the energy/force behind the Phenomenal worldPhenomenal world Reality has no purpose, Reality has no purpose, intelligence or goal. intelligence or goal.
Noumenal Noumenal Reality = Reality =
WillWill
Phenomenal Reality
IdealistsIdealistsAuthur SchopenhauerAuthur Schopenhauer (1788-1860)(1788-1860)
EthicsEthics Since noumenal reality is essential Since noumenal reality is essential ONE, then there is no real ONE, then there is no real distinction between individual distinction between individual peoplepeople People only “appear” as individuals People only “appear” as individuals in the phenomenal realmin the phenomenal realm Humanity's ONENESS creates Humanity's ONENESS creates compassion between humanscompassion between humans Human compassion (based on Human compassion (based on essential oneness) is the essential oneness) is the foundation of all Ethics foundation of all Ethics
IdealistsIdealistsAuthur SchopenhauerAuthur Schopenhauer (1788-1860)(1788-1860)
EthicsEthics Since noumenal reality is essential Since noumenal reality is essential ONE, then there is no real ONE, then there is no real distinction between individual distinction between individual peoplepeople People only “appear” as individuals People only “appear” as individuals in the phenomenal realmin the phenomenal realm Humanity's ONENESS creates Humanity's ONENESS creates compassion between humanscompassion between humans Human compassion (based on Human compassion (based on essential oneness) is the essential oneness) is the foundation of all Ethics foundation of all Ethics
IdealistsIdealistsFredrich Shelling Fredrich Shelling (1775-1854)(1775-1854)
MetaphysicsMetaphysics Nature is total reality perpetually Nature is total reality perpetually evolving (constantly changing) evolving (constantly changing) Nature is One (unity)Nature is One (unity) Nature is a constant on-going Nature is a constant on-going process process Humans have emerged from Humans have emerged from within the process of naturewithin the process of nature Man does not exist outside of Man does not exist outside of nature but is part of naturenature but is part of nature
IdealistsIdealistsFredrich Shelling Fredrich Shelling (1775-1854)(1775-1854)
MetaphysicsMetaphysics Nature is total reality perpetually Nature is total reality perpetually evolving (constantly changing) evolving (constantly changing) Nature is One (unity)Nature is One (unity) Nature is a constant on-going Nature is a constant on-going process process Humans have emerged from Humans have emerged from within the process of naturewithin the process of nature Man does not exist outside of Man does not exist outside of nature but is part of naturenature but is part of nature
IdealistsIdealistsFredrich Shelling Fredrich Shelling (1775-1854)(1775-1854)
MetaphysicsMetaphysics
Humans are the most Humans are the most advanced aspect of nature advanced aspect of nature Humans are the only Humans are the only aspect of nature that is aspect of nature that is self-awareself-aware Humans are matter Humans are matter spiritualized spiritualized Humans are nature that Humans are nature that has become self-aware has become self-aware
IdealistsIdealistsFredrich Shelling Fredrich Shelling (1775-1854)(1775-1854)
MetaphysicsMetaphysics
Humans are the most Humans are the most advanced aspect of nature advanced aspect of nature Humans are the only Humans are the only aspect of nature that is aspect of nature that is self-awareself-aware Humans are matter Humans are matter spiritualized spiritualized Humans are nature that Humans are nature that has become self-aware has become self-aware
IdealistsIdealistsFredrich Shelling Fredrich Shelling (1775-1854)(1775-1854)
Aesthetics Aesthetics
Nature is in the continual Nature is in the continual process of creationprocess of creation Humans reflect this aspect Humans reflect this aspect of nature through creative of nature through creative artsarts The creative artists are the The creative artists are the highest form of existence highest form of existence
IdealistsIdealistsFredrich Shelling Fredrich Shelling (1775-1854)(1775-1854)
Aesthetics Aesthetics
Nature is in the continual Nature is in the continual process of creationprocess of creation Humans reflect this aspect Humans reflect this aspect of nature through creative of nature through creative artsarts The creative artists are the The creative artists are the highest form of existence highest form of existence
IdealistsIdealists
Fredrich ShellingFredrich Shelling (1775-1854)(1775-1854)
Ultimate Question Ultimate Question
Why does anything exist at all?Why does anything exist at all? Why not nothing?Why not nothing?
IdealistsIdealists
Fredrich ShellingFredrich Shelling (1775-1854)(1775-1854)
Ultimate Question Ultimate Question
Why does anything exist at all?Why does anything exist at all? Why not nothing?Why not nothing?
IdealistsIdealists
Georg W.F. HegelGeorg W.F. Hegel (1770-1831)(1770-1831)
MetaphysicsMetaphysics
Everything is an organic Everything is an organic unity unity Reality is in an ongoing Reality is in an ongoing process of development process of development Ultimate goal of reality is Ultimate goal of reality is self-awareness and self-self-awareness and self-understandingunderstanding
IdealistsIdealists
Georg W.F. HegelGeorg W.F. Hegel (1770-1831)(1770-1831)
MetaphysicsMetaphysics
Everything is an organic Everything is an organic unity unity Reality is in an ongoing Reality is in an ongoing process of development process of development Ultimate goal of reality is Ultimate goal of reality is self-awareness and self-self-awareness and self-understandingunderstanding
IdealistsIdealists
Georg W.F. HegelGeorg W.F. Hegel (1770-1831)(1770-1831)
MetaphysicsMetaphysics
GeistGeist:: Mental/spiritual aspect Mental/spiritual aspect of reality of reality Non-material Non-material The ultimate essence of The ultimate essence of beingbeing Absolute Idealism Absolute Idealism
IdealistsIdealists
Georg W.F. HegelGeorg W.F. Hegel (1770-1831)(1770-1831)
MetaphysicsMetaphysics
GeistGeist:: Mental/spiritual aspect Mental/spiritual aspect of reality of reality Non-material Non-material The ultimate essence of The ultimate essence of beingbeing Absolute Idealism Absolute Idealism
IdealistsIdealists
Georg W.F. HegelGeorg W.F. Hegel (1770-1831)(1770-1831)
MetaphysicsMetaphysics
Hegel's DialecticHegel's Dialectic:: Thesis – Current state of Thesis – Current state of things things Antithesis – Conflicting Antithesis – Conflicting forcesforces Synthesis – Resolution of Synthesis – Resolution of the Thesis and Antithesis the Thesis and Antithesis Synthesis become the new Synthesis become the new thesisthesis
IdealistsIdealists
Georg W.F. HegelGeorg W.F. Hegel (1770-1831)(1770-1831)
MetaphysicsMetaphysics
Hegel's DialecticHegel's Dialectic:: Thesis – Current state of Thesis – Current state of things things Antithesis – Conflicting Antithesis – Conflicting forcesforces Synthesis – Resolution of Synthesis – Resolution of the Thesis and Antithesis the Thesis and Antithesis Synthesis become the new Synthesis become the new thesisthesis
ConservatismConservatism
Political Philosophy Political Philosophy
Promotes the Promotes the maintenance of traditional maintenance of traditional institutionsinstitutions
Supports the idea of Supports the idea of minimal and gradual minimal and gradual change in societychange in society
Ultimate Goal = Stability Ultimate Goal = Stability and Continuity in society and Continuity in society
ConservatismConservatism
Edmund BurkeEdmund Burke (1729-1797)(1729-1797)
Supported Limiting the Supported Limiting the power of the monarchy power of the monarchy
Multiple political parties Multiple political parties within a government within a government prevent any one party prevent any one party from abusing powerfrom abusing power
Opposed excessive Opposed excessive taxation (especially in the taxation (especially in the American colonies) American colonies)
ConservatismConservatism
Edmund BurkeEdmund Burke (1729-1797)(1729-1797)
Opposed modern forms Opposed modern forms of Democracy (open and of Democracy (open and free elections) free elections)
Government needs an Government needs an educated class of people educated class of people
Common people had Common people had dangerous passionsdangerous passions
Democracy could remove Democracy could remove protection from some protection from some minoritiesminorities
ConservatismConservatism
Edmund BurkeEdmund Burke (1729-1797)(1729-1797)
Opposed modern forms Opposed modern forms of Democracy (open and of Democracy (open and free elections) free elections)
Government needs an Government needs an educated class of people educated class of people
Common people had Common people had dangerous passionsdangerous passions
Democracy could remove Democracy could remove protection from some protection from some minoritiesminorities
LiberalismLiberalism
Political Philosophy Political Philosophy
Promotes the importance of Government Promotes the importance of Government protecting Liberty and providing Equal Rightsprotecting Liberty and providing Equal Rights
Free and Fair ElectionsFree and Fair Elections
Universal Human RightsUniversal Human Rights
Freedom of Religion Freedom of Religion
Constitutionalism – Constitutionalism – Government authority is Government authority is based on and limited by a body of fundamental lawsbased on and limited by a body of fundamental laws
Liberal Democracy - Multiple Political Parties Liberal Democracy - Multiple Political Parties
Capitalism – Privately owned means of Capitalism – Privately owned means of production which generate profit for the ownersproduction which generate profit for the owners
LiberalismLiberalism
Thomas PaineThomas Paine (1737-1809)(1737-1809)
Invented the term “United Invented the term “United States of America” States of America”
Inspired the American and Inspired the American and French RevolutionsFrench Revolutions
Forced to leave England Forced to leave England when he attempted to when he attempted to inspire a revolution thereinspire a revolution there
Influential in the formation Influential in the formation of the American Constitutionof the American Constitution
LiberalismLiberalism
Thomas PaineThomas Paine (1737-1809)(1737-1809)
One of the first writers to One of the first writers to call for the call for the abolishment of abolishment of slaveryslavery
Based on his philosophy Based on his philosophy that all men are born equal that all men are born equal and that class distinctions and that class distinctions are immoral are immoral
LiberalismLiberalism
Thomas PaineThomas Paine (1737-1809)(1737-1809) The Rights of ManThe Rights of Man
All men are created equal All men are created equal and are born with equal rights and are born with equal rights (liberties) (liberties)
It is necessary to establish a It is necessary to establish a State and a constitution which State and a constitution which encodes individual rights in encodes individual rights in law law
The responsibility of the The responsibility of the government is to enforce and government is to enforce and protect the rights of protect the rights of individualsindividuals
LiberalismLiberalism
Thomas PaineThomas Paine (1737-1809)(1737-1809) The Rights of ManThe Rights of Man
The only moral form of The only moral form of government is a democratic government is a democratic one which allows everyone to one which allows everyone to freely choose government freely choose government leadersleaders
Viewed the monarchies of Viewed the monarchies of France and England as France and England as immoral forms of government immoral forms of government because they deny the right to because they deny the right to freely elect government freely elect government officialsofficials
LiberalismLiberalismJeremy BenthamJeremy Bentham (1748–1832)(1748–1832) Utilitarianism Utilitarianism
Maximize Pleasure & Maximize Pleasure & Minimize Pain Minimize Pain
Foundational Principle of Foundational Principle of Law, Ethics and Politics Law, Ethics and Politics
Promote the Promote the greatest good greatest good for the greatest numberfor the greatest number of of peoplepeople
Punishment should be Punishment should be harsh enough to deter crime harsh enough to deter crime but not too harsh to cause but not too harsh to cause useless suffering useless suffering
LiberalismLiberalismJeremy BenthamJeremy Bentham (1748–1832)(1748–1832) Utilitarianism Utilitarianism
Ethical DilemmasEthical Dilemmas
Trolley Car Illustration Trolley Car Illustration
LiberalismLiberalism
John Stuart MillJohn Stuart Mill (1806–1873)(1806–1873) Utilitarianism Utilitarianism
Follower of Bentham Follower of Bentham
Actions are right in proportion Actions are right in proportion as they promote happiness, as they promote happiness, wrong as they produce the wrong as they produce the reversereverse
Individual should be free to Individual should be free to do whatever they want as long do whatever they want as long as it doesn't cause harm to as it doesn't cause harm to anyone else anyone else
LiberalismLiberalism
John Stuart MillJohn Stuart Mill (1806–1873)(1806–1873) Utilitarianism Utilitarianism
Bentham saw all pleasures Bentham saw all pleasures and pains as equal – Mill felt and pains as equal – Mill felt that there are degrees of that there are degrees of pleasure and pain.pleasure and pain.
– The death of a relative is a The death of a relative is a greater pain than the death greater pain than the death of a petof a pet
LiberalismLiberalism
John Stuart MillJohn Stuart Mill (1806–1873)(1806–1873) The Subjection of WomenThe Subjection of Women
As a Member of the British As a Member of the British Parliament he proposed that Parliament he proposed that women should also be given women should also be given the right to votethe right to vote
First philosopher to advocate First philosopher to advocate equal right for women not just equal right for women not just for menfor men
LiberalismLiberalism
Mary WollstonecraftMary Wollstonecraft (1759–1797)(1759–1797) Feminist Thomas PaineFeminist Thomas Paine
Vindication of the Rights of ManVindication of the Rights of Man
Agreed with Paine that all Agreed with Paine that all men are born equal men are born equal
British people have the Right British people have the Right to remove a bad kingto remove a bad king
Injustice and mistreatment of Injustice and mistreatment of the poor is immoral the poor is immoral
Slavery is immoral Slavery is immoral
LiberalismLiberalism
Mary WollstonecraftMary Wollstonecraft (1759–1797)(1759–1797) Feminist Thomas PaineFeminist Thomas Paine
Vindication of the Rights of Vindication of the Rights of WomenWomen
Argued that Men and Women Argued that Men and Women are also born equal are also born equal
The greatest crime of her day The greatest crime of her day was the lack of education for was the lack of education for womenwomen
Advocated that women must Advocated that women must given the right to vote as a given the right to vote as a basic right basic right