Unit 1: The Dawn of Modern Philosophy
Shifting from Faith to Reason.
1. Characteristics of Modern Philosophy
Modern Philosophy began in the 17th century, marking a break from the "Scholasticism" of the Middle Ages. Its defining features are:
- Autonomy of Reason: Reason, not the Church or tradition, is the ultimate authority for truth.
- Individualism: A focus on the "Subject" or the individual's mind as the starting point of knowledge.
- Scientific Influence: The methods of mathematics and physics became the models for philosophical inquiry.
- Epistemological Turn: The central question shifted from "What exists?" to "How do we know what exists?"
2. Francis Bacon: The Father of Empiricism
Bacon rejected the abstract logic of Aristotle. He argued that knowledge should be practical and aimed at the mastery of nature.
"Knowledge is power."
The Inductive Method
Bacon proposed Induction—gathering specific observations and moving toward general laws—instead of starting with unproven generalities (Deduction).
3. The Four Idols of the Mind
Bacon identified four types of prejudices or "Idols" that block human understanding. To find truth, we must clear these from our minds:
- Idols of the Tribe: Errors common to all humans (e.g., our tendency to see patterns where there are none).
- Idols of the Cave: Personal prejudices based on an individual’s background, education, and mood.
- Idols of the Marketplace: Errors arising from the imprecise use of language and social interaction.
- Idols of the Theatre: False dogmas and systems of philosophy that create a "fictitious world."
4. René Descartes: The Father of Rationalism
Descartes sought to build a system of knowledge as certain as geometry. He began by doubting everything to see if anything "indubitable" remained.
Cartesian Methodic Doubt
- Senses: They sometimes deceive us, so they cannot be the foundation.
- The Dream Argument: How do I know I am not dreaming right now?
- The Evil Demon: Could a powerful deceiver be making me believe 2+2=5?
5. Cogito Ergo Sum
In the depths of doubt, Descartes realized: I cannot doubt that I am doubting. To doubt is to think, and to think is to exist.
"Cogito, Ergo Sum" (I think, therefore I am).
From this foundation, Descartes rebuilt his world:
- God: Since I am a finite being with an idea of an infinite, perfect God, that idea must have been placed in me by God Himself.
- Dualism: The world is divided into two substances: Res Cogitans (Mind/Thinking thing) and Res Extensa (Body/Extended thing).
Exam Essentials
- Comparison: Bacon uses Induction (experience); Descartes uses Deduction (reason).
- Key Question: "Explain Bacon's Four Idols" or "Explain Descartes' Method of Doubt."
- Critical Note: Descartes' biggest problem was "Interactionism"—how does an immaterial mind move a material body? (The Pineal Gland theory).