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Post-modern Philosophy by Dr. Stephen Hicks.
The year 1912 marks a significant moment in both history and philosophy. Events such as the sinking of the Titanic symbolize a broader uncertainty. In art, Cubism emerges, dismantling and reassembling perceptions, while in Russia, the Bolsheviks break from a Marx-inspired socialist movement. Philosophy mirrors these disruptions, grappling with its role and relevance in a rapidly changing world.
Bertrand Russell's 1912 work, "The Problems of Philosophy," captures the philosophical state of his time. Russell reflects on the legacy of philosophical giants like Plato, Descartes, and Kant, critiquing their rationalist tendencies. His focus is on issues such as the distinction between appearance and reality, the existence of matter, and the nature of universals. Yet, he concludes that philosophy offers no definitive answers.
Russell argues that the value of philosophy lies not in its practicality or definitive truths but in its ability to expand the mind and question assumptions. He views philosophy as a mental discipline that fosters open-mindedness and liberates individuals from dogmatic constraints, offering a broader perspective on existence.
Russell emphasizes the uncertainty intrinsic to philosophical inquiry, suggesting that this lack of resolution is a virtue. By challenging claims of absolute truth, philosophy discourages arrogance and encourages humility. This intellectual flexibility is seen as philosophy's most significant contribution to human thought, providing freedom from societal conventions and narrow perspectives.
In contrast to Russell, John Dewey champions a pragmatic approach to philosophy, deeply influenced by Darwinian evolution. Dewey rejects fixed, eternal truths and emphasizes change and adaptability. He argues that Darwin's work transforms philosophical thought by discarding teleological assumptions and embracing a dynamic understanding of existence.
Dewey critiques traditional religious and philosophical frameworks, positioning them as conservative and resistant to innovation. He asserts that humanity must take responsibility for shaping its destiny, abandoning reliance on transcendent authorities. This pragmatic perspective emphasizes problem-solving and engagement with the material world.
While Russell and Dewey differ in their approaches, they share a skepticism about philosophy's ability to provide absolute knowledge. Russell's idealism celebrates intellectual abstraction, while Dewey's pragmatism values practical results. Both reject traditional certainties, marking a pivotal moment in the evolution of 20th-century philosophy.
Their divergent yet complementary views underscore a broader philosophical transition. Philosophy, now unmoored from its historical quest for ultimate truths, embraces uncertainty, practicality, and adaptability as central themes in its ongoing inquiry into human existence.