Prepared by Raizza P. Corpuz © 2015

VECTOR created By MMA 401

OBJECTIVES:• To enhance critical analysis of how Modern

period plays a vital stance in the transition ofMan

• To develop one’s own understanding in therealm of the world towards achieving the end

( means) of Man

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MODERN PHILOSOPHY

• practiced in Western Europe and NorthAmerica between the 17th and early20th centuries.

• Characteristically anthropocentric.

• Epochal turning point: HUMANISM

the man realized he had a dignity, he foundhe had a thought and a ratiocination(methodological and logical reasoning)

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The Meaning of Modernity

• Moderna” means “new” and “now”.Modern is a temporal orientation to ‘hereand now’ [not ‘there and past” of themedieval mentality]

• The term relates to the concept of time:linear progress [contrary to cyclical conceptof time]

• Key concepts of the modernity:“technological progress”, “revolution”,“economic growth”

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Humanism, Renaissance and Enlightenment

• 16th century: led MAN to theintellectual affirmation andemancipation(liberate)

• man "born again" who appearedon the Earth, just the man of the

RenaissancePrepared by Raizza P. Corpuz © 2015

A. RENAISSANCE

the man really renewed himself, he saw himself, he felt himself “reborn” in all his potentialities

because the renaissance was a general historical moment, which determined a new vision of the all human life, in its cultural, religious, artistic, political aspects.

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B. Enlightenment

1. illuminating capacity of reason

2. Intended to bring light of reason inevery field of human activity

3.Less radical, balance towardsempiricism and subjective idealism

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Three (3) Characteristics of Modern Philosophy

1.Centers on the problem of consciousness or subjectivity [contrary to theocentrism]

2. Radicalization of the epistemological concept of critique [contrary to dogmatism]

3. Teleological Concept of historical progress of mankind [contrary to status quo]

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POLITICAL MODERN

PHILOSOPHER

1. Thomas Hobbes

2. John Locke

3. Baron de Montesquieu

4. Jean Jacques Rousseau

5. Voltaire

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POLITICAL PHILOSOPHY

1. Political philosophy is the study of

fundamental questions about

the state, government, politics, liberty, justice

and the enforcement of a legal

code by authority.

2. Political philosophy has its beginnings

in ethics: in questions such as what kind of

life is the good life for human beings.

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ENGLISH THINKERS

THOMAS HOBBES

VS.

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Leviathian vs. Two Treatise on Gov’t

VS.

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• English Philosopher• Inspired by the Glorious Revolution• 1690 – published Two Treatises on Government• People shaped by their experiences not natural

violent• All people had 3 natural rights – life, liberty, &

property• People are born with a “tabula rasa” or clean slate.• Purpose of gov’t = serve the people – people have the

right to overthrow the gov’t if it is not serving its purpose

• Social Contract – agreement b/w ruler & peoplePrepared by Raizza P. Corpuz © 2015

• English Philosopher• Influenced by the English Civil War & Charles I

Execution• 1651 – Published Leviathan (Sea Monster)• Argued that natural law made absolute monarchy

the best form of gov’t• Humans were natural selfish and violent• People couldn’t make their own decisions• If they did life would be “nasty, brutish, and short”• Only a strong ruler (Leviathan) could give people

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• Inspired by the Glorious Revolution & John Locke, Greek Philosophers

• French Philosopher• 1748 – published – Spirit of Laws• Separation of Power – equal divide power among the 3

Branches of gov’t• Executive (Monarch) enforce laws, Legislative

(Parliament) makes laws, Judicial (Courts) interpret laws

• By separating these powers, gov’t could not become too powerful – checks and balances

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Montesquieu’s 3 branches in Action

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• French Philosopher• 1762 – published Social Contract• Gov’t should be based on a Social Contract• Everyone must agree to be governed by the general

will , what's good for the people (foundation for totalitarian gov’t)

• Humans being were naturally good but corrupted by society

• Importance on Education and Civic Virtue – train people how to be good citizens.

• People should pay more attention to emotions & feelings instead of new ideas –seek a balance –

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• Francois-Marie Arouet – known as Voltaire

• French Philosopher

• Wrote many novels, plays, letters, & essays that brought him fame

• Strong dislike of Catholic Church

• Blame the church for keeping knowledge from people to keep its power

• Freedom of Religion

• Natural Law runs the worldPrepared by Raizza P. Corpuz © 2015

References

• F. Budi Hardiman, Sejarah Filsafat Barat

Modern dari Machiavelli sampai

Nietzsche, Gramedia, Jakarta, 2004

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