Question bank: Modern and Contemporary Philosophy

During the 17th and 18th centuries, modern philosophy was marked by an intense debate about the nature of knowledge and reality, culminating in the Enlightenment and the criticism of religious and monarchical authority. One of the central themes of this period was the 'search for truth' and the 'liberation of man through knowledge'. Based on the thought of Immanuel Kant, discuss the concept of 'maturity' (Aufklärung) and how it relates to the idea of autonomy of reason in contrast to tutelage. Then, analyze the following quote by Kant: 'Enlightened is the man who does not fear to follow his own reasoning, even if it leads him to challenge the norms established by tradition or current authority'. Evaluate the importance of this Kantian principle in contemporary times, considering the ethical and political challenges faced by democratic societies and the role of education in the formation of autonomous and critical citizens.

Write a text explaining the understanding of the 'moral of the heart' in the thought of the Enlightenment philosopher Jean-Jacques Rousseau. Detail your understanding of moral conscience and the sense of duty.

The French philosopher René Descartes, known as the father of modern philosophy, introduced a radically new approach to philosophy by questioning everything that was considered certain and true. In his work 'Meditations', he proclaims the famous phrase 'I think, therefore I am', which became central to modern philosophical thought. Based on the reading and interpretation of this passage, how do you think Descartes' skepticism contributed to transformations in philosophical thought during the transition to modernity?

Modern Philosophy emerged in the context of the Renaissance and the Scientific Revolution, marking the beginning of modernity. Contemporary Philosophy, on the other hand, developed during a period marked by industrial, political, and ideological revolutions. Considering this brief overview, describe the main differences between Modern Philosophy and Contemporary Philosophy, and mention two representative philosophers from each period, explaining their main contributions to the development of philosophical thought.

During the Enlightenment, modern philosophy underwent a significant transformation, abandoning traditional metaphysics and emphasizing reason as the primary source of knowledge. Immanuel Kant, one of the main philosophers of this period, proposed a 'Copernican revolution' in thought, redefining the role of reason and experience in the construction of knowledge. Considering the historical context and Kant's ideas, discuss: 1) How does Kant's 'Critique of Pure Reason' break with the tradition of previous modern philosophy, especially with the conceptions of knowledge of Descartes and Hume? 2) To what extent do Kant's theory of synthetic a priori judgments and the distinction between phenomenon and noumenon alter our understanding of the possibility and limits of human knowledge? Present your own arguments and elaborate a critical analysis, considering the influence of these changes on subsequent thought, such as in post-Kantian currents and contemporary debates on the nature of knowledge.