The Evolution of Western Thought Essay - 1502 Words

Throughout modern history no other period of human evolution has had a greater effect on the way people think than the enlightenment. The philosophers and great thinkers of the enlightenment changed the logic of the human mind for the better and propelled a period of mass advancement in all aspects of society. Western thought progressed over time to help build a more intellectual society. Modern philosophers such as Max Horkheimer and Immanuel Kant incorporated their views of Western Thought into their political writings. Western Thought Western thought is defined as the rational and critical inquiry into basic principles. Western thought is often divided into the four main branches of metaphysics, epistemology, ethics, and†¦show more content†¦The medieval view of the world as an order of beings created and governed by God was rethought with a mechanistic view of the world as a machine. The machine’s parts move in accordance with strict physical laws, without purpose or will. This view of the universe is known as Mechanism. Science began to take precedence over spirituality. The surrounding physical world that we experience and observe received as much, if not more, attention than the world to come. The goal of human life was no longer conceived as preparation for salvation in the next world, but rather as the satisfaction of people’s natural desires. Political institutions and ethical principles ceased to be regarded as reflections of divine command and came to be seen as practical devi ces created by humans. The human mind itself seemed an infinite reality, on a par with the physical reality of matter. Modern philosophers not only had the task of defining more clearly the essence of mind and of matter, but also reasoning about the relation between the two. Philosophers thought that individuals should search for the truth with their own reason. Horkheimer’s Interpretation Max Horkheimer believes that the ills of modern society are caused by the misuse and misunderstanding of reason. If people use true reason to critique their societies, they will be able to identify and solve their problems. Horkheimer defines true reason asShow MoreRelatedCharles Darwin And Evolution Of Humans1643 Words   |  7 PagesTiger Sikka Mr. Pimentel WCIV-H May 4th 2015 Charles Darwin (Intro) A man named Charles Darwin forever changed the world, especially within western civilizations. The idea of how humans and animals came to be was very confusing and there was no set reason of this. People forever wondered how they came to be on this planet. Many different ideas and theories were made, but there was no scientific reasoning on exactly the way humans and animals are here. Today, the theory is still in debate. 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