Great Philosopher Research Articles

Appearance and Reality in Śaṇkara’s Advaita Philosophy

Appearance and reality is a prime concept in philosophical discourse both in Eastern and Western tradition. Starting from Monistic Idealism to Dualistic Realism the fundamental problem of philosophy is undoubtedly the problem of Reality. Two famous views are found regarding the reality of the appeared world – one is Idealism and another is Realism. As per the view of Idealism there is one spiritual principle underlying, evolving and sustaining the universe and the world of appearance is unreal. On the other hand Realism holds that the world of appearance is as real as it appears to us. But, if it is considered that there are two ultimate reality opposed to each other one is physical and other is spiritual then this is the view of Dualistic Realism. In Indian tradition most of the thinkers holds that Appearance is relative, bound by duality whereas Reality is only one and absolute. In this regard the view of Śaṇkarachārya, the great Vedantist philosopher gained attention in both Eastern- Western discourse. In this paper a humble attempt has been made to explain the idea of reality and appearance in Śaṇkaracharya’s Advaita Philosophy.

Paradox of Wars in Indian Writings: Traversing The Unintended Path to Peace

This paper is an exploration as to why wars become significant and important through historical journey to present times. Events that happened in the deepest of deep pasts continue to fascinate and attract humanity from around the globe. Continuous interpretations and re interpretations of the great Epics and other revered Indian texts have helped in preserving both the religious and cultural identity of not only the great Indian Sub Continent but the whole region that comes under South Asia. Wars under discussion are more than physical confrontations. Be it cosmic or human warfare, it serves to emphasize upon the inter connectedness that exists between the material realm and the spiritual one. Wars have cathartic effect on individuals. Examples of this can be seen in literary texts, historical texts and those penned down by great philosophers. These transformative events bring psychological release for individuals. There is emotional purification both at individual and collective level of societies. Aristotle says that, “Tragedy is an imitation of a serious and complete action, having magnitude, which through pity and fear bring about a catharsis of such emotions”. Catharsis comes with different explanations. The events arousing ‘cathartic’ effect mean that they are fully clarified for their role as being essential and with universal significance. The narrators of tragic events are probably meant to make readers move from particular to the general by making ‘reader spectator’ come face to face with what is known as the ‘universal law’.

Mystical Thoughts of Tagore and Iqbal: A Comparative Analysis

Mysticism is a spiritual search for hidden truth or wisdom that aims to unite with the metaphysical realm. Mysticism is a direct experience of oneness with God. It is a diverse set of practices, discourses, teachings, articles, texts, institutions, traditions, and experiences related to the instruction of human transformation. Mysticism encompasses everything associated with God. Mystical experiences are unique to each individual. This paper delves into the mystical thoughts of two multi-genius thinkers, the greatest philosophers and mystical poets: Rabindranath Tagore and Muhammad Iqbal. It also shows the relationship between man and God in the writing of Tagore and Iqbal. Also, it deals with how Tagore and Iqbal combine nature, different aspects of the self, and images of the divine. They hold that God’s presence permeates all of creation and that mysticism and humanism are the primary sources of an individual’s spiritual power. They think that God is within man, and man is a reflection of this divine spirit, which is God. Tagore imparts a system of Indian mystical thought in which the Gita’s theism, Vedic metaphysics, the Upanishad’s teachings, the mystical philosophy of the Bauls, the doctrine of love of Vaishnava, and Sufism exist in synthesis. Iqbal emphasizes that the ultimate goal of human life is to accomplish the will of the Almighty. Tagore and Iqbal’s writing contains many similar ideas, images, techniques, and analyses. Philosophy and Progress, Vol#73-74; No#1-2; Jan-Dec 2023 P 183-214

Hume’s Philosophy of Religion

ABSTRACT David Hume was a great philosopher of religion and of common life. In this essay, I interpret him as making extreme religious skepticism one part of his overall rhetorical form. In all his religious writings, however, Hume always takes a step back from Pyrrhonian style results to a position that is more compatible with common life. The great twentieth-century religious studies scholar, Ninian Smart, offers seven dimensions of religion which show the extent to which it is thoroughly entwined with the practices and beliefs of ordinary human life, and this connection to ordinary life makes Smart’s divisions a nice match for Hume and his philosophy of common life. I elucidate the ways in which Hume’s philosophy contributes to our understanding of religion in terms of Smart’s dimensions, and in each case, I argue that Hume treats religion not from the perspective of a hostile enemy, but as a student of religion who grounds it in common life and seeks to correct it from that vantage point.

Adorno’s negative dialectics and its debt to Nietzsche: Could Nietzsche be the originator of Adorno’s negative dialectics?

The dominant view for the relation between Adorno and Nietzsche is that the latter’s influence on the former, in terms of style and content, is primarily to be found in Adorno’s book Minima Moralia. Contrary to the dominant view, this article takes seriously Adorno’s admission that ‘of all the so-called great philosophers I owe [Nietzsche] by far the greatest debt – more even than Hegel’ and investigates the extent of Nietzsche’s influence in the conception of negative dialectics. It is argued that there could be a significant as well as inconspicuous influence that runs through Adorno’s Negative Dialectics to the point where Nietzsche legitimately be proclaimed the originator of Adorno’s negative dialectics. For those who consider negative dialectics to be the paramount achievement of Adorno’s thought, this claim would be equivalent to the claim that Nietzsche’s most significant contribution in Adorno’s thought is to be found in Negative Dialectics rather than in Minima Moralia.

The Hebrew Spinoza

Spinoza has gained acceptance into Hebrew culture in the last two centuries, a period that includes the Jewish Haskalah in Europe, the culture created in Eretz Yisrael in the pre-statehood days, and contemporary Israeli culture. This acceptance is rather intimate by nature. Hebrew authors and their readers turned to Spinoza to clarify their own problems. To these audiences, Spinoza was not only a great philosopher, whose writings are worth interpreting and spreading. He was also perceived as someone who could help formulate what Judaism is and learn the possible meaning it can find in the world of Jews who had moved away from a religious lifestyle.

Kebahagiaan dalam Pandangan Filsafat Al-Ghazālī dan Al-Fārābī

Happiness, as the main goal of every individual, continues to be a topic that never ends for discussion. In this study, the focus is placed on two great Muslim philosophers, Al-Ghazālī and Al-Fārābī, who had different philosophical backgrounds. Al-Fārābī, an Aristotelian follower, and Al-Ghazālī, who sharply criticized this school, encourage us to explore the nature and approach to happiness from their perspectives. By considering their different philosophical backgrounds, this study aims to detail the ideas related to happiness promoted by Al-Ghazālī and Al-Fārābī. Through descriptive analysis methods and literature study, this research reveals the essence of happiness in their views and explores practical ways to achieve it. The results of this research show that both Al-Ghazālī and al-Fārābī both agree that true happiness can only be achieved through a deep knowledge of God.

СОКРАТ И ПЛАТОН: ОТКРЫТИЕ МИКРОКОСМА ЧЕЛОВЕЧЕСКОЙ ДУШИ

This article is about the teachings of the great ancient Greek philosophers Socrates and Plato, written in the books of the brightest scientist of our time M.N. Boltaev. Socrates, an enlightenment philosopher who awakens his thoughts with his words. He moves on to general problems from specific, sometimes practical issues. The system of Plato‘s idealism is revealed, firstly, faith in heavenly truth and, secondly, renunciation from earthly evil.

СОКРАТ И ПЛАТОН: ОТКРЫТИЕ МИКРОКОСМА ЧЕЛОВЕЧЕСКОЙ ДУШИ

This article is about the teachings of the great ancient Greek philosophers Socrates and Plato, written in the books of the brightest scientist of our time M.N. Boltaev. Socrates, an enlightenment philosopher who awakens his thoughts with his words. He moves on to general problems from specific, sometimes practical issues. The system of Plato‘s idealism is revealed, firstly, faith in heavenly truth and, secondly, renunciation from earthly evil.

Имануел Кант за свободата като морална категория

The article is dedicated to the 300th anniversary of the birth of the great German thinker and philosopher Immanuel Kant and analyzes his conceptions of the moral category of freedom. Based on a review and analysis of the philosopher's ideas in the three "critiques" and his other writings, an attempt is made to determine the specificity of Kant's understanding of moral freedom, as well as to find the connections it makes to some modern dimensions of the problem. Comments of Bulgarian and foreign philosophers on the relevant topic, which enrich the existing knowledge on the problem, are also examined. Conclusions concern the enduring importance of Kantian ideas for modern notions of freedom, publicity, independence, and the significance of truth.

Civic Conscience, the True Educational Ideal in John Dewey and Jean Piaget

In a world heavily challenged by new historical and technological developments, the civic conscience of the individual must regain a defining importance in the education process. As the culmination of efforts to shape the new generations, it reinstates democratic values in schools, so that we can find them later in society. Here, I will illustrate that two great philosophers of education, John Dewey and Jean Piaget, have already shown that educational systems should primarily aim towards civic conscience, even though neither of them uses the term explicitly. New solutions must be sought to reintegrate society into schools as an educational material, to foster the development of the skills that the citizen of tomorrow will need, a citizen who will not only have the mission to restore balance but also to ensure the progress of society.

Implications Of Educational Philosophy Of Sri Aurobindo In 21st Century

Sri Aurobindo, an Indian philosopher, yogi, and poet, developed Integral Education, a comprehensive educational philosophy that emphasizes holistic development of individuals. This research article examines Sri Aurobindo’s educational philosophy, based on integral development and spiritual evolution, and its relevance in the 21st-century education landscape. It highlights how principles like holistic learning, self-discovery, and higher consciousness can guide transformative educational practices in the digital age. Aurobindo, a great Indian philosopher, contributed significantly to the development of better education systems and innovative ideas. This research article explores the implications of Aurobindo’s educational philosophy in the 21st century, focusing on the aims of education, curriculum, teaching methods, school, teacher role, and discipline. Aurobindo believed that education is a means to achieve one’s destiny.

International Health Regulations and Role of State to Protect Health in India with Special Reference to International Health Regulation 2005: a Critical Study

The apt observation by the great philosopher of India, Mahatma Gadhi emphasizes the importance of health and healthy person. The health of any nation is dependent on health of individual and society. The protection of public health is responsibility of state. It ensures the physical and mental wellbeing of individual to enjoy the life to fullest extent. The ill health is root cause for many problems including dirt, disease, poverty etc. The right to health is one of the cherished rights recognized and protected at national and international level. It is responsibility of state to enable every individual to protect health of individual.. There are several international instruments provided for regulation of regulation of health of individual. The International Health Regulations 2005 is adopted by World Health Assembly. It specifically provides for responsibility of state to develop capacity to detect, protect and to respond the public health crisis and risks. It also requires the state to coordinate with WHO on any issue on concern on public health which may create danger to world health. The recent example of CORONA emerged as challenge before the public health which is tackled with coordination and cooperation The present research explores the international health regulation and duties of state with special reference to public health in India. The International treaties and pacts are binding on state once it is signed by state. The signatory state shall implement the obligations created by it. India is signatory to many instruments. This research further explored the laws and measures and health system provided by India for implementation of international health standard as provided by international health regulation. The research critically examined the loopholes in implementation of such regulations. The research concludes that IHR is crucial initiative by WHO to disease surveillance and prevent disease outbreak endangering world health. It suggests that government must strengthen public health system in coordination with organizations like WHO.

A Dialectical Cure for Germany’s Angst?

At a time of soul-searching and demoralization in Germany, a revival of the great philosopher of history might provide guidance—but many Germans prefer to avoid thinking about their country’s history.

Philosophy of Al-Farabi In Developing A Digital Music Notation Training Model for High School Art and Culture Teachers Based on CSCL

This article explores the philosophical aspects of Al-Farabi in the development of a music art training model, aimed at assisting high school Art and Culture teachers in understanding and teaching digital music notation. Al-Farabi, a great philosopher from the Classical Islamic period, offers valuable insights into education and learning, which are applicable in the context of music art teaching. The article elucidates how Al-Farabi's views, particularly on ethics, morality, and happiness, can be integrated into a training model based on Computer Support Collaborative Learning (CSCL) to enrich the art teachers' learning experience. Furthermore, it provides an overview of how digital music notation can be implemented in high school cultural arts education and why this approach is relevant in the rapidly evolving context of music education. This article is expected to serve as a guide for developing a holistic and philosophical training model in music art education, focusing on understanding digital music notation and applying Al-Farabi's philosophical principles in the learning process. Additionally, this research highlights the importance of integrating technology in art education, demonstrating how digital approaches can broaden the horizons of music art learning. Moreover, the article seeks to prove how teaching methods inspired by Al-Farabi's thoughts can enhance students' creativity and conceptual understanding in music art.

Alexander the Great: Conqueror with an Indomitable Spirit

This essay explores the remarkable life and indomitable spirit of Alexander the Great, one of history’s most renowned military leaders. Through a comprehensive examination of his conquests, strategic brilliance, and unyielding determination, this paper aims to shed light on how the faith of Alexander the Great contributed to making him a true conqueror. Beginning with an overview of Alexander’s upbringing under the tutelage of the great philosopher Aristotle, this essay delves into the formation of his ambitious character and insatiable thirst for knowledge, specifically his visit to the Oracles of Delphi and Amun. From an early age, Alexander demonstrated exceptional leadership skills and an unshakable belief in his divine destiny to conquer the known world. Moreover, this paper explores Alexander’s challenges during his conquests, including the arduous journeys, devastating battles, and managing diverse cultures under his rule. Despite these obstacles, his religion-fueled, indomitable spirit enabled him to overcome adversity and emerge victorious time and again. The essay then examines the idea of religious syncretism in the ruling philosophy of Alexander the Great as he expanded his empire to encompass a diverse population and culture. Ultimately, this essay seeks to provide a comprehensive understanding of Alexander the Great, delving beyond his military exploits to reveal a man whose ambition and character were shaped by his religious experiences.

Ethics Lessons In The History Of The Ancient World (Comparative Analysis)

The first examples of practical ethics are proverbs and proverbs written on clay tablets in cuneiform, the world's first writing, three and a half thousand years ago. Samaritan proverbs and sayings are also noteworthy; many of them have risen to the level of universal wisdom and are still used in the East in a slightly different form. In addition, various moral problems are raised in the epic "Gilgamesh". When talking about ancient Greek ethics, it is customary to mention the names of four great philosophers; Socrates, Plato, Aristotle, Epicurus. But in fact, even before them, a lot of work on ethics was done in Ancient Greece

CO-RELATION OF SUSHRUTOKTA NADI YANTRA AND MODERN SURGICAL INSTRUMENT: AN ANATOMICAL PERSPECTIVE

Ayurveda is the oldest medical system, and anatomy is one of the oldest modalities of the medical system. An-cient Indian scientists explored essential knowledge of practical anatomy. Neither in Sushruta nor in charak is there any indication of animal dissection; they perched about human dissection only, and the yantra used in it are also specially designed for human dissection only, which are now adapted by modern with different names. Dissection is the first milestone in the journey of being a doctor. Sushruta, the great sage surgeon, philosopher and teacher of ancient India, is renowned worldwide for his contribution to surgery. His conception of surgical instruments, description of quality, methods of manufacture and usage are unique, as there were no earlier com-prehensive descriptions of similar surgical instruments by any surgeon in India and the world. Sushruta was the first surgeon in the world to describe different types of surgical instruments, including endoscopes.

Ο Ιάκωβος Αργείος (ca 1660-1736) στην Πατριαρχική Σχολή

Iakovos Argeios (ca 1660-1736) at the Patriarchal Academy of Constantinople. New evidence and answers for an old riddle
 Research into the history of the Patriarchal Academy at the beginning of the 18th century has been primarily based on the works of Manuel Gedeon and Tasos Gritsopoulos. These two historians have recorded and reconstructed all the testimonies and information they had gathered about the operation of the Academy. However, the sources at their disposal were extremely scarce for this period in terms of teachers, such as Iakovos Argeios (1660-1736), on whom the present study focuses, and their teaching activities at the School. The aim of this article is to present the new data which emerged from the identification and study of unknown manuscripts as well as from the study of the scholar’s personal correspondence. These facts militate against Tasos Gritsopoulos’ dominant view that Iakovos was exclusively a home teacher of the Mavrokordatos’family and that his teaching career at the Patriarchal Academy was limited in time (i.e. confined in the years 1707-1715).In this study I examine and reconstruct all the existing testimonies and evidence that I found on the life and work of Iakovos Argeios, “the supreme of the Great Church philosophers”. Through these new data it becomes possible to study and trace the career of Iakovos Argeios at the Patriarchal Academy from the mid-1680s until his death (1736). Iakovos was initially a student in the philosophy course of the Academy (1684), when Antonios Spantones was a professor of philosophy. He completed his studies around 1686/87 and he attracted the interest of his teachers and of the Grand Dragoman Alexandros Mavrokordatos. He subsequently served as tutor to the Mavrokordatos’ family (since the beginning of the 1690s) for at least 20-25 years, while almost at the same time he was appointed professor of rhetoric at the Academy. As a prominent professor he delivered two encomiastic addresses to the Ecumenical Patriarchs Kallinikos II (1698) and Gabriel II (1703).Then, probably in 1702, he was appointed Academy’s headmaster and professor of philosophy. He taught rhetoric theory and practise and Aristotelian philosophy from the textbooks of Theophilos Korydalleus, as evidenced by the manuscripts of his students presented in this article, mainly Antonios Byzantios, Nikolaos Kritias and Azarias Tzigalas: Physics, Logic, On the Soul, On generation and corruption. He also received from the Patriarchate the highly-esteemed office of the “supreme of thephilosophers” (around 1707-1709), through Mavrokordatos’ intervention, as a recognition of his philosophical expertise. He retained this title and remained head of the Academy until the end of his life. From his letters we know that Iakovos was present in Methodios Anthrakites’ conviction (1723). He supported in deeds and words the efforts of Silvestros, the Patriarch of Antioch, to establish a Greek and Christian seminary in Aleppo (1724-1726). Unfortunately, the last years of his life were painful due to health problems and the ingratitude of his old friends. Iakovos found solace only in teaching at the Academy and in correspondence with his dear friends and old students, such as Makarios Kalogeras, who had founded a school on the island of Patmos. For the teachers and students of the School of Patmos, Iakovos was their mentor and spiritual guide. In conclusion, Iakovos Argeios had an important influence on the course of the Patriarchal Academy with his long lasting and constant teaching activity. In his time the Patriarchal Academy became a true “Faculty of Philosophy”.

Русский политический Кант после либерализма: С. И. Гессен о юбилее Канта в 1924 году

Using the Kant jubilee in 1924 as a pretext, Sergey Hessen, a Russian émigré neo­Kantian, draws no direct political conclusions but sets forth a view of the great philosopher’s legacy from the position of a “legal socialist”, selecting from his heritage those parts of German socialist doctrines that to his mind experienced a departure from a recent flowering of Kantian ideas in Neo­Kantianism and the collapse of traditional liberalism in the wake of the First World War. The fact that the text was first published in the Berlin­based Russian liberal newspaper “Rul’”, gives us reason to see it not just as a formal jubilee tribute, but as an act addressed to the qualified liberal audience which witnessed thecollapse of liberalism in Russia.