Critical Philosophy Research Articles

Rousseau in narratives of Kyiv academic philosophers of the late 19th and early 20th centuries

This article aims to reveal the semantic dynamics of narratives on Rousseau in Kyiv academic philosophy of the 19th and early 20th centuries. through the separation of the informational layer from the rhetorical one in their content and the identification of hidden (unarticulated) elements that determined both the general nature of the narrative and the evaluative judgments of the narrators. Based on archival primary sources and printed editions (mostly bibliographic rarities), a historical and philosophic study of the narratives on Jean-Jacques Rousseau and his philosophy of education performed, which were created and broadcast by professors of Kyiv Theological Academy and St.Volodymyr University Pamfil Yurkevych, Sylvester Gogotskyi, Markellin Olesnitskyi, Mykola Makkaveiskyi, Oleksandr Selikhanovych, and Vasyl Zenkovskyi. Keeping almost the same informational core, the narratives of Kyiv academicians on Rousseau differ significantly in terms of rhetoric. While the “older generation” goes into philosophical criticism of the pedagogical ideas of the Swiss thinker as the Stranger, the “younger ones”, limiting themselves to remarks about their controversial nature, represent him as the Self. This difference is due to both personal factors and institutional conditions for the development of Kyiv academic philosophy, as well as changes in the general political situation in the period of the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

History and Power in Hume’s ‘Of Miracles’: A Pragmaticist-Historicist Account

Abstract This reconsideration of Hume’s classic essay “Of Miracles” via the lens of American pragmatist ways of thinking about history and power shifts our attention from Hume’s epistemic concerns about the legitimacy of witnesses and testimony to his distaste for sacred history, his critical stance regarding the social force of revelation, and his disdain for religious authority. To view Hume’s essay both as an articulation of a critical philosophy of history and as an exercise in moral dynamism (social power or, authority, is a result of epistemic transactions), is to intervene in both Hume studies and Contemporary Pragmatism.

Preface to a Philosophy by Which No One Can Live

This essay proposes an ethics for critical philosophies attuned to global white supremacy and its effects of violence, erasure, and precarity. The essay examines Arthur Schopenhauer as a potential forefigure for critical practices that aim to attend to the precarious survival of the global majority engulfed by white supremacy and racial capitalism. Through Denise Ferreira da Silva’s and Sara Ahmed’s philosophies of race, the essay carries out an autotheoretical dissection—tracing Ruffin’s own myopic relation to the white supremacist moralities that continue to thrive in critical interdisciplinary German studies. As a way out of the aporia that white supremacy enacts, the essay proposes an orientation away from what is thought to be life and toward a critical aesthetics that attends to the unsurviving.

From the Archimedean point to circles in the sand—Post-sustainable curriculum and the critical subject

Critical thinking (CT) is frequently mentioned as a key competence in sustainability curricula. In this context our era is often diagnosed as being ‘post-truth’, indicating an epistemic concern. However, emerging ‘post-sustainable’ views in education indicate that environmental crises are posing increasingly existential concerns, which might partly explain why simple consciousness-raising sometimes faces denial or fails to promote sustainable action. To overcome this challenge, we undertake a philosophical critique of modern (individual, rational, autonomous) subjectivity assumed in CT and much of curricular thinking. We follow the ‘ontological turn’ where criticality means self-reflective questioning of one’s own being-in-the-world. One acute question concerns energy, especially fossil fuels, which constitute much of the autonomous experience of modern, critical subjectivity, while simultaneously endangering the future horizon of that same subjectivity. Climate strikes at schools and the yellow vest movements indicate, in their own ways, how ecologically problematic fossil fuels are bending modern rationality into unpredicted directions. Metaphoric Archimedes and his ‘circles in the sand’ demonstrate the vulnerability of critical thought facing post-sustainability. This vulnerability should be addressed in curriculum theory, since it is interdependent persons—rather than independent subjects—who are open to sustainable transformation and action.

Two sorts of philosophical therapy: Ordinary language philosophy, social criticism and the Frankfurt school

In a recent article, Fabian Freyenhagen argues that we should understand first-generation Frankfurt School critical theory (in particular, the work of Adorno and Horkheimer) as being defined by a kind of ‘linguistic turn’ analogous to one present in the later Wittgenstein. Here, I elaborate on this hypothesis – initially by calling it into question, by detailing Herbert Marcuse’s extensive criticisms of Wittgenstein (and other analytic philosophers of language) in One-Dimensional Man. While Marcuse is harshly critical of analytic ordinary language philosophy, he is much more sympathetic to a different sort of ordinary language philosophy, which he unpacks with reference to Karl Kraus. I show how, by getting Marcuse’s criticisms of Wittgenstein and other analytic philosophers, and lauding of Kraus, into view, we can better understand the first generation of the Frankfurt School as having practised a sort of ‘non-quietistic’ philosophical therapy (that may or may not have been the sort of thing that Wittgenstein himself had in mind).

Philosophy of Science in the Scope of Education and Science Management

Between science and philosophy which both use reflective thinking methods in an effort to understand the facts of life, these are critical philosophy and science, open-minded and highly committed to the truth. In this connection the philosophy of science will open up insight into what the substance of science actually is. . This is because the philosophy of science is a further study and reflection on science, thus it is an absolute requirement to oppose the disintegration of science. Apart from that, to maintain balance in the growth of existing sciences, through an understanding of the principles, background and relationships of a scientific activity. The philosophy of science clarifies the existence of science which requires other knowledge as a means of thinking and a means of scientific communication. These tools include language, logic, mathematics, statistics, and other data analysis techniques. Philosophy-based educational management is the management of educational resources based on a realistic study of nature and the meaning of life, which is carried out using rational, natural scientific, harmonious and critical thinking.

Precursors and theoretical background of Kant’s philosophy: ontological and metaphysical aspects

The year 2024 will witness the 300th anniversary of Kant, the philosopher, whose works, according to many researchers, began modern philosophy. However, the outstanding achievements of Kant, his “Copernican revolution”, the transcendental method did not appear from scratch. The revolutionary ideas of Kant absorbed the experience of outstanding representatives of antiquity, the Middle Ages, and the New Age. The political and socio-cultural situation in Europe in the 18th century also had a certain impact on the formation of his philosophy. Among the outstanding philosophers of the preclassical period, Plato, Aristotle, Augustine, Thomas Aquinas should be noted. Hobbes, Locke, Newton, Descartes, Spinoza, Leibniz, Hume, Rousseau should be mentioned among the representatives of the New Age. Some of these philosophers influenced his ethical philosophy, which is beyond the scope of this work. It is advisable to consider all the above problems in the context of the coordinate system of the world based on the limiting dynamic equilibria, since Kant raised questions about the boundaries of the sensory sphere, reason, reason, and human freedom. He resolved many of them or outlined approaches to their solution. Kant also claimed to remove the contradictions between empiricism and rationalism – the main epistemological currents of the New Age; however, according to the researchers of his creative heritage, he did not succeed. At the beginning of his philosophical activity, Kant tried to find the ultimate foundations of metaphysics, the value of which Kant constantly emphasizes. He believed that this was necessary in order to elucidate the final foundations of reality. Kant continued the search for ultimate foundations in his “critical philosophy” in aesthetics, analytics, and dialectics. He revealed the boundaries of reason, sense, and free will. He drew the line between the “idea of God” – the “ideal of pure reason” and its actual capabilities.

Review article: Charles Taylor's critical philosophy of language

Review article: Charles Taylor's critical philosophy of language

Kantianism: Schools and Directions

The study offers an overview of philosophical currents formed under the influence of Kant’s critical philosophy. Such directions of Kantianism as German Idealism represented by F. Jacobi, Neo-Kantianism represented by E. Cassirer and A. Riehl, ontological interpretation of Kant’s theory by M. Heidegger and analytical tradition of Neo-Kantianism represented by J. McDowell are considered in detail. These examples demonstrate different approaches to understanding Kant which have been developed throughout history. Among them, one can identify the epistemological approach that views Kant’s theoretical philosophy as a theory of knowledge and, above all, as a theory of experience. It can be contrasted with various metaphysical approaches developed against the background of an idealistic reading of the Critique of Pure Reason . From time to time, realistic interpretations of Kant’s theory of experience that try to avoid ontological dualism concerning the relation between “appearance” and “thing in itself” have arisen, which seem adequate to its spirit and letter. Within the analytic Kantian paradigm, a whole spectrum of interpretations of Kant’s concept of experience has emerged, for which the stumbling blocks are, above all, Kant’s theory on the cognitive faculties - sensibility and understanding, the deduction of categories and the transcendental unity of apperception. In the first case, the main issue is the question of the cooperation of cognitive faculties in the process of experience formation, which still causes difficulties for researchers; in the second case, the question of the role of non-discursive and discursive concepts in this process; in the third case, the question of the relationship of apperception, consciousness and self-consciousness and their functions in cognition. The study shows that all these questions still await their final resolution. The study is in fact an introduction to the block devoted to the reception of Kant’s Critique of Pure Reason in connection with the approaching anniversary of the philosopher.

Friedrich Jacobi: Only Madman Can Be Follower of Kant!

Friedrich Jacobi (1743-1819) is known mainly as a representative of the “philosophy of feeling and faith” and as one of the first critics of Kant, who drew attention to the fundamental contradiction in his system: without the concept of “thing in itself” (or “thing in oneself”) it is impossible to enter into his “Critique of Pure Reason”, but it is equally impossible to remain in it with this concept. The consistent development of the transcendental philosophy system leads to the elimination of its own initial, fundamental premise. The discovery of this contradiction and the indication of its significance for the evaluation of critical philosophy was often seen as almost the only contribution of Jacobi to world philosophy. In the historical and philosophical literature, the opinion prevails is that Jacobi, by and large, simply did not understand Kant and was in comparison with him, just a “grumpy scoundrel” (Heinrich Heine) and a “lower monad” (Kuno Fischer). This pejorative assessment significantly simplifies and distorts both Jacobi’s philosophy and Jacobi’s actual attitude towards Kant, which was not so unambiguous. It should be considered in a much broader historical and problematic context. The study briefly examines the history of the long and difficult relationship between the “privileged heretic” and the “gray eminence” of the German philosophical classics with the creator of the transcendental philosophy system. The main directions of a deeply thought-out and well-founded serious criticism of Kant’s philosophy (i.e. its inconsistency, idealism, rational intellectualism, subjectivism, “speculative egoism”, etc.) are outlined and analyzed from the positions of radical realism, common sense, Christian faith, metaphysical “sense of the supersensible”, direct knowledge of the most important truths for a person, the absolute values of life, moral intuition, freedom, and dignity of the individual.

What is the GCPR?

The Conversation puts an ear to current discussion in the field. With scholars reevaluating the legacy of every facet of Religious Studies, the team at the Bulletin thought to check in with what is happening in the world of philosophy. In so doing, we learned about an exciting endeavor known as Global Critical Philosophy of Religion. Philosophers Nathan Loewen University of Alabama), Tim Knepper (Drake University), and Gereon Kopf (Luther College) were kind enough to answer our questions about GCPR.

Making Sense of God: Samson Raphael Hirsch and Franz Rosenzweig on Translation and Anthropomorphisms

Abstract Contrary to the classical denial of bodily attributes or human emotions to God, both Samson Raphael Hirsch and Franz Rosenzweig embrace biblical anthropomorphisms. Their views on anthropomorphisms are part of their critiques of philosophy, especially of the basic preconceptions of the philosophical approach to the concept of God. This article analyses their positions by examining Hirsch’s commentaries on scripture (especially Gen 6:6), and Rosenzweig’s “A Note on Anthropomorphisms in Response to the Encyclopedia Judaica’s Article.” Through a close reading and interpretation of Rabad of Posquiére’s famous animadversion against Maimonides’s rule concerning heretics, this paper retraces the rabbinical roots of Hirsch’s and Rosenzweig’s approach to anthropomorphisms.

Social Robots to Fend Off Loneliness?

Social robots are increasingly being deployed to address social isolation and loneliness, particularly among older adults. Clips on social media attest that individuals availing themselves of this option are pleased with their robot companions. Yet, some people find the use of social robots to meet fundamental human emotional needs disturbing. This article clarifies and critically evaluates this response. It sets forth a framework for loneliness, which characterizes one kind of loneliness as involving an affective experience of lacking human relations that provide certain social goods. Next, the article discusses social robots and critically reviews the literature on the ethics of using them in light of this loneliness characterization. Third, we present a normative argument connecting the philosophical critique of loneliness-as-absence with the design and deployment of social robots. Finally, we draw out the implications of our analysis for public health and for interrogating the aims of commercial companies who make social robots.

칸트의 『자연지리학』에 대한 시론적 연구

With the recent discussion of cosmopolitanism, interest in Kant’s geography is gradually growing. In the history of geography, Kant’s concept of space has been treated as important since a long time ago, but there were not many discussions about the contents of his Physical Geography (Physische Geographie) lectures and edited posthumously edited textbook. Therefore, the direction of reconsideration of Kant’s geography was suggested from the following several points of view. First, this study interpreted the meaning of David Harvey’s critique of Kant’s geography as an example. Harvey’s criticism of ‘geographical racism’ is meaningful in that it actively examines the geographical perspective as well as the anthropological and sociological criticism of Kant’s critical philosophy. Second, Kant’s Physical Geography and Anthropology from a Practical Perspective (Anthropologie in Pragmatischer Hinsicht) were compared and reviewed focusing on the explanation of the differences between races and ethnic groups. Kant’s geography sought to break away from the system of natural theology and the concept of design theory. Fourth, the contradiction between Kant’s geography and anthropology needs to be understood within the tension between the geo-environmental Eurocentrism inherent in Enlightenment philosophy and Cosmopolitanism as a liberating possibility.

Impact of Outcome-Based Education (OBE) on Learners' Performance in Business Courses

Purpose: The study aims to introduce a new format of education called outcome-based education (OBE), its importance, and its impact on learners' performance in business courses. Theoretical framework: Outcome-based education (OBE) ensures that new learners enter the classroom exceptionally prepared with the skills, mindsets, and values required to grow into successful adults after they leave the educational system. Outcome-based education (OBE) is a teaching approach that concentrates on how novices will perform in the future and how to use knowledge to accomplish objectives after instruction. Methodology: The qualitative method was chosen as the content is theoretical, for outcome-based education has been compared with conventional education. This study begins by tracing the evolution of outcome-based education (OBE) and introducing crucial implementation criteria. Following the discussion of impacts, it is covered how the concept of repercussions necessitates a paradigm shift in evaluation and evaluation methodologies. The study then goes through the crucial effects of implementing the exercise and methods for rating and evaluating learners' success in business school. These repercussions are closely related to discussing the four critical philosophies of outcome-based education (OBE). Based on that, results are drawn. Results and conclusion: It is confirmed that OBE develops a learner's Fundamental knowledge, problem-solving skills, research skills, technical skills, social skills, ethical values, communication skills, project management skills, and life-long skills that have a significant impact on one's career. Originality/Value: Outcome-based education (OBE), which directs learners in building their professional careers and increases their knowledge and creativity, is the newest education trend. In the context of their workplace, OBE might support their healthy development. The National Board of Accreditation (NBA) requires the application of the appropriate evaluation strategies for learners to acquire the skills indicated for outcome-based education. Outcome-based education (OBE) is attractive because it can improve coaching, the educational system, and learners' performance, which primarily rely on evaluating graduates' skills. Through this process, the learner will learn how to bridge the gap between tutoring and results-based mastering techniques. No one in South Asia didn't undertake any research on the subject; as a result, the fresh information would help to enhance management, encourage innovation, and boost performance. Contribution: The suggested methodological model, one of the most fundamental advances in business education, would improve scientific capabilities in the training process at the business school and permit a widespread incidence in the academic environment.

Karakteristik Batu Apung sebagai Kreasi Bentuk Meja Tamu

The creation of the final guest table work with the creation of the characteristics of this pumice stone was motivated to create a new variant for developing this type of guest table. The work created consists of three pieces using tamarind wood, gypsum, and resin. The creation methodology uses the theory SP. Gustami includes the stages: exploration, design, and realization. The aesthetic approach to the work refers to Monroe Beardsley's theory in Problems in the Philosophy of Criticism which explains 3 characteristics, unity, complexity, and intensity. The process of working on the work uses carpentry techniques (bench work), chiseling techniques (carving), drilling techniques using a mini grinder, and dot techniques using nails. The finishing of the table is done by applying a brush technique using chemicals, candy-tone paint, coating, and resin to produce attractive wood effects and colors. The final results of the guest table works are three pieces, one of which uses tamarind wood, and two works use a combination of tamarind wood and gypsum. This creation is oriented towards developing coffee table designs, to create products that have a novelty value and keep abreast of market developments.

The Necessity of Empirical Laws of Nature through the Lens of Kant’s Dialectic

AbstractThis article analyses a sceptical challenge resulting from metaphysical approaches to the problem of the necessity of empirical laws of nature in Kant’s critical philosophy (what I shall call ‘essentialist’ readings). I argue that this challenge may jeopardize the purpose of empirical enquiry (and therefore the plausibility of essentialist readings), but that Kant has internal resources to address it in the Dialectic of the Critique of Pure Reason. I show that reading this problem through the lens of the Dialectic allows us to reconcile the metaphysical question of necessitation of laws with a robust sense of empirical cognition.

The problem of dependence of Arab critical terms on western criticism

The study aimed at explaining one of the problems of the Arab critical terms; namely, its dependence on western criticism. This dependence has led to the instability of critical terms used by Arab critics. The study has found out a range of results: First, the term is the key of science in the Arab tradition; therefore, it is necessary in every critical study. Second, it is one of the obvious scientific research problems that these coming critical terms are regarded as something essential while there are original critical terms in Arab criticism. Third, the critical term has problems such as inaccuracy in the use and selection of these western critical terms, the variety of names of each term, inaccurate translation, and the change of the critical term connotation. Fourth, the Arab criticism has depended on western resources and references in many subjects related to the use of critical term, the form of its meaning, its critical and procedural methods. Finally, Arab critics themselves are different from each other in terms of their understanding of the critical term due to the variation of their cultures and their critical philosophies.

The Living Predicament of Human on the Verge of Modernity

“One-Dimensional Man” reflects the living predicament of people on the verge of modernity, that is, the dehumanization of existence state, the atomization of existence mode and the nihilization of existence meaning. Herbert Marcuse believes that the root cause of this predicament lies in the ideological role of science and technology, and then puts forward the realization of human liberation through philosophical criticism, cultural revolution and artistic redemption. However, because it is based on cultural and ideological criticism, the liberation program has a strong utopian color. In spite of this, Marcuse's theory of "one-dimensionality" deeply reveals the homogeneity of human society in the process of modernization, and its critical spirit provides enlightening significance to China's socialist modernization.

The cosmological ideas in Kant's critical philosophy: Their unique status and twofold regulative use

AbstractKant's theory of the regulative use of ideas of reason has been clarified considerably in recent scholarship. Little attention has been paid, however, to the question of whether the three classes of transcendental ideas—psychological, cosmological, and theological—may differ with regard to their regulative use. This article argues that there is a fundamental difference between the classes of ideas in this respect and that an examination of this heterogeneity can provide much‐needed insight into Kant's account of the utility of the cosmological ideas. First, I set out Kant's distinction between the cosmological ideas and their psychological and theological counterparts. Second, I clarify the two distinct regulative uses of each cosmological idea. I argue that the two opposed sides of the cosmological antinomies provide two different heuristic functions, aligned with the theoretical and practical interests of reason.