Speculative Philosophy Research Articles

2022 초등학교 도덕과 교육과정에서 영역 명 ‘초월’ 삭제와 해당 ‘내용 요소’ 이동에 따라 고려되어야 할 배경 학문의 주요 개념에 대한 고찰

Objectives The purpose of this study is to understand and examine the representative concepts of background disciplines that need to be considered following the deletion of the domain name ‘Transcendence’ and the re-location of relevant ‘content elements’ in the elementary school moral education curriculum. Methods To this end, this study explored the educational implications following the deletion of the ‘Transcendence’ domain and the relocation of relevant ‘content elements’. It aimed to understand the concept of metacognition, based on psychology, and scientific reflection. Additionally, it investigated the qualitative perspective that should be integrated with scientific reflection from experiential theory and examined a new dimension of artistic approaches. Furthermore, the study sought to identify the concept of metaphysical transcendence in philosophy, a core background discipline of moral education. Results In the process of deleting the ‘Transcendence’ domain and relocating the relevant ‘content elements’, the concepts of metacognition and scientific reflection, which are key concepts in psychology and experiential theory, were emphasized. This allowed for an understanding of self-knowledge and regulation, as well as scientific think-ing processes. Additionally, by synthesizing qualitative thinking with the concept of scientific reflection from ex-periential theory, it was possible to explore the artistic level of experience emphasized by Dewey. Particularly, as a core background discipline of moral education, the philosophical meaning of transcendence was examined through Plato’s theory of Ideas and allegories, Kant’s transcendental philosophy of practical reason and autonomy, and Hegel’s dialectical movement in speculative philosophy. Conclusions In the elementary school moral education curriculum, there are key concepts from background dis-ciplines that need to be considered following the deletion of the domain name ‘Transcendence’ and the relocation of relevant ‘content elements’. Future research on this matter should consider discussing the significance of these underexplored major concepts to ensure a more comprehensive understanding.

Decolonial leaps in more-than-human geographies

This commentary illuminates how Whitehead's vitalistic ethos and speculative philosophy mobilises decolonial leaps in more-than-human geographies. These risky leaps that unsettle apocalyptic, commonsense western literacies of planetary crises call for daring and experimentation. Amid the ongoing brutality of a racial, colonial, and capitalist logics, perhaps Whitehead and Roberts are accomplices in decolonial leaps that contribute to a planetary consciousness.

Research on Camus' Philosophy of Rebellion

The thoughts of the famous French writer and philosopher Albert Camus are profound. His literary works, imbued with his philosophical ideas, are embodied in characters like Meursault from "The Stranger" and Sisyphus pushing the rock uphill. Camus seeks the meaning of life through the "rebellion" against the absurd, which is fundamental to his philosophical significance. Camus' philosophy of rebellion is influenced by Christian existentialism and Nietzsche's "superman philosophy," among other thoughts. "Absurdity" is the target of Camus' philosophy of rebellion; it is omnipresent and unavoidable. People should acknowledge the "absurd." Camus' philosophy does not aim to prove the absurdity of the world through philosophical speculation but rather to address how one should respond after recognizing the absurd. Evaluations of Camus should consider the century-long debate between Camus and Sartre, Sartre's criticism of Camus, and the subsequent scholarly "rehabilitation" of Camus. These discussions highlight the uniqueness and influence of Camus' philosophy and provide us with valuable insights.

A ‘more precise definition of the soul’ from the flights of the soul in The Blazing World and Primero sueño

ABSTRACT This study investigates Margaret Cavendish’s The Blazing World and Sor Juana’s Primero sueño (First Dream) in relation to Elisabeth of Bohemia’s inquiry about the soul-body union in her correspondence with René Descartes. Elisabeth’s question was two-fold, epistemic as well as metaphysical, and the first aspect remains understudied. Her epistemic question is rendered in gendered terms, seeking a ‘more precise’ account of a female-bodied soul (like hers), allegedly more susceptible to fits of vapours and eager for philosophical meditations nonetheless. This study argues that Descartes’s letters did not adequately address Elisabeth’s epistemic question as such and proposes instead to turn to the aforementioned fictions for accounts of the female soul’s pursuit of (self-)knowledge, by way of imaginary correspondence between the three early modern women on the rational soul in a female body.

Unity in Reason: Mendelssohn on the Conflict between Common Sense and Speculation

The paper aims to clarify Mendelssohn’s stance on speculative philosophy by connecting the conflict between common sense and speculation with the notion of approval-drive. It argues that Mendelssohn identifies a principle of existence in the faculty of approval, aligning common sense with the divine nature, thereby challenging the skepticism inherent in metaphysical speculation. By invoking God’s creative impetus, Mendelssohn demonstrates that the ontologically abundant world conceived by common sense is more consistent with the divine nature than the ontologically impoverished worlds envisioned by metaphysicians. This approach positions Mendelssohn within the tradition of Descartes, Spinoza and Leibniz, emphasizing the role of the divine intellect as the guarantee of the accord between perceived and actual reality.

Law as an Embodiment of the Idea of Absolute Good

Abstract. The authors of the monograph “The idea of Good in F. M. Dostoevsky’s work and its influence on the development of the philosophy of law (to the 200th anniversary of F. M. Dostoevsky)” A. I. Bastrykin, R. F. Ismagilov and V. P. Salnikov continue the traditions of the Russian philosophy of law, since in their understanding of law they proceed from the idea of the Absolute, as it developed in classical philosophy from Parmenides to Hegel, and in the experience of interpreting law in relation to national values and ideals, they start from the philosophical speculations of Dostoevsky. The monograph provides a detailed author’s interpretation of Dostoevsky’s teaching about being, good and evil, society, state, law, justice, and the historical destiny of Russia.

Rationalism without Representationalism: Deleuze, Whitehead, and the Decolonization of Philosophy, with Lessons from Anthropology’s Ontological Turn

ABSTRACT One way of characterizing the ontological turn in anthropology is the effort to transform philosophical anthropology into anthropological philosophy—or anthropology into philosophy. This effort proceeds upon the premise that to critique philosophical representationalism is to critique the entire rationalist enterprise. It is as a result of this coupling that some OTers suggest that a permanently decolonized philosophy becomes indistinguishable from post-representationalist anthropology. Curiously, it is by thinking with Gilles Deleuze that they conclude, on the one hand, that to decolonize anthropology is to de-representationalize it, and, on the other, that to decolonize philosophy is therefore to anthropologize it (since, on their logic, de-representationalizing means de-philosophizing). To turn to ontology means “thinking immanence” not, pace Deleuze, as philosophy, but beyond philosophy. This article argues that the supersessionist claim is incoherent precisely insofar as this coupling is unwarranted. To provide a counterinstance, the article suggests how thinking with Alfred North Whitehead decouples the critique of representationalism from the critique of rationalism. One implication of this work is to model a speculative philosophy that can be responsive to postcolonial concerns about representationalism without thereby becoming functionally indistinct from anthropological method.

Whitehead and Victorian Philosophy of Science: A Historical Investigation of the Concept of Hypothesis

Abstract In the Harvard lectures of 1924–1925, Alfred North Whitehead proposed that our various intellectual activities amounted to an attempt to understand the world and our experiences through hypothesizing. He explained the importance of hypothesis in scientific research and extended the idea of hypothesis to the philosophical method called “speculative philosophy.” For Whitehead, philosophy was the attempt to formulate general hypotheses that can transcend disciplines. This paper is intended to explore the possible influence of Victorian philosophers on Whitehead. Victorian philosophers such as John Herschel, William Whewell, and John Stuart Mill discussed the role of hypothesis in scientific discovery. Was Whitehead aware of this tradition? Was he influenced by it? This article indicates that Whitehead at least indirectly inherited the Victorian idea of hypothesis, notably in the thought of Whewell, as mediated by Charles Darwin.

Contextual Limitations in Sandra Harding's Epistemological Framework and How They Can be Overcome

This paper aims to investigate the contextual constraints in Sandra Harding's epistemology and suggest methods to get around them. The standpoint theory developed by Harding highlights the significance of taking historical, social, and cultural contexts into account when producing knowledge. This strategy essentializes and homogenizes various experiences and viewpoints. The study offers potential solutions to these constraints by critically examining the drawbacks of intersectionality and feminist standpoint theory. This entails embracing a more nuanced understanding of power dynamics, encouraging inclusive and diverse viewpoints, and acknowledging the complexities of multiple intersecting identities. The study aims to strengthen and enhance Harding's epistemology by addressing its contextual limitations and promoting a more equitable and inclusive approach to knowledge production. To achieve this goal, this study employs the laws of thought: three guiding principles: the non-contradiction rule, the excluded middle, and the identity principle. The study is primarily a conceptual analysis that proceeded by library study, employing the typical philosophical argumentation approach of evaluation, analysis, synthesis, reflection, and philosophical speculation. By highlighting the weaknesses of Harding's epistemology and suggesting possible remedies, this study contributes to a broader debate on the potential limitations of epistemology. It offers insights into developing more robust epistemological frameworks that promote social justice and inclusivity in knowledge inquiries, practices, and justification.

Aesthetic Discussion of Music Art from Philosophical Perspective

"Chinese music" is a grand concept, only from a point of view cannot fully understand its essence and value. Using cultural philosophy to deeply analyze the birth and development track of Chinese music art is based on a new way of thinking to interpret the art form. Throughout the development history of music aesthetics at home and abroad, philosophical speculation in music aesthetics has always been the theoretical basis for academic circles to focus on. Starting from the objective mechanism of music development, the epistemology and methodology of philosophy have always been the foundation of the development of music aesthetics. Since then, music, aesthetics and philosophy have been closely related to each other, forming a self-adapting paradigm system.

ФЕНОМЕНОЛОГИЯ УЖАСА В ПОСТХОРРОРЕ: ПОЭТИКА И СИМВОЛИКА ФИЛЬМА «МАЯК» Р. ЭГГЕРСА

The article is devoted to the problem of representing horror in one of the most significant post-horror movies – “The Lighthouse” by R. Eggers. The categories of phenomenology of horror by philosophers D. Trigg and E. Thacker are used in the analysis of the film’s poetics and symbolism. This method helps to highlight the themes of disgusting physicality, terrible doubleness and unthinkable horror in terrifying screen images and frightening means of expression. The resume explains the aestheticization of the horror in “The Lighthouse” as produced through the representation of “the subject becoming inhuman” and “the lacuna pointing beyond appearances.” Post-horror, viewed through the prism of contemporary speculative philosophy, appears as an attempt to transfer the “numinous” experience of horror using new screen means.

Revisiting Grace de Laguna’s critiques of analytic philosophy and of pragmatism

I revisit my paper, ‘Grace de Laguna’s 1909 Critique of Analytic Philosophy’ and respond to the commentary on it. I respond to James Chase and Jack Reynolds by further analysing the difference between speculative philosophy as de Laguna conceived of it and analytic philosophy, by clarifying how her critique of analytic philosophy remains relevant to some of its more speculative forms, and by explaining what justifies the criticism of established opinion that goes along with her rejection of analytic philosophy’s epistemic conservatism. In response to Andreas Vrahimis, I contextualise my reading of de Laguna’s work in 1909. This clarifies her critique of pragmatism, distinguishes it from her critique of epistemically conservative philosophy, and shows that she was not only already aware of the full scope of the latter critique but is likely to have identified the then incipient analytic philosophy as its primary target. Also, contra Vrahimis, her argument is effective against Bertrand Russell’s later, epistemically conservative approach to philosophy. In response to Cheryl Misak, I point out that her argument that de Laguna is, despite herself, a pragmatist rests on a misunderstanding of the differences between pragmatism and idealism, and I show that de Laguna’s main early influences were Herbert Spencer and her teacher, James Edwin Creighton. I further argue that Misak’s rejection of de Laguna’s critique of pragmatism rests on a misrepresentation of the critique.

Embodied cognition and the imaging of bio-pathologies: the question of experiential primacy in detecting diagnostic phenomena.

This article investigates the origins of the experiences involved in the diagnostics (detection and normative evaluation) of biological entities in image-based medical praxis. Our specific research aim presupposes a vast discussion regarding the origins of knowledge in general, but is narrowed down to the alternatives of anthropomorphism and biomorphism. Accordingly, in the subsequent chapters we will make an attempt to investigate and illustrate what holds the diagnostic experiential situation together-biological regularities, manifestation via movement, conscious synthesis, causal categories, or something else. We argue that as long as knowledge originates out of practices, a promising way forward is to oscillate between the prominent although controversial ideas of the history of philosophy and observations of concrete human practices, such as, in our chosen example, image-based medical diagnostics of biological pathologies. Although a number of thinkers are involved in the discussion, Aristotle and Husserl are most important here as the representatives of historical paradigms on the matter. The body in this research was not taken solely as the physical entity (Körper) but rather as a transcendental, constitutive structure where diagnostic and biological processes synchronize in teleological movement (Leib). However, philosophical speculations are illustrated by actual radiograms, the interpretation of which brings us back to the aforementioned question of primacy regarding cognition.

A Study on the Complementary Phenomenon of Confucianism and Daoism in Wang Yangmings Thought

Wang Yangming, as a representative figure of the new Confucianism in the Ming Dynasty, was deeply influenced by the intellectual trend of synthesizing the three teachings since the Tang and Song Dynasties and the complementarity of Confucianism and Daoism. He ingeniously integrated the cultural essences of Confucianism, Daoism, and Buddhism, forming the unique philosophy of Yangmings mind. The formation of this ideology not only originated from his distant family cultural tradition but also closely related to his unique life experiences. In Yangmings mind philosophy, the complementary features of Confucianism and Daoism are particularly evident. Based on the ontology of mind philosophy, Wang Yangming actively drew on Daoist speculative philosophy, daringly questioned Cheng-Zhu Neo-Confucianism, and developed Confucianism by incorporating Daoism. This had a profound impact on the intellectual and literary artistic creation of ancient Chinese literati. His thoughts reveal the rich results brought about by the exchange and collision of diverse cultures in the development of ancient Chinese philosophy. In the history of Chinese thought, it has unique philosophical connotations and research value. Exploring the complementary phenomenon of Confucianism and Daoism in Wang Yangmings thought contributes to a deeper study and understanding of his philosophy.

Этические проблемы в области ассистивной робототехники для пожилых людей: философские vs эмпирические исследования

Assistive robotics can provide technological support to meet the growing demand for health and social care as people's physical and cognitive functions decline with age. Companion robots can help elderly people with tasks such as mobility, communication and self-care. But do we have the moral right to delegate the duties of medical personnel to robots? Can robots provide the proper quality of medical care? Such reflections on the future of “machine” healthcare raise serious ethical questions in the field of human-robot interaction and determine not only priority developments in the field of social robotics, but also technological culture as a whole. Contemporary research on ethical issues in the field of assistive robotics for elderly people can be distinguished from two directions - traditional philosophical speculation and applied research with an emphasis on the participation of various stakeholders. The article discusses these two directions in detail, as well as criticism of philosophical and theoretical attitudes from the “empiricists”. In particular, they argue that along with ethical analysis, social expertise and philosophical reasoning, new forms of reflection, dialogue and experimentation are needed that will be much closer to innovative practices and contexts of use. The methodological basis of the article is the principles of Technology Assessment (TA), transdisciplinary research strategies such as the RRI approach, as well as Value-Sensitive Design (VSD). The article describes new options for value-based design, such as Integrative social robotics (ISR), Care-Centered Value-Sensitive Design (CCVSD). These approaches are quite promising for solving philosophical and ethical problems in the field of social robotics for caring for the elderly. But more direct and indirect stakeholders need to be involved in the design and development of medical robots. Based on the Stakeholder Tokens method, it is shown how some ethical problems can be solved in a situation of value conflict between autonomy, human dignity and security.

Analysis of the Characteristics of Narrative Types in Contemporary Chinese Political Discourses: Taking Xi Jinping’s Discourses on the History of the CPC as an Example

Based on the different contents, topics, and characteristics of the history of the Communist Party of China (CPC), Xi Jinping’s important discourses on the history of the CPC integrate three narrative types: philosophical narrative, historical narrative, and literary narrative. The integration of the three typical narrative types enables the important discourses on the history of the CPC to contain profound philosophical speculation, heavy historical connotation, and aesthetic and literary conception. The value and significance of exploring the narrative types of Xi Jinping’s important discourses on the history of the CPC lie in continuously strengthening the study of Marxist classic works and promoting the Sinicization of Marxism, improving the Party history narrators’ theoretical attainment and excellent traditional Chinese cultural literacy, actively participating in various forms of social practice activities, accumulating socialized discourse materials through close contact with people from different social classes, and enriching the “corpus” of discourses of the history of the CPC, thus making the narratives deeper and more concrete.

Authentic Existence In Martin Heidegger: An Appraisal

Existence has been a central issue among philosophers. This could be because of the unverifiable features which becloud existence. However, martin Heidegger in his philosophical speculations thinks that we should begin with man, since man is the only being that asks question about his own existence or being. He technically called man Dasein. Hence, Dasein is a being in whose very being, being itself is in question. In order to understudy man and how he lives his life, he proposes to analyze man’s existential structures. In his analysis, he discovers that man is the only being in the world that has relation to himself and as well as other beings. Man is not finished product but a possibility to become what he is not yet. Man transcends the present and lives towards the future. This however denotes that man is a free being who projects himself and chooses his own possibility and thereby decides his own mode of life, hence, authentic life. For him authentic life is a life lived in a way one has freely chosen to live. It is a life beyond what is called everydayness and following the crowd. He went further to aver that there are limitations which characterize human existence and they are: falleness, facticity, thrownness, being-with-others, anxiety and so on. In spite of these features, he still averred that man can exist authentically. Hence, this piece adopts hermeneutical and appraisal methods, to argue that authentic existence is realizable amidst these features and structures as aforementioned.

Philosophical meditation in the West

How can we return to meditation in the West today? Descartes was the last person to meditate in the West, but after him, the gnoseology of his thought was all that prevailed, as well as the rift between subject and object: thinking, meditating, thus, became a form of reflection on something, which is an object detached from the subject who thinks. The philosophy of the twentieth century questioned the cogito, but it did not restore meditation. This is the task of philosophical practice. But how can we restore Western meditation? The essay attempts to demonstrate a way to meditate today, to allow emotions to live, to welcome them and allow them to mellow. It also shows how meditation is a continuous source of comparison for philosophical practitioners so they can preserve their humility as they perform their task, dismiss authority, and welcome the guest without the risk of manipulating him or her, by listening to the guest while also challenging their own preconceived ideas and past emotions.

THE VOICES OF THE WAR (“EPITAPHS OF THE WAR” BY R. KIPLING)

THE VOICES OF THE WAR (“EPITAPHS OF THE WAR” BY R. KIPLING)

Objects of Stereotype: the role of material culture in the construction of the 16th century imaginary of Brazilian indigenous people

With the opening of the Atlantic routes and the encounter between Europeans and indigenous populations, several sources and information started to circulate about the inhabitants of the New World. Literary accounts, graphic representations and ethnographic objects began to be disseminated, greatly influencing the construction of stereotypical, generic and often ambiguous representations. The text focuses on the Brazilian context, considering objects – such as those made with feather and weapons – that are still quite popular in the global imaginary. The way Europeans perceived them, on the one hand reflected the contradictions of theological and philosophical speculation, while on the other hand bound them to the categories of wonder, curiosity and alterity. In this paper, we shall analyze how collecting these objects, their recontextualization and their comparison with literary and graphic sources influenced the way in which the European imaginary invented and freeze framed a composite portrait of indigenous people.