Descartes vs. Ortega: Rationalism and Perspectivism Compared

Rationalism and the Philosophy of Descartes and Ortega

Ontology: The Nature of Reality

Regarding the philosophical stance of Descartes and Ortega, we must first examine their views on ontology (the nature of reality).

• Descartes: For Descartes, the only true existence is that which is perceived by reason. This reality is identical for all individuals who apply his method correctly. Critics of Ortega describe this as an ultravital and extrahistorical world, devoid of sensitive material or links to history.
• Ortega: In contrast, Ortega proposes a perspectival reality. As he famously stated, "The outlook is one of the components of reality. Far from being its deformation, it is its organization." Reality is composed of many perspectives across many individuals.

Epistemology: The Scope of Knowledge

In the realm of epistemology, Descartes argues that truth is whatever reason perceives clearly and distinctly, regardless of historical time or place. This "thinking substance" must remain separate from the body and senses to reach the truth.

Conversely, for Ortega, knowledge is always derived from a specific life, body, and cultural context—a point of view. An individual's circumstances determine their access to reality. Therefore, no subject or historical period can claim absolute, final knowledge; instead, each reaches a specific part of the truth.

Anthropology: The Human Condition

Regarding anthropology, the two thinkers diverge significantly:

• Descartes: Defends anthropological dualism. He posits that the only certainty is the "I think," a substance defined as thought. The body is merely an extended substance, separate from the mind. Consequently, human reason is considered universal and unchanging across all times and places.
• Ortega: Argues that what defines a human being is life itself. Life is not a substance that can be defined as thought; rather, man has no fixed nature—he has a history. Humans are beings who are incessantly creating themselves, deciding their path within the framework of their circumstances. Any definition of humanity that ignores this vital context is merely an abstraction.