José Ortega y Gasset: Philosophy, Politics, and the Spanish Context

José Ortega y Gasset: A 20th-Century Perspective

Context:

José Ortega y Gasset stands as a prominent philosopher and intellectual of the 20th century. His Spanish origins perhaps hindered his wider recognition in recent history. It's noteworthy that he often left his books unfinished. A philosopher in the traditional sense, Ortega rejected the confinement of philosophy to academic circles, seeking to elevate the cultural level of his nation. Understanding his thought requires navigating a diverse body of work, including articles, lectures, and essays. His journalistic endeavors, a significant aspect of his originality, offer insights into his political thinking and commitment to Spain's socio-political reality.

Ortega's Perspectivism and the Doctrine of View

Beyond politics, Ortega addressed critical issues of his time, including critiques of rationalism and idealism. His 1923 work, "The Doctrine of View," explores the opposition between culture and life. He argued against rationalism's devaluation of life and the opposing relativism. Ortega championed the idea that each life offers a unique perspective on the universe, thus truth is dependent on the intellectual life of history. Ortega's intellectual life unfolded during the first half of the 20th century, marked by two World Wars and the Spanish Civil War, which led to his exile from Madrid. He witnessed the socialist revolution and the rise of fascism. His work as a teacher and journalist took place in a Spain grappling with scientific and technological backwardness, poverty, and illiteracy. He lived through the dictatorship of Primo de Rivera, the Civil War, and upon his return from exile, the Franco dictatorship.

Ortega and the "Spanish Problem"

Ortega grappled with the "Spanish Problem." His views contrasted with those of Miguel de Unamuno, who defended traditional values. Ortega, influenced by his time in Europe, advocated for research, science, industrial development, and economic strengthening. His philosophical thought was deeply intertwined with the circumstances of his life. In addition to his professorship in metaphysics at the University of Madrid, he wrote regularly for newspapers. He remained independent of political parties, consistently opposing arbitrary rule and despotism. While initially hopeful about Primo de Rivera's coup, he soon recognized its futility and became a critic of the ensuing dictatorship.

Ortega's Criticisms and Influences

Ortega lamented Spain's lack of continuity in scientific research and philosophical thought, arguing that a nation's progress hinges on its commitment to science, research, and technology. He criticized the disconnect between Spain's vital populace and its cultural and political elites, noting the historical absence of prominent scientists, philosophers, and statesmen. Ortega's time coincided with the rise of avant-garde movements in art and literature, including Fauvism, Expressionism, Abstract Art, Surrealism, Cubism, Symbolism, Futurism, and Modernism. In science, Newtonian physics faced challenges. While some accused Ortega of misunderstanding Einstein, he admired Einstein as a role model and considered the theory of relativity influential to his perspectivism.

Ortega's Philosophical Stance

Philosophically, Ortega reacted against rationalism, believing it distorted the meaning of life. However, he avoided a radical critique of reason, fearing a descent into primitivism. He considered philosophy as essential as breathing. 20th-century philosophy encompassed diverse currents, including phenomenology, existentialism, vitalism, historicism, hermeneutics, analytic philosophy, and philosophy of culture. Ortega defied easy categorization, intentionally distancing himself from specific movements. He was influenced by Husserl and Heidegger, with "Being and Time" leaving a clear mark on Ortega's "Lessons in Metaphysics." He also drew from Dilthey's vitalism and historicism.