Understanding Philosophical Knowledge: Rationalism, Empiricism, and Language

Philosophical Knowledge

Rationalist Methods

Rationalists employ methods that empirical rationalists defend. Empiricists rely on experience and deductive methods. Rationalists argue that experience is unreliable. Some embrace the idea of innate rationalist imagination, independent of sensory sources. Descartes proposed two key ideas:

1. "I think, therefore I am."
2. The concept of infinity originates without sensory input.

Empiricists oppose rationalism.

Inductive and Deductive Procedures

These procedures are fundamental to experimental science and mathematics.

Transcendental Methods

Kant critiqued both rationalist and empiricist approaches in the 18th century. He argued that knowledge arises from both experience and reason. He questioned the foundations of knowledge, asking why Newton's ideas were accepted while others were not. He distinguished different types of knowledge and questioned why other subjects, like philosophy, differed. He sought to understand the nature of human understanding. Knowledge, he argued, requires action by a knowledgeable subject. Philosophy's ambiguous language, filled with obscure terms, aims to explain reality.

Method for the Study of Language

This method analyzes the features of philosophical language, denouncing and correcting ambiguity. Two main trends exist:

1. Formal analysis aims to create a logical language, addressing fallacies. Philosophy clarifies the role of logical thinking, explaining philosophers' thoughts in detail to avoid confusion.
2. Analysis of codes, tone, irony, and the intentionality of language, recognizing that the same text can have multiple meanings. Pragmatics considers the context of language use.

Hermeneutical Methods

Hermeneutical methods explain social sciences, where events cannot be explained as natural phenomena. These methods offer alternative explanations. Understanding historical events requires knowledge of the context in which they occurred, including the situation and attitudes of those involved. Interpretation of historical events should aim for genuine understanding.