MODERN PHILOSOPHY

Modern philosophy emerged in the 17th century and lasted through much of the 19th century, characterized by a
departure from medieval Scholasticism and a focus on reason, empiricism, and the rise of scientific inquiry. Here's
a summary, including key philosophers and their philosophies:

1. René Descartes (1596-1650):

 Philosophy: Descartes is often considered the father of modern philosophy. He developed Cartesian dualism,
which posited a fundamental distinction between mind and body. His method of doubt aimed to establish
unquestionable foundations for knowledge, famously expressed in the phrase "Cogito, ergo sum" ("I think,
therefore I am").

2. John Locke (1632-1704):

 Philosophy: Locke is known for his empiricism and social contract theory. He argued that the mind is a blank slate
(tabula rasa) at birth, and all knowledge is derived from sensory experience. Locke's political philosophy
influenced concepts of natural rights, limited government, and the right to revolution.

3. George Berkeley (1685-1753):

 Philosophy: Berkeley was an idealist who rejected the existence of material substance, arguing that reality
consists only of minds and their ideas. His theory of subjective idealism proposed that objects exist only as
perceptions in the mind of an observer.

4. David Hume (1711-1776):

 Philosophy: Hume was a Scottish empiricist and skeptic known for his radical empiricism and critique of causality.
He argued that knowledge is limited to what can be observed and that causal connections are merely mental
habits formed through repeated experiences.

5. Immanuel Kant (1724-1804):

 Philosophy: Kant sought to reconcile rationalism and empiricism while addressing the limitations of both. He
proposed a transcendental idealism that posited the existence of a priori structures of the mind that shape
human experience. Kant's ethical theory emphasized the categorical imperative and the autonomy of the
individual will.

6. Jean-Jacques Rousseau (1712-1778):

 Philosophy: Rousseau was a French Enlightenment philosopher known for his social contract theory and ideas on
democracy and education. He argued for the sovereignty of the general will and the importance of natural
goodness corrupted by society.

7. Georg Wilhelm Friedrich Hegel (1770-1831):

 Philosophy: Hegel was a German idealist who developed a comprehensive system of dialectical philosophy. He
proposed that history progresses through a series of dialectical conflicts between opposing forces, leading to the
realization of human freedom and self-consciousness.

8. John Stuart Mill (1806-1873):

 Philosophy: Mill was a utilitarian philosopher and advocate for individual liberty. He argued that actions are
morally right if they promote the greatest happiness for the greatest number of people. Mill's work on liberty and
utilitarianism continues to influence ethical and political thought.

Modern philosophy laid the groundwork for many of the philosophical debates and developments that continue to
shape contemporary thought. From the rationalism of Descartes to the empiricism of Locke and Hume, and the
idealism of Kant and Hegel, these philosophers explored fundamental questions about knowledge, reality, ethics,
and politics, leaving a lasting legacy on Western philosophy.