Modern Subject

Summary

This video script delves into the evolution of modern philosophy, focusing on the subject-object divide introduced by Descartes. It outlines the contributions of key philosophers like Kant, who questioned the possibility of metaphysics, and Fichte, who expanded on self-consciousness. Hegel's emphasis on mutual social recognition as a foundation for knowledge is highlighted, as is Marx's examination of alienation in labor and economic relations. Heidegger's concept of being 'thrown into the world' and the relationship between humans and their tools is also discussed, providing a comprehensive overview of the development of Western philosophical thought.

Takeaways

• 🧠 The script discusses the philosophical issue of the split between subject and object, a theme central to modern philosophy.
• 📚 It suggests further exploration through the Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy and the KSU course catalog for those interested in the topic.
• 🎓 Kant is highlighted as a pivotal figure who questioned the possibility of metaphysics, arguing that our cognitive categories filter our experience of reality.
• 🤔 Fichte built on Kant's ideas, emphasizing that knowledge is inherently human and tied to our self-awareness as the ground of knowledge production.
• 🤝 Hegel introduced the concept that knowledge requires mutual social recognition, suggesting that individual self-consciousness is not sufficient for knowledge formation.
• 🏭 Marx examined the social dimension of knowledge through the lens of economic relations, using the concept of alienation to describe the separation between subject and object in labor.
• 🔄 Heidegger presented the idea that humans are 'thrown' into a world that precedes them, focusing on our relationship with objects in our environment as either 'ready-to-hand' or 'present-at-hand'.
• 🔧 The example of a carpenter and a hammer is used to illustrate how we often interact with tools without much thought until something disrupts our routine.
• 🚗 A car breakdown is another example provided to explain how our engagement with objects and our perception of time can change when our usual 'autopilot' mode is interrupted.
• 📈 The script touches on how economic relations, like those in factory work, can influence and reproduce social relations, leading to a broader societal alienation.

Q & A

What problem did Descartes open in modern philosophy?

Descartes is credited with opening the problem of a split or division between a subject and object, which is a central concern in modern philosophy.

What was Kant's stance on the possibility of metaphysics?

Kant questioned whether metaphysics is possible and concluded that it is not, suggesting that our cognition is limited by pre-programmed categories and we can never experience the world as it truly is.

How does Kant describe our experience of the world?

Kant describes our experience of the world as being filtered through our cognitive capacities, meaning we experience the world based on the strengths and limitations of our cognitive abilities.

What is the role of self-consciousness in Kant's philosophy?

In Kant's philosophy, self-consciousness is the awareness of the laws that synthesize and govern our experience, as well as an awareness of our cognitive faculty.

What does Fichte mean by 'the eye posits itself as self-positing'?

Fichte suggests that 'the eye posits itself as self-positing' refers to the reflexive activity of consciousness being the site of knowledge production and the awareness that we are the grounds of knowledge.

How does Hegel expand on Kant's ideas?

Hegel expands on Kant's ideas by suggesting that the foundation of knowledge requires mutual social recognition, meaning that self-conscious subjects must recognize each other for knowledge to be validated.

What is the concept of 'alienation' in Marx's philosophy?

In Marx's philosophy, 'alienation' refers to the separation between the subject and object, particularly in the context of labor where humans are separated from the product of their labor.

How does Marx connect economic relations to social relations?

Marx argues that economic relations, such as those found in factory work, reproduce social alienation where people are treated as means to an end, rather than as individuals.

What does Heidegger mean by 'being-in-the-world'?

Heidegger's concept of 'being-in-the-world' describes the subject's existence within a world that precedes them, emphasizing that we are 'thrown' into a pre-existing world and our interactions with it.

How does Heidegger differentiate between 'ready-to-hand' and 'present-at-hand'?

Heidegger differentiates 'ready-to-hand' as the way we normally interact with objects without much thought, and 'present-at-hand' as the way we become aware of objects when our usual interactions are disrupted, such as when something breaks down.

What resources does the speaker recommend for further study on these philosophical topics?

The speaker recommends the Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy for summaries and the KSU course catalog for relevant classes, suggesting to email professors for specific topic coverage.