Modern Period: Renaissance and Industrial Revolution

Study Notes

Renaissance marks the beginning of a new age, symbolizing cultural rebirth and advancement.
Industrial Revolution signifies the onset of modernity, transitioning economies from agrarian to industrial.
Urbanization leads to a significant societal shift from rural areas to urban settings.
Cities emerge as cultural melting pots, showcasing diverse ideas and lifestyles.
Modern life evolves into a work-home dichotomy, redefining personal and professional spaces.
Existentialism arises as a philosophy that examines individual existence and agency in modern life.

Existentialism posits human beings as creators of their own destinies through choices.
Influential existentialists include Kierkegaard, Nietzsche, and Heidegger, each contributing unique perspectives.
Key concepts include:
- Authenticity: Living genuinely based on personal beliefs.
- Leap of Faith: Committing to beliefs without certainty.
- Übermensch: An ideal individual who surpasses conventional human limitations.
- Eternal Recurrence: The notion of life repeating infinitely.

Sartre argues that existence precedes essence, underscoring that personal choices shape identity.
An authentic person aligns their actions with personal values, independent of societal pressures.

Kierkegaard's philosophy outlines three stages of life:
- Aesthetic Stage focuses on the pursuit of pleasure.
- Ethical Stage emphasizes duty and moral responsibilities.
- Religious Stage deepens the connection to faith and transcendent values.
Transitioning from the Aesthetic to the Ethical is gradual, while the leap to the Religious stage requires significant personal commitment.

Nietzsche's concept of the Übermensch represents the transformation beyond traditional morality.
His model of transformation includes:
- Camel: Represents conforming to social norms.
- Lion: Symbolizes questioning and overcoming limitations.
- Child: Emphasizes creating personal values and identity.
Eternal Recurrence serves as a catalyst for continuous self-improvement and authenticity.

Nietzsche advocates for breaking personal limits and fostering growth through challenges.
Embracing risks is essential for authenticity and individual development.

Dasein encapsulates the human experience of existence and its interconnection with the environment.
Being-Thrown-in-the-World reflects on the uncontrollable aspects of life we face.
Acknowledging one's Being-Unto-Death imparts meaning and urgency to existence, signifying the importance of living fully.

Students face Being-Thrown-in-the-World circumstances, including academic pressures and social dynamics.
Making intentional choices accounts for individual identity and growth during the educational journey.
Understanding the fleeting nature of time (Being-Unto-Death) encourages maximizing opportunities, such as studying, socializing, and engaging in school activities.