Review Chapter 35 And The Electronic Reserve Readings
Reviewch 35 And The Electronic Reserve Readingswritea 350 To 700 Wo
Review Ch. 35 and the Electronic Reserve Readings. Write a 350- to 700-word paper in which you research and identify three prevailing philosophical perspectives at work during the 20th century. For example, you may select Existentialism, Objectivism, and Value-Ethics. Provide an overview of each of the philosophies--where it arose, who created it, and its major tenets. Explain how each of these prominent philosophies of the 20th century reflected the changes in industry and the individual. Format your assignment according to appropriate course level APA guidelines.
Paper For Above instruction
The 20th century was a period marked by significant philosophical developments that reflected the rapid social, industrial, and cultural transformations of the era. Among the most influential philosophical perspectives during this time are Existentialism, Objectivism, and Value-Ethics. These philosophies arose from different historical contexts and intellectual backgrounds, each offering distinct insights into human existence, morality, and individualism, which in turn reflected and influenced changing attitudes towards industry and the individual.
Existentialism emerged primarily in the aftermath of World War II, with roots in the 19th-century philosophy of Søren Kierkegaard and Friedrich Nietzsche. Its formal development is often attributed to thinkers such as Jean-Paul Sartre, Albert Camus, and Simone de Beauvoir. Existentialism emphasizes individual freedom, personal responsibility, and the inherent absurdity of life. Its major tenets include the belief that individuals must create their own meaning in an indifferent universe, that authentic existence involves embracing freedom despite its burdens, and that human beings are fundamentally isolated in their experiences. During the 20th century, existentialism reflected the societal upheavals caused by war, technological progress, and the disillusionment with traditional institutions. It responded to the alienation felt by many individuals amidst increasing industrialization and urbanization, emphasizing personal authenticity in a world where traditional sources of meaning were challenged.
Objectivism, founded by Ayn Rand in the mid-20th century, is a philosophical system grounded in rational self-interest and laissez-faire capitalism. Rand developed her ideas through her novels, notably "Atlas Shrugged" and "The Fountainhead," advocating for rational individualism and the pursuit of one's own happiness as the highest moral purpose. Objectivism posits that reality is objective and knowable through reason, that individuals should pursue their rational self-interest, and that laissez-faire capitalism is the ideal social system to support individual achievement and freedom. This philosophy reflected a broader cultural emphasis on individualism, entrepreneurship, and economic liberty during the post-war economic boom. It responded critically to collectivist ideologies and welfare states, championing the individual's role within a free-market economy as essential for societal progress.
Value-Ethics is a broad term encompassing various perspectives that emphasize the importance of moral values and ethical principles in guiding human behavior. During the 20th century, several ethical theories gained prominence, including consequentialism, deontology, and virtue ethics. These philosophies often arose in response to the atrocities of war, the rise of scientific rationalism, and the questioning of traditional moral authority. For instance, utilitarianism, a form of consequentialism developed by Jeremy Bentham and John Stuart Mill, advocates for actions that maximize overall happiness. Deontological ethics, notably advanced by Immanuel Kant, emphasizes duty and adherence to moral rules. These ethical frameworks reflect the increasing complexity of moral decision-making in an industrialized world, where technological advances posed new moral dilemmas, and diverse perspectives challenged traditional authority. They underscored the need for systematic ethical reflection in navigating rapid societal changes.
In conclusion, the philosophies of Existentialism, Objectivism, and Value-Ethics each responded to the profound shifts of the 20th century, shaping contemporary attitudes toward individualism, morality, and society. Existentialism addressed personal authenticity amidst societal chaos; Objectivism promoted individual achievement within a free-market economy; and Value-Ethics offered moral frameworks suited to complex technological and social landscapes. Together, these perspectives illustrate how philosophical thought evolved in tandem with the revolutionary changes characterizing the era.