Ritea 350 To 700 Word Paper In Which You Research And Identi ✓ Solved
Ritea 350 To 700 Word Paper In Which You Research And Identify Three
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. Please be sure to properly document any text taken from reference sources with citation and reference.
Sample Paper For Above instruction
The 20th century was a period of rapid change, characterized not only by technological and industrial advancements but also by profound shifts in philosophical thought. Several philosophical perspectives emerged, shaping societal values and individual roles amid the evolving landscape of modern industry. Among the most influential are Existentialism, Objectivism, and Value-Ethics, each reflecting the diverse responses of thinkers to the societal upheavals of their time.
Existentialism
Originating in the early 20th century, particularly in France, Existentialism was primarily shaped by philosophers such as Søren Kierkegaard, Jean-Paul Sartre, and Albert Camus. These thinkers grappled with the concepts of individual freedom, responsibility, and the absurdity of human existence. Existentialism emphasizes the individual's subjective experience and the necessity of creating meaning in an indifferent universe (Heidegger, 1927/1962). This perspective emerged partly as a response to the chaos of war and societal disillusionment, emphasizing personal authenticity and choice. In an era dominated by industrialization, existentialism reflected a deep concern with human authenticity amid mechanized processes and mass societal structures, urging individuals to find personal purpose despite external chaos (Yalom, 1980).
Objectivism
Developed by Ayn Rand in the mid-20th century, Objectivism advocates for rational self-interest and laissez-faire capitalism as the foundations of a moral society. Rand's philosophy asserts that reality exists independently of consciousness and that rational thought is the primary means of understanding the world (Rand, 1957). Objectivism emphasizes individual rights, free enterprise, and the pursuit of personal happiness, directly reflecting the rise of industrial capitalism and individual entrepreneurship during this period. This philosophy responded to collectivist ideologies and state interference, championing a philosophy of rational egoism as a means to promote human progress and personal achievement (Sutton, 1996). Its emphasis on individualism paralleled the growing influence of corporate power and technological innovation that redefined individual agency and economic freedom in the 20th century.
Value-Ethics
Value-Ethics, rooted in the tradition of virtue ethics, experienced a resurgence in the 20th century through philosophers like Alasdair MacIntyre. This perspective emphasizes the development of virtuous character traits and moral virtues as central to ethical life (MacIntyre, 1981). In the context of industrial and societal changes, Value-Ethics sought to anchor moral understanding in community, tradition, and human flourishing. This philosophical approach reflected concerns about alienation, the loss of communal bonds, and the decline of moral guidance amid rapid technological change (Taylor, 1989). As industry transformed the social landscape, Value-Ethics provided a model for restoring moral purpose and character development within a rapidly changing world.
In conclusion, these three philosophies—Existentialism, Objectivism, and Value-Ethics—each addressed critical questions about human existence, individual rights, and moral development during the tumultuous 20th century. They demonstrated diverse reactions to the profound changes wrought by industry and modernity, influencing societal norms and individual identities. Understanding these perspectives helps illuminate how philosophy responded to and shaped the modern era's complex realities.
References
- Heidegger, M. (1962). Being and Time (J. Macquarrie & E. Robinson, Trans.). Harper & Row. (Original work published 1927)
- MacIntyre, A. (1981). After Virtue: A Study in Moral Theory. University of Notre Dame Press.
- Rand, A. (1957). Atlas Shrugged. Random House.
- Sutton, R. (1996). Ayn Rand. Temple University Press.
- Taylor, C. (1989). Sources of the Self: The Making of the Modern Identity. Harvard University Press.
- Yalom, I. D. (1980). Existential Psychotherapy. Basic Books.