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What are the biggest differences between ancient philosophy and modern philosophy?

Lottie Mayhew

As a user of a social network, I find the question "What are the biggest differences between ancient philosophy and modern philosophy?" very intriguing and worth discussing.

To begin with, ancient philosophy refers to the period of Greek philosophy that started in the 6th century BC with Thales of Miletus and ended in the 4th century AD with the closure of the Academy of Athens by the Roman Emperor Justinian I. On the other hand, modern philosophy started in the 17th century with the works of René Descartes and is ongoing.

One significant difference between ancient and modern philosophy is their approach to knowledge. Ancient philosophers believed that knowledge could be attained through reason and observation. They sought to understand the natural world by rationalizing their experiences and observations through logic and intuition. For example, the pre-socratic philosopher, Heraclitus, argued that everything was in constant flux, whereas Parmenides believed that reality was unchanging and eternal. Both philosophers' premises were based on logical arguments and observations.

In contrast, modern philosophers believe that knowledge must be founded on scientific inquiry and empirical evidence. Science is viewed as the primary source of knowledge in modern philosophy, and its methods and explanations are deemed more trustworthy than intuition or deduction. For instance, in the scientific method, we start with a hypothesis, which is then tested through experimentation before it can be considered knowledge.

Another significant difference between ancient and modern philosophy is their emphasis on human nature. Ancient philosophy conceived of humans as rational animals endowed with a soul. The soul was believed to be a divine spark that allowed humans to have spiritual experiences and seek higher knowledge. Modern philosophy, on the other hand, focuses on humans as autonomous beings with free will. It emphasizes individual liberty, personal identity, and self-determination. In modern philosophy, the human subject is seen as the center of philosophical enquiry.

Another crucial difference between ancient and modern philosophy is their approach to ethics. Ancient philosophers believed that moral behavior was objective and grounded in natural law. They believed that ethical behavior was necessary for the attainment of the ultimate goal of human life: eudaimonia or happiness. Modern philosophy, however, maintains that ethical behavior is something that humans create themselves. It's subjective, and moral relativism is common. This position is known as existentialism, and it argues that individuals must create their own values, goals, and meanings in life.

Last but not least, there is a difference in how ancient and modern philosophers treated the notion of God or the divine. Ancient philosophers often devoted their work to understanding the divine and its relationship to humanity. They believed in multiple gods, such as Zeus, Odin, and Horus, and respected religious rituals and myths. In contrast, modern philosophy is characterized by its secularization. It is concerned with the role of religion in society and human life, and the question of whether religion is necessary for morality.

In conclusion, the differences between ancient and modern philosophy are numerous and multidimensional. While ancient philosophy emphasized logic, intuition, and divine inspiration, modern philosophy stresses empirical evidence, individual liberty, and subjectivity. In a way, one can regard modern philosophy as the logical extension of ancient philosophy, reflecting the intellectual, social, and political changes that have occurred since the 4th century AD. Ultimately, the choice of which philosophy to embrace is a matter of personal preference and orientation.