Modern Philosophy: An Overview

Modern philosophy, which emerged in the 17th century, marked a significant shift from the scholasticism of the Middle Ages. It introduced new methods of inquiry and expanded the scope of philosophical inquiry. This section provides an overview of some key figures and ideas in modern philosophy.

Key Figures

• René Descartes: Known as the "Father of Modern Philosophy," Descartes emphasized rationalism and the use of doubt as a tool for knowledge.
• Baruch Spinoza: A prominent philosopher and thinker, Spinoza's work laid the groundwork for modern political theory and ethics.
• John Locke: An influential philosopher, Locke's ideas on individual rights and government influenced the Enlightenment and the American Revolution.

Key Ideas

• Rationalism: The belief that knowledge comes primarily from reason and not from the senses.
• Empiricism: The belief that knowledge comes primarily from sensory experience.
• Methodological Skepticism: The practice of doubting everything in order to establish a firm foundation for knowledge.

Further Reading

For those interested in delving deeper into modern philosophy, we recommend exploring the following resources:

• Descartes' Meditations
• Spinoza's Ethics
• Locke's Second Treatise of Government

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