Cross College

Tag: ethics

  • Friedrich Nietzsche’s Writings on Ancient Greek Philosophy and Culture

    Friedrich Nietzsche, one of the most influential philosophers of the 19th century, had a profound engagement with ancient Greek philosophy and culture. His writings, often provocative and iconoclastic, reveal a deep admiration for the ancient Greeks, particularly their tragic culture, pre-Socratic philosophy, and understanding of life’s existential challenges. Nietzsche’s reflections on the Greeks served as…

  • Religious Tolerance in Medieval Poland: A Haven of Diversity in a Fragmented Europe

    Medieval Poland, particularly during the reigns of Casimir the Great and subsequent monarchs, stood out as a beacon of religious tolerance in a Europe often characterized by religious strife and persecution. In an era when many kingdoms were embroiled in conflict over religious differences, Poland took a remarkably different path by fostering an environment of…

  • Who Was Francisco Madero? The Man Who Sparked the Mexican Revolution

    Francisco Madero (1873–1913) was a pivotal figure in Mexican history, best known for his role in initiating the Mexican Revolution. Madero’s push for democratic reform and his opposition to the long-standing dictatorship of Porfirio Díaz made him a central figure in the overthrow of Díaz’s regime. His ideals of democracy and social justice helped shape…

  • Who Was Benito Juárez? The Reformer and Champion of Mexican Independence

    Benito Juárez (1806–1872) is one of Mexico’s most revered historical figures, often called the “Father of the Mexican Republic”. Born into humble indigenous origins, Juárez rose to prominence through his intellect and determination, becoming the first indigenous president of Mexico. He is celebrated for his efforts to modernize Mexico, promote liberal reforms, and defend the…

  • The Writings and Philosophy of Cicero: A Pillar of Roman Thought

    Marcus Tullius Cicero (106 BCE – 43 BCE) is one of the most influential figures in Roman philosophy, known for his profound impact on rhetoric, politics, and ethics. A prolific writer, orator, and statesman, Cicero’s works have shaped the intellectual traditions of Western philosophy, particularly through his integration of Greek philosophical concepts into the Roman…

  • The Philosophy of Henri Bergson: Time, Creativity, and the Nature of Reality

    Henri Bergson (1859-1941) was a prominent French philosopher whose ideas challenged the dominant intellectual currents of his time, particularly in regard to time, consciousness, and creativity. His work influenced a wide range of fields, from literature and art to science and metaphysics, and continues to be studied for its innovative approaches to understanding reality. In…

  • Eastern Themes in Schopenhauer: A Bridge Between East and West

    When we think of Arthur Schopenhauer, the 19th-century German philosopher known for his pessimistic worldview, we might not immediately connect him with the rich spiritual traditions of the East. However, a closer look reveals that Eastern philosophy played a significant role in shaping his ideas, forming an intriguing bridge between Eastern and Western thought. In…

  • The Philosophy of Thomas Hobbes: A Foundational Thinker of Modern Political Thought

    Thomas Hobbes (1588–1679) is one of the most influential political philosophers in Western thought. His works, particularly Leviathan (1651), laid the foundation for much of modern political theory, especially concerning the nature of human society, the role of government, and the social contract. Hobbes’ ideas were revolutionary for their time and continue to be relevant…

  • Cynicism and Taoism: Parallels Between Two Philosophical Traditions

    Cynicism and Taoism, though emerging from vastly different cultural and historical contexts, share intriguing similarities in their philosophical outlooks. Cynicism, rooted in ancient Greek thought, and Taoism, an ancient Chinese philosophy, both advocate for simplicity, living in harmony with nature, and a critical stance towards societal norms and materialism. Despite the geographic and temporal distance…

  • Who Were the Cynics? A Look at the Ancient Philosophical Movement

    The Cynics were a group of ancient Greek philosophers known for their unconventional lifestyle and radical rejection of societal norms. Emerging in the 4th century BCE, the Cynics challenged the values of their time by advocating for a life of simplicity, self-sufficiency, and freedom from material desires. Their philosophy, which combined elements of asceticism, ethical…