I- Definition and Influences

Modern Philosophy refers to the philosophiccal tradition characterized by an emphasis on clarity and
argument and a respect for the natural sciences. Its period runs from 1600 to 1800, and thus examines some
of the most important philosophical ideas and developments in 17th and 18th century in Europe. Its father is
Rene Descartes, an early 17th century mathematician, scientist, and philosopher. He is regarded as such
because he refused to base his ideas on the conclusions of past authorities, his feelings and emotions, or
even the evidence of his senses. But then, Modern philosophy is generally said to have begun with Francis
Bacon in England and with Rene Descartes in France. It is a mental shift and an epistemological rupture in
the history of philosophy.

Modern Philosophy is greatly influenced by the Renaissance and Reformation which were two great reform
movements that took place in 15th and 16th century. During this period there was a growing tendency to find
fault with the old tradition, with the old language, the art, theological system and political relations of the
church and state; whereby Religion passes from an ally to an enemy. Its aim was to strengthen the power of
human reason in order to attain progress and civilization. On the other hand, as regarding scientific,
religious, social, moral and political fields there was a demand for freedom and expression. The overall
result was a slow but steady collapse of the ecclesiastical and political organization that was prevalent in
the middle ages. According to Frank Thilly “Modern Philosophy may be viewed as an awaking of the
reflective sprit quickening of criticism, as a revolt against absolutism and collectivism as a demand for
freedom in thought, feeling and action.”

II- Characteristics of Modern Philosophy

a- Some Dissimilarities with the medieval period

The desire for independence, leads the post-medieval philosophers to find expression in the freedom of
enquiry and freedom of thinking. In the middle age, philosophers were mainly
theologians. The modern thinkers in general were not theologians. Again, there was a shift of
emphasis from theological themes to the study of man and nature without explicit reference to
God. Philosophy in this period was a concern of the fresh minds and not of the traditionalists. In general,
the awakening of the reflective spirit, a spirit of criticism, a spirit of revolt against tradition and authority, a
plea for freedom of reason, a shift of orientation; can be seen in this period.

b- Main Characteristics of Modern Western Philosophy

The Spirit of Criticism; The Revolt Against Tradition and Authority; The Predominance of the Scientific
Spirit; The Development of Humanism; Individualism; Secularism; The Predominance of Reason; The
Changing Face Of The Church and The State

c- Phases of Modern Philosophy

 Rationalism: Intellect is the independent source of knowledge. In our daily

language rationalism comes to mean that the attempt to judge everything in the light of reason (e.g.
Descartes, Leibniz, Spinoza). For rationalism the mind or intellect is active both in obtaining ideas
and constituting ideas. Rationalist philosophers were more influenced by the model of mathematical
reason because mathematics provides the model of clarity, certainty and deduction, in such a way
that subjective factors are avoided.
 Empiricism: The important philosophers of this movement are Locke, Berkeley and Hume.
According to them there is no inborn truth. All knowledge comes from sense experience or
perception. According to the empiricists the mind at birth is a clean state (tabulaRasa). All the
characters of knowledge are acquired through sense experience.

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Joseph Daniel Boayéhok Sch.P