The book "The Philosophy of the Enlightenment" by John Grier Hibben, published in 1910, delves into the Age of Enlightenment, a period marked by significant intellectual and philosophical developments.
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| The Philosophy of the Enlightenmen |
The author explores the characteristic features of eighteenth-century philosophy, tracing the movement of thought from Locke's "Essay Concerning Human Understanding" to Kant's "Critique."
Hibben discusses the three stages of philosophical thought in this century, highlighting the idealism of Berkeley, the materialistic movement in England and France, the scepticism of Hume, and the rationalism of Leibniz. He emphasizes the role of scepticism in the evolution of thought and Kant's groundbreaking work of reconstruction. The influence of Rousseau, the practical implications of the Enlightenment, including deism, utilitarianism, and individualism in politics, are also examined.
In Chapter II, titled "Locke's Inner and Outer World," the focus is on John Locke's philosophical contributions. Hibben explores Locke's pursuit of truth, the origins of his "Essay," and his advocacy for intellectual freedom.
Locke's method, which is psychological in nature, is discussed, along with his concept of the inner world, which includes sensation and reflection. The passive nature of the mind in receiving sensory information and its later mechanical activity are analyzed, along with the mind's organizing function.
The author delves into Leibniz's criticism of Locke, the intellectualism present in Locke's philosophy, and his ideas regarding the self. Locke's views on the outer world, the reality of knowledge, primary and secondary qualities of matter, the nature of substance, the idea of God, and the concept of causation are also explored in detail.
The chapter concludes with an examination of Locke's influence on subsequent philosophical thought.
Overall, "The Philosophy of the Enlightenment" provides a comprehensive and insightful analysis of the intellectual landscape of the eighteenth century, shedding light on the key figures, ideas, and movements that shaped this pivotal period in the history of philosophy. Hibben's meticulous examination of the Enlightenment philosophy offers readers a deeper understanding of the era and its lasting impact on modern thought.
