Metaphysics

Jean-Paul Sartre and “Existence precedes essence”

Stephen Hicks discusses Jean-Paul Sartre’s famous phrase “existence precedes essence” and its implications for the Existentialist view of human nature. This is from Part 11 of his Philosophy of Education course. (See also my episode on Sartre’s essay “Existentialism Is a Humanism’ in the Philosophers, Explained series.)

Jean-Paul Sartre and “Existence precedes essence” Read More »

Heidegger’s “What Is Metaphysics?”

This week in Contemporary European Philosophy we are reading Martin Heidegger’s “What Is Metaphysics?” In this recent survey (dominated by philosophers from the English-speaking world), Heidegger ranks as the 18th most-identified-with non-living philosopher. “What Is Metaphysics?” was first delivered in 1929 as Heidegger’s inaugural lecture at the University of Freiburg. Here is my summary of

Heidegger’s “What Is Metaphysics?” Read More »

Francis Bacon’s “Nature, to be commanded, must be obeyed”

Stephen Hicks summarizes Ayn Rand’s metaphysics and epistemology with a quotation from Francis Bacon. This is from Part 12 of his Philosophy of Education course. Previous: Cognitive tabula rasa. Next: Human nature: mind/body integration, volition, reason and emotion, tabula rasa morally. Return to the Philosophy of Education page. Return to the StephenHicks.org main page.

Francis Bacon’s “Nature, to be commanded, must be obeyed” Read More »