Continental Philosophy

Continental Philosophy is a diverse term developed by Analytic Philosophers to refer to the various traditions which had developed mostly within continental Europe, in contrast to their own traditions. Continental philosophy is primarily defined by the inseparability of the history of philosophy and philosophy itself.

Analytic philosophy had comparatively little influence on the European continent, where the speculative and historical tradition remained strong. Dominated by Phenomenology and Existentialism during the first half of the 20th century, after World War II Continental philosophy came to embrace increasingly far-reaching  Structuralist and  Post-Structuralist critiques of  Metaphysics and  Philosophical Rationality.

Philosophy
Continental philosophy is a diverse and multifaceted tradition of philosophical thought that originated in continental Europe. It is characterized by a rejection of Positivism, an emphasis on  Hermeneutics, and a critical stance towards modernity and its values. Language is another important theme in Continental philosophy, as many Continental philosophers emphasize the role of language in shaping our understanding of the world. They argue that language is not simply a tool for describing the world, but that it actively constructs our reality. Continental philosophers generally reject Foundationalism, which is the idea that knowledge is based on a set of foundational beliefs or principles that are self-evident or beyond doubt. Instead, they argue that knowledge is always contextual and provisional, and that there is no ultimate foundation for knowledge. Finally, many Continental philosophers have been influenced by Existentialist ideas, which emphasize the individual's struggle to find meaning and purpose in a world that is often chaotic and absurd. They often explore themes such as freedom, authenticity, and the search for meaning in their work.

Importance of Existentialism
In continental philosophy, existentialism is seen as a way of challenging traditional metaphysical and epistemological assumptions, which are seen as being too abstract and disconnected from lived experience. By focusing on the subjective experience of individuals, existentialism offers a way of understanding the complex and often contradictory nature of human existence.

Moreover, existentialism is often associated with the concept of "authenticity," which involves being true to oneself and one's own values and beliefs. This idea of authenticity is seen as a way of resisting the conformism and homogenization that can be present in society, and a way of affirming the unique and individual nature of human beings.

Critique of Metaphysics
According to continental philosophers, the traditional approach to metaphysics has been dominated by a narrow and exclusive focus on rationality, logic, and the search for objective truth. This approach, they argue, ignores the subjective, emotional, and historical dimensions of human experience, and fails to account for the ways in which social, cultural, and historical factors shape our understanding of the world.

Instead, continental philosophers emphasize the importance of phenomenology, which is the study of subjective experience and consciousness. Phenomenology is concerned with the way that humans perceive and experience the world around them, and it emphasizes the importance of subjective experience in shaping our understanding of reality.

Furthermore, continental philosophy often critiques the traditional view of subjectivity and objectivity as distinct and separate categories. Instead, they argue that the subject and the object are fundamentally intertwined and that the way that we understand the world is shaped by our own experiences and perspectives.

Emphasis on Language and Interpretation
Continental philosophers argue that language is not simply a tool for communication, but rather is an essential part of the way we understand the world around us. They argue that language shapes the way we think about the world and the way we experience it, and that our interpretation of reality is deeply influenced by the language we use to describe it.

Continental philosophy challenge the traditional view of language as a transparent and objective tool for conveying meaning. They argue that language is inherently subjective and that meaning is always open to interpretation. This view is exemplified in the works of philosophers such as Jacques Derrida, who argued that language is characterized by "différance," the idea that meaning is constantly deferred and that there is no fixed or stable meaning to any given term or concept.

Skepticism about Objectivity
Continental philosophers challenge the idea that there is a single objective reality that can be known through a neutral and unbiased observation. They argue that our knowledge of reality is always mediated by our subjective experiences and perspectives, and that objectivity is therefore an illusion.

One major influence on this skepticism about objectivity is the work of Immanuel Kant, who argued that our knowledge of reality is always filtered through the categories of our understanding, such as space, time, and causality. According to Kant, these categories are not objective features of reality, but rather are the necessary conditions for our experience of reality.

This emphasis on the subjective nature of knowledge and reality is further developed in the work of continental philosophers such as Martin Heidegger and Jean-Paul Sartre. Heidegger argued that our understanding of reality is always shaped by our historical and cultural context, and that we cannot simply observe reality from a neutral standpoint. Sartre similarly argued that our knowledge of reality is always mediated by our subjective experiences and that there is no objective reality independent of these experiences.

Politics
Continental philosophy is generally characterized by a critical and questioning approach to political issues, as well as a commitment to engaging with social and political problems.

Some continental philosophers have been associated with left-wing or Marxist political views, such as Karl Marx, Antonio Gramsci, and Herbert Marcuse. Others have been associated with feminist, postcolonial, or environmentalist politics, such as Judith Butler, Gayatri Chakravorty Spivak, and Bruno Latour.

Many continental philosophers have also been critical of mainstream politics and have sought to challenge dominant political discourses and power structures. For example, Michel Foucault explored the ways in which power operates in social institutions such as prisons, schools, and hospitals, and argued that power is not just exercised by those in positions of authority, but is also present in everyday social interactions.

Friends

 * [[File:Hegel.png]] Hegelianism - Where it all started.
 * [[File:Neomarx.png]] - My favorite Marxist.
 * [[File:Postmodern.png]] Post-Modernism - Real popular amongst my followers now a days.

Frenemies

 * [[File:Kant.png]] Kantianism - Laid the groundwork for the critical project, but he was kinda racist and dogmatic.

Enemies

 * [[File:Analytic.png]] Analytic Philosophy - They’re really, really boring.