Most Important Philosopher Of Recent Times?

[David Gould]

Examples?

Nadroj has mentioned them: totalitarianism and the realm of ideals. These have had disastrous impacts in the areas of politics, religion and science, and they still exert a hold over many people. While most in the West have rejected the first, science in particular - and particularly the study of human beings - is still struggling to find a way out of Plato's grip.

And I agree with Nadroj - Plato created a system, and it became seen as correct without question, which is the exact opposite of how Plato would have wanted it. He would have wanted his ideas challenged and tested, which was the whole point of philosophy.

 

[RatzingerRocks]

Nadroj has mentioned them: totalitarianism and the realm of ideals. These have had disastrous impacts in the areas of politics, religion and science, and they still exert a hold over many people. While most in the West have rejected the first, science in particular - and particularly the study of human beings - is still struggling to find a way out of Plato's grip.

And I agree with Nadroj - Plato created a system, and it became seen as correct without question, which is the exact opposite of how Plato would have wanted it. He would have wanted his ideas challenged and tested, which was the whole point of philosophy.

How is it that no one here has mentioned Husserl? I mean i think Phenomenology was a preaty huge development, and without him where would Heidegger be?

 

[mikenet2006]

Who was the last truly important philosopher that needs to be studied? As of late, the most modern philosopher I am talking about...

I find that there is a poverty in philosophy as of late. So I would like to hear people's opinions.

Ok this isnt a philosopher persay but if you want to see a movie that is the best depiction of modern life compared to the ways of the past then find a movie called "My Dinner With Andre" It is about a man who tells his life story while philosophising on Many aspects of the corruptions of modern life. At the same time he explains how true freedom was reached in his experiences.

It may be hard to find because I saw it on IFC and its an early eighties film but it is well worth watching because of the unique nature of the film itself.

 

[HRE]

She may not hold much credence within the philosophical establishment, but I would select Ayn Rand as the shadow-shaper of much of our current views on individualism and capitalism. Her philosophy of Objectivism, while certainly not perfect, holds a strong foundational groundwork with the potential to develop a complete and consistent moral system. I've got the notion that she went a bit batty later on in life, but we ought to remember to judge the merit of the idea apart from the originator.

 

[JGL53]

She may not hold much credence within the philosophical establishment, but I would select Ayn Rand as the shadow-shaper of much of our current views on individualism and capitalism. Her philosophy of Objectivism, while certainly not perfect, holds a strong foundational groundwork with the potential to develop a complete and consistent moral system. I've got the notion that she went a bit batty later on in life, but we ought to remember to judge the merit of the idea apart from the originator.

Ayn Rand was one of the world's most accomplished narcissists. Her "philosophy" is basically a reflection of her rather nasty personality and egomania. I don't think you can really separate her "philosophy" from her.

If we define "philosopher" rather loosely, I would say the most influential philosopher in the last one hundred years - in a good way - was Alan Watts.