SCIENTIFIC HUMANISM - nihil obstat felicitas (XVI)

Selected Humanist Bibliography Consulted:

Tomás Moro - "Utopia"

It's a utopia that describes an ideal society where poverty, oppression, and violence have been eliminated.

Giovanni Pico della Mirandola - "Oration on the Dignity of Man"

In this philosophical treatise, the human being is presented as a creature of unlimited potential and unique dignity. It emphasizes freedom and the human capacity to determine one's own destiny.

Desiderius Erasmus - "In Praise of Folly"

This satirical essay critiques the vices and corruption of society in his time. Erasmus uses the character of "Folly" to highlight the contradictions and absurdities of humanity, promoting a critical perspective and a quest for wisdom.

Michel de Montaigne - "Essays"

Montaigne explores a wide range of topics in his essays, reflecting on human nature, morality, education, and philosophy.

Francis Bacon - "Novum Organum"

This work establishes the foundations of his inductive method for scientific investigation. It proposes a new approach based on observing nature and experimentation, laying the groundwork for modern science.

John Locke - "An Essay Concerning Human Understanding"

This work addresses the theory of knowledge and philosophy of mind. Locke argues that the human mind is a "tabula rasa" at birth, and knowledge is acquired through experience and sensory perception.

René Descartes - "Discourse on the Method"

This work presents his philosophical method based on methodical doubt and the search for indubitable truths. It also establishes the famous "Cogito, ergo sum" ("I think, therefore I am") as a starting point for his philosophy.

Jean-Jacques Rousseau - "The Social Contract"

The nature of government and society is examined in this work. Rousseau argues that sovereignty resides in the people and defends the idea of a social contract in which individuals commit to obey the general will.

Voltaire - "Candide"

This satirical novel criticizes the optimistic view and philosophy of Leibnizianism. Through the misadventures of the main character, Candide, Voltaire addresses themes such as human suffering, religious intolerance, and social critique.

Jean-Paul Sartre - "Being and Nothingness"

In this philosophical work, Sartre explores human existence and individual freedom. He analyzes the notion of "being-for-itself" and the responsibility of each person in constructing their own existence.

Albert Camus - "The Stranger"

This novel addresses themes of absurdity, alienation, and indifference in everyday life. Camus examines the existence of the protagonist, Meursault, and raises questions about morality and the meaning of life.

Hannah Arendt - "The Origins of Totalitarianism"

In this monumental work, Arendt analyzes the origins and nature of totalitarianism, examining Nazism and Stalinism. She addresses themes such as power, violence, and the loss of individual freedom in authoritarian regimes.

Simone de Beauvoir - "The Second Sex"

Beauvoir examines the position of women in society and gender oppression. She analyzes the social construction of femininity and argues that women must strive for their liberation and self-determination.

Erich Fromm - "The Art of Loving"

Fromm explores love and human relationships in this work. He examines different forms of love, such as maternal love, erotic love, and brotherly love, and highlights the importance of authenticity and responsibility in love.

Carl Rogers - "On Becoming a Person"

Rogers, a humanistic psychologist, presents his client-centered therapy approach. He emphasizes the importance of empathy, unconditional positive regard, and authenticity in the process of personal development.

Paulo Freire - "Pedagogy of the Oppressed"

Freire addresses education as a tool for liberation and social change. He proposes a pedagogical approach based on conscientization and active student participation in their own learning process.

Martha Nussbaum - "The Fragility of Goodness"

Nussbaum explores ethics and morality in this work. She argues for an ethics based on compassion, empathy, and the ability to recognize the dignity and value of all human beings.

Michel Foucault - "Surveillance and Punishment"

In this work, Foucault examines the history of punitive practices and how they have evolved over time. He analyzes the relationship between power, knowledge, and discipline, raising questions about social control and resistance.

Noam Chomsky - "Manufacturing Consent: The Political Economy of the Mass Media"

Chomsky addresses the role of mass media in society and how they influence public opinion. He argues that there is a system of control and manipulation of information by elites, highlighting the importance of independence and critical thinking.

Martha C. Nussbaum - "Love's Knowledge"

In this work, Nussbaum explores the relationship between ethics and love. She argues that love is essential for ethical judgment and the pursuit of a just society. She examines how love can influence our actions and be a driving force for social change.

Johann Wolfgang von Goethe (1749-1832)

Prominent German writer and poet. His most famous work is "Faust," a dramatic poem that explores the pursuit of knowledge and the dual nature of humanity.

Friedrich Nietzsche (1844-1900): "Thus Spoke Zarathustra"

Critique of morality and his concept of the "overman," a philosophical text in the form of parables and discourses that addresses themes such as the will to power and eternal recurrence.

Sigmund Freud (1856-1939): "The Interpretation of Dreams"

Explores the unconscious, dreams, and psychic processes.

Martin Heidegger (1889-1976): "Being and Time"

Reflects on human existence, temporality, and the meaning of being.

Thomas Mann (1875-1955): "The Magic Mountain"

Portrays life in a sanatorium in the Swiss Alps and addresses themes such as illness, death, and the decline of European society before World War I.

Karl Marx (1818-1883): "Capital"

Critique of the capitalist system and analysis of capitalism from a materialist perspective.

Max Weber (1864-1920): "The Protestant Ethic and the Spirit of Capitalism"

Analyzes the influence of Calvinism on the development of capitalism.

Plato (428-348 BCE): "The Republic" and "Dialogues"

Founder of the Academy and disciple of Socrates, extensively writes about justice, politics, epistemology, and ontology.

Aristotle (384-322 BCE): "Nicomachean Ethics" and "Metaphysics"

Philosopher who covered diverse areas of knowledge including ethics, politics, logic, and biology.

Cicero (106-43 BCE): "On Duties"

Roman orator and philosopher, wrote on ethics and morality.

Seneca (4 BCE - 65 CE): "Letters to Lucilius"

Stoic philosopher known for his works on ethics and wisdom.

Marcus Aurelius (121-180 CE): "Meditations"

Stoic emperor, left behind personal reflections on his philosophy of life.

Confucius (551-479 BCE): "Analects"

Chinese philosopher and social thinker, teachings focus on ethics, morality, and the role of the ruler.

Laozi (6th century BCE): "Tao Te Ching"

Taoist philosopher, his main work explores the concept of Tao and the path to harmony with the universe.

Zhuangzi (369-286 BCE): "Zhuangzi"

Influential Taoist philosopher, his writings cover topics of relativism and perspectives on life.