Descendentalism, in the context of American literature, refers to a philosophical and literary movement that emerged as a counterpoint to Transcendentalism. It emphasizes a more realistic and sometimes darker view of human nature and experience, often exploring themes of sin, guilt and the limitations of human reason. Think of it as a philosophical shift towards empiricism and positivism, focusing on the material and worldly, while Transcendentalism leaned towards idealism and intuition.
Descendentalism is a doctrine that emphasizes empiricism (sensory experience) and positivism (clinical logic); a philosophical focus on material and worldly matters. Transcendentalism by contrast goes beyond empiricism and ascertains a priori (self-evident, theoretically valid) the fundamental principles of human knowledge; it has been said of it that its character is ambitious and imaginative vagueness in thought, imagery or diction.
In short it is a contest between blunt reality (descendentalism) and poetic impulses (transcendentalism). That about sums up the way any one of us may be inclined to view the world on different days – realism or idealism – depending on the weather and the general nature of our being. There are so many aphorisms one encounters – either in casual conversation (“Don’t fix what ain’t broke!”) or arising from a heated moment (as in the opening sentence of the first aphorism of Hippocrates) – that one hesitates to repeat the convention for fear of reducing the dialogue or introversion to mere politeness or totally abstract reflection.
Hippocrates | (c.460–377 BC), Greek physician, traditionally regarded as the father of medicine. His name is associated with the medical profession’s Hippocratic oath because of his attachment to a body of ancient Greek medical writings, probably none of which was written by him.
Hippocrates’ first aphorism presents a structurally simple but conceptually complex series of observations on the art and science of medicine. Its principles are timeless, relevant to physicians in antiquity as well as in the current era. This article analyzes Hippocrates’ aphorism in light of Galen’s and others’ commentaries on it and interprets the principles espoused by Hippocrates in light of the perennial challenges of the practice of medicine.
Given the number and variety of philosophers who have proposed how we are to look at and see things, the conclusion is only, “On the other hand,,,” because so far I’m unconvinced of any one procedure. I recall being told the story of Wittgenstein – by whom his periodic behaviour of walking about town was so predictable they timed the clock in the town hall by his movements – proclaimed to everyone’s alarm, “Everything I have written is false!” Apparently this sudden and unanticipated ejaculation arose after he fell in love. If one were to deduce anything of critical thought from those premises, it is that the nature of human intelligence is both inscrutable and impossible, hardly a helpful instruction to the student of philosophy. One may as well add, “It depends.”
Wittgenstein, Ludwig | (1889–1951), British philosopher, born in Austria; full name Ludwig Josef Johann Wittgenstein. His two major works, Tractatus Logico-Philosophicus (1921) and Philosophical Investigations (1953), examine language and its relationship to the world.
It’s a win for romanticism over cynicism but the divergence remains equally inveterate so I’m never sure who gets over the finish line ahead of the other. Nor frankly, Charlotte… Of greater importance is the influence of other doctrines ascribed to the conduct and governance of human conduct. Recent world affairs have highlighted the disparagement arising between people (Russians/Ukrainians and Jews/Palestinians). I find it impossible to nurture any facility for the egregious behaviour of those people. In some instances the putative reason for the conflict between them is so old and out-of-date that current population has long forgotten why. Its inexcusable authority may be nothing more imaginative than folklore or a Greek story of gods in the sky. Yet even more damaging is the line being trotted out for so-called “political” purposes (that grossly ambitious drive for power and control) where the effect is to corrupt the generous mind with futile plans of revenge and division,. No longer is the issue which of us is right or wrong. We’ve long past that sign post. Instead the mobility should be directed to improvement of life, not identification of it. Those who persist to construct barriers are in my opinion bound for failure. If there were any commonality to people throughout the world it is this: improvement and success. I’ll take that on any hand!
Oh, and just in case you care,
Hippocrates’ First Aphorism, a foundational piece of his writings, states: “Life is short, the Art is long, opportunity fleeting, experiment treacherous, judgment difficult.” This aphorism encapsulates the core challenges and considerations in the practice of medicine, emphasizing the limited time available to learn and practice, the complexities of diagnosis and treatment, and the potential for error.
And,
Ludwig Josef Johann Wittgenstein (Austrian German: 26 April 1889 – 29 April 1951) was an Austro-British philosopher who worked primarily in logic, the philosophy of mathematics, the philosophy of mind, and the philosophy of language.