Gramsci’s “Cultural Resistance Reader” discusses the idea of philosophy and how that philosophy has affected the masses, history, and, of course, the present. First Gramsci claims that everyone who has the capability of language, is capable of philosophy, because they are able to question and criticize the way in which the world works. It is interesting how dominating philosophies, either by the mass or by world leaders, has paved the way through history and has developed what we have during the present. Gramsci also points out the importance of not forgetting past philosophies and mistakes made in order to prevent making the same mistakes, once again. Given the tragic events that occurred in World War II, you would think that America could learn something or two and not allow a tyrannic man to power and let him make irrational and impulsive decisions. This is another point that Gramsci makes: the importance of patience and rationality when it comes to applying philosophy to decisions. Which, again, is a quality which America has become vulnerable against, given the state of our current leader and his mindset and “philosophies”. Maybe, he should read this.
Foucault, on the other hand, discusses the ideas of “truth” which to him are, “types of discourse which it (societies) accepts and makes function as true.” The main thing that I took out of this article is that truths are, somewhat, malleable. Truth, in a way, is developed through context and, as Foucault notes, science. Both which are could be shaped and distributed to the masses which are simply swallowed, without doubt or question. This just shows how much power is attached to the “truth”. Truths develop a society, dictating what is fact or fiction and relate to the idea of philosophy. Philosophy can transcend the truth, but ultimately, must be applicable to reality (truths). If a false truth is applied throughout society and it goes unquestioned, philosophy will build around that. Thus, the importance of proper education becomes the topic of discussion. Maintenance of society and the future relies heavily on people who can see the cracks in the “truth” we are being fed and question their existence.
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