Chapter 1: An Introduction to Ortega's Philosophy

José Ortega y Gasset, a notable Spanish phenomenologist and existentialist (1883–1955), developed a unique philosophy of life influenced by thinkers like John Stuart Mill, William James, Edmund Husserl, and Immanuel Kant. He posited that the essence of philosophy lies in questioning our beliefs and biases, paving the way for fresh perspectives that illuminate reality. He famously remarked, "Reflection on the phenomenon 'human life' is the basis of all my thought." Ortega emphasized the significance of individual experiences and viewpoints.

While he did not reject science, Ortega acknowledged its limitations in capturing the complexities of human existence. Inspired by Albert Einstein's theories, which illustrated that there is no single perspective but rather various relative viewpoints, Ortega concluded that the same reality can manifest differently based on the observer's standpoint. He articulated this by stating, “I am I and my circumstances.”

Ortega viewed human life as a dynamic interplay between the individual and their environment. He argued that every person is a unique lens through which reality is perceived, asserting that all knowledge is inherently tied to one's viewpoint in time and space. In this regard, he aligned his perspectivist philosophy with Einstein's relativity, moving away from the classical Newtonian framework that had previously dominated philosophy.

As individuals, we strive to make sense of our world through the lens of life. Ortega articulated, “Living is to reach outside of oneself, devoted ontologically, to what is other, be it called world or circumstances.” Our identity is shaped by our experiences and circumstances.

Our existence, according to Ortega, revolves around how we navigate life. He evocatively described our situation as being "shipwrecked in a sea of circumstances," emphasizing that we must cling to our consciousness and essence as we confront the challenges of life. His approach celebrates the vibrancy of existence, similar to Wilhelm Dilthey’s view. Human experience cannot be reduced to mere mechanistic or logical determinism; rather, it is dynamic and reflective of the individual’s context. Each of us is an "I," but Ortega's "I" is a conscious self engaged in the world.

Ortega’s perspective on time echoes Henri Bergson's notion of duration, which he terms "historical time." This concept highlights the importance of narrative in understanding human experience. While change occurs in the physical realm, human events unfold through motives, actions, and reactions. Each historical event is singular, contrasting with the uniformity of physical laws.

Thus, personal history transcends mere temporal change; it is an integral part of who we are. Ortega asserted that understanding oneself requires recognizing the impact of one's past, shaping the choices made within specific circumstances. This understanding leads Ortega to view history as the ultimate science. Echoing Kierkegaard, he noted that while life must be lived forward, it is only understood in retrospect.

Ortega's life philosophy regards individuals as beings with free will, actively participating in a social context. Unlike physical entities, humans are not bound by an essential nature or predetermined choices. In line with pragmatists, he stated, “We do not live to think; on the contrary, we think in order that we may succeed in surviving.”

Although individuals do not select their circumstances, which are historically defined, they still possess freedom. While external forces shape our environment, they do not dictate our actions. Ortega encapsulated this by asserting, “I am I and my circumstances,” emphasizing the unique choices each person faces within their particular set of circumstances.

Our task is to navigate the myriad possibilities for action available to us. As Ortega articulated, we are beings compelled to make choices and act, continuously engaging with our surroundings. He argued that the world is not simply presented to us; instead, our understanding arises from our interpretations within the human experience.

We must accept the profound reality that we are distinct selves, with everything emanating from our individual lives. We construct our perceptions of the world and our place within it, making choices from the options before us. Ortega, unlike Sartre who viewed freedom as a burden, offered a more nuanced perspective, recognizing that while life can be painful, it also brings joy and enthusiasm.

Chapter 2: The Individual in Society

In examining human social life, Ortega recognized that each person is an "I" existing within a shared human environment. While individuality fosters authenticity, it does not occur in isolation. Each of us possesses our own life, thoughts, and convictions, yet we share this world with others.

In the social realm, individuals engage in a collective existence, recognizing that possibilities extend beyond oneself. Ortega contended that social life is an interactive process, where individual identities are shaped by relationships with others. Thus, "I am I and my circumstances" expands to encompass other "I's," reflecting the interconnectedness of human existence.

Ortega believed that society is not entirely a natural construct. Authenticity stems from being unique individuals within a complex web of interactions. He criticized capitalism for undermining humanity, while also expressing reservations about Marxism. He advocated for a socio-political framework that safeguards individuality, freedom of expression, and minority rights against potential abuses of power.

Similar to John Stuart Mill, Ortega voiced concerns about the tyranny of the majority within mass society. In his work, The Revolt of the Masses (La rebelión de las masas, 1930), he delineated a qualitative distinction between two societal groups—not based on economic status, but on mindset. He argued that a minority seeks self-improvement, while the majority often remains complacent.

Ortega posited that historically, those striving for self-betterment guided political systems, preserving societal order through their greater understanding. However, advancements in technology and liberal democracy in the 1800s empowered the majority, resulting in the emergence of mass culture and the "mass-man." This new social dynamic, he contended, led to a disconnection from history and a misguided belief in self-sufficiency.

His critique of the mass-man parallels sentiments expressed by other thinkers, lamenting the potential for the masses to suppress excellence and individuality. Ortega echoed Nietzsche's forewarnings of impending social upheaval, predicting a future where the masses perceive themselves as the state, ultimately leading to the erosion of individuality and the rise of authoritarianism.

The first video titled The True Job of a Philosopher featuring José Ortega y Gasset delves into the philosopher's role in society, emphasizing the need for critical reflection on human existence.

The second video, Episode #166 ... José Ortega - Circumstance, further explores Ortega's views on individuality and the impact of one's circumstances on personal philosophy.