American Studies ETDs

Publication Date

8-23-1969

Abstract

The Spanish philosopher, José Ortega y Gasset, is best known in this country for his provocative essays on contemporary social and aesthetic issues. Several of his books have been translated into English and widely distributed (see the Bibliography for a list of English translations). Apparently he has a wide readership in the English-speaking world. In spite of the popularity of his own works, however, very little has been written in English about him, the total critical output amounting to a few articles in scholarly journals and a book or two (again, see the Bibliography). Thus, the central critical questions surrounding his work have not been explored to any extent by scholars writing in English.

This dissertation represents a modest effort toward changing the present state of affairs. It will try to answer a number of questions, particularly the following: 1) Upon what fundamental concept, if any, does Ortega base his philosophy? 2) What is the Ortegan theory of knowledge and how is it different from the more traditional theories such as rationalism and relativism? 3) What is the importance of the study of history in Ortega’s philosophy? 4) What is the relationship between his theory of knowledge and his historiology? 5) What for Ortega is the most real phenomenon? That is, what are the metaphysical aspects of his philosophy?

Language

English

Document Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

American Studies

Level of Degree

Doctoral

Department Name

American Studies

First Committee Member (Chair)

Marshall Rutherford Nason

Second Committee Member

Hubert Griggs Alexander

Third Committee Member

Sabine R. Ulibarrí

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