Moderns Thoughts

When, in philosophy, we are talking about moderns, we are actually talking about a 300 year span from about 1500 to 1800.  Not entirely modern, so to speak.

For our purposes, we will focus on two philosophers during that time period and how their thoughts apply to the social media of today.  Their names are David Hume and Immanuel Kant.

Before the modern time period, we had Plato and Aristotle that, even though their thoughts were quite different from each others, believed more in some overarching principle that was perhaps difficult to pin down and above the intellect of individuals.  Some perfect form all were aiming toward but could never really reach.  

However, Hume and Kant drew a distinction between what the world provided, like physical laws, and what we as people brought, like beauty or usefulness. 

Also, they argued how the masses, professionals, and peers helped decide what mattered.  For instance, we can think of Amazon (or some other website that is selling something) where you and I can see reviews from end users, or even from professionals (think of a business about a consulting firm), or even as specific as your friends (think of Facebook)!

This may be one of the biggest differences between the ancients and the moderns.  The terms primary and secondary qualities came into being when speaking about something or some idea.

A primary quality has to do with, say, a dog.  The dog's fur does not, of itself, have a color.  That is what may be called a secondary quality, because it is what you or I decided about the dog.

So, how does this apply to social media?  Well, just about everything!

Think of Apple and Android.  Both have provided platforms for users not of their company to create apps.  Google Play and the Apple App Store may rate these apps as good or not so good (these are the professionals, supposedly).  While there is another place for actual end users to leave their feedback and ratings (the masses).  The App Store (and others I'm sure) now have a feature of what apps are popular in your area (your friends). 

Your social media, whatever it is, has to encapsulate these in order to be successful in today's world.  

1. It has to be fluid and ever changing according to your audience
2. Whatever suits your site best, allow your professional users and end users to "review" the product or service
3. Allow for people to dive into the secondary qualities