Jose Ortega Y Gasset's understanding of human and history

The purpose of this study is to discuss the concepts of "human" and "history" in Ortega's philosophy and the relationship between human and history and to systematically reveal the solutions offered by Ortega regarding the cultural-political problems of the period. Within the scope of this purpose, chapters of the study are arranged in a way that will discuss the fundamental concepts and notions of the "human" and "history" philosophy of Ortega. In the study fundamental issues of Ortega's human understanding such as "vital reason", "radical reality", "radical isolation". "Circumstance (environment)" "perspectivism" and the "other" were discussed. Then with reference to the thoughts of the philosophers who thought about the "history" issue in the history of thought, Ortega's understanding of history was examined. Ortega's understanding of history is considered with a focus on subjects such as "human nature" and "history", "generation" (lineage) "historical reason", "human freedom and fate", and his predictions for today are included. Ortega developed his understanding of human and history as a philosopher belonging to the school of existential philosophy. Him being a sociologist and historian along with his identity as a philosopher caused him to see the matter of human and history from a different perspective. According to Ortega, the essence of human existence is history. "Humankind does not have a nature, but a history". In this respect, human realizes his existence and life in his history. Understanding of "what" human is, is possible by examining his life, past and history. In this case, history is the most important science for human who is in need of knowing his existence to fulfil this need. Ortega expresses the relevance of history to the present as follows: "History does not only mean the past. At the same time, history is an integrated process that contains the present and the future too. In this regard, history is the science of present as well". Examining the human existence in relation with history makes it possible to see the impacts of his past life experiences to his present and future. Owing to history, it becomes likely to follow the impacts and traces of the whole humankind and social past in the current actions and life of human.