Definition

1. Proper noun:
   • A Spanish philosopher and essayist: José Ortega y Gasset was a prominent 20th-century intellectual known for his works on philosophy, history, and the critique of mass society.
   • An advocate of intellectual elitism: He is particularly noted for his theory that social and cultural progress should be directed by a discerning intellectual minority.

Usage Examples

• Proper noun:
  • The ideas of José Ortega y Gasset were influential in the development of modern Spanish thought.
  • In his famous work "The Revolt of the Masses," José Ortega y Gasset analyzed the role of the individual in society.

Advanced Usage

• "Ortega y Gasset's thesis": refers to his central philosophical argument, often concerning the relationship between the individual and the masses, or the concept of "vital reason" ().
  • The professor explained Ortega y Gasset's thesis on the "select minority."

Variants and Related Words

• Orteguism (n): The philosophical doctrines or ideas associated with José Ortega y Gasset.
  • Orteguism emphasizes historical reason and perspectivism.

Synonyms

• Philosopher: A person engaged in the study of fundamental truths and principles.
• Essayist: A writer of essays, especially on philosophical or cultural topics.

Related Idioms and Phrases

• "The revolt of the masses": A phrase originating from Ortega y Gasset's most famous book title, used to describe a historical phenomenon where the common populace rejects elite leadership and standards.
  • Some commentators see the current political climate as a modern example of the revolt of the masses.

Noun

1. Spanish philosopher who advocated leadership by an intellectual elite (1883-1955)