Influence of Historical Philosophical Movements on Contemporary Cultural Values in Netherlands

Purpose: The aim of the study was to assess the influence of historical philosophical movements on contemporary cultural values in Netherlands. Methodology: This study adopted a desk methodology. A desk study research design is commonly known as secondary data collection. This is basically collecting data from existing resources preferably because of its low cost advantage as compared to a field research. Our current study looked into already published studies and reports as the data was easily accessed through online journals and libraries. Findings: The study revealed a complex interplay between past ideas and present beliefs. Scholars have identified several key philosophical movements, such as Enlightenment rationalism, Romanticism, existentialism, and postmodernism, each of which has left a lasting imprint on societal norms, attitudes, and behaviors. Enlightenment ideals of reason, individualism, and progress have shaped modern notions of democracy, scientific inquiry, and human rights. Conversely, Romanticism's emphasis on emotion, nature, and subjective experience has influenced contemporary attitudes towards art, literature, and environmentalism. Existentialist themes of freedom, authenticity, and existential angst resonate in contemporary discussions on identity, meaning, and personal fulfillment. Implications to Theory, Practice and Policy: Cultural hegemony theory, social constructionism and modernization theory may be used to anchor future studies on assessing the influence of historical philosophical movements on contemporary cultural values in Netherlands. Develop educational initiatives that foster critical engagement with philosophical ideas and their cultural implications. Advocate for the integration of philosophical education into school curricula and lifelong learning programs. By promoting philosophical literacy from an early age, policymakers can equip individuals with the critical thinking skills and ethical awareness needed to navigate complex cultural landscapes, fostering social cohesion and democratic citizenship.