Though the idea of philosophy is vast, we can consider
the answer to the question, “what is philosophy” in the following ways –
·
Traditionally the
word, “philosophy”, means the description of study like logic, sociology,
psychology etc.
·
Surfacely the
word, “philosophy” means view, vision and outlook of a particular person to a particular
thing.
·
Literally,
philosophy is “the study of nature and meaning of the universe and of human
life.” (Oxford Advanced Learners Dictionary: Sixth edition)
·
The origin of
“Philosophy” is from two Greek words – ‘Philos’ meaning love and ‘Sofia’ meaning
knowledge or wisdom. So, the total meaning is the love for knowledge or love
for wisdom.
Now some authentic definitions of philosophy by some
distinguished philosophers:
·
“Philosophy is
the science and criticism of cognition”. (Kant)
·
“Philosophy is
the science of knowledge”. (Fichte)
·
“Philosophy aims
at the knowledge of the eternal, of the essential nature of things”. (Plato)
·
“Philosophy is
the science which investigates the nature of being as it is in virtue of its
own nature. (Aristotle)
·
“Philosophy is
the science of sciences”. (Comte)
·
“Philosophy is
the sum total of all scientific knowledge”. (Dr. Paulsen)
Here we see that the first two definitions imply
philosophy as the epistemological study or the theory of knowledge. The next
two definitions indicate philosophy as metaphysical study or as the theory of
reality. And the last two show the scientific aspect of philosophy. But we will
say that philosophy is the sum total of all of these ideas. Because, all of
them get room in philosophy.
Now let us discuss the Nature and Scop of Philosophy, i.e. the
characteristics of philosophy. In fact philosophy deals with all the branches
of thought. Yet we can consider the following facts –
·
Dealing with God
is a significant concern of philosophy. It tries to find out the possibility of
the existence of God, nature of God, method of activities of God.
·
Knowledge is the
most important discussing matter of philosophy. It discusses the ins and outs
of knowledge.
·
The prime concern
of philosophy is life. Nothing in the universe is beyond life and nothing in
life is beyond philosophy. Moreover, philosophy is the criticism and
interpretation of life. It enquires into the nature, meaning, purpose, origin
and destiny of human life.
·
The chief
instrument of philosophy is logic. Being logical, it does not want to believe
anything without logic. Its method is rational speculation – logical analysis
and synthesis.
·
Because of its
dealing with scientific method, everything of philosophy is methodical based on
science.
·
Philosophy has a
close affinity with psychology. It takes efforts to disclose the functions of
psychology.
·
Mysteries of the
universe get importance in philosophy. Because, they are the burring questions
for all times for philosophy.
·
Philosophy and
literature are closely related to each other: philosophy is often revealed
through literary works.
·
Philosophy also
deals with animal and plant life.
·
Philosophy also
deals with science. It tries to find out the origin of science, possibility of
changing the methods of science.
In fine, we must say that philosophy is a vast field
where all branches of knowledge get place to stay as well as to be discussed.
Indeed different sciences deal with different departments of the world and give
us a sectional view of the world. Philosophy harmonizes the highest conclusions
of the different sciences, co-ordinates them one another, and gives a rational
conception of the whole world. So philosophy is very important for us as a
subject.
Nice work mate .....
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