Relation between philosophy and life

Philosophy and life are inseparably and intimately related to each other. We know or do not know we use philosophy in our everyday life. Actually problems and thinking of the problems are part and parcel of our life, which create the way of philosophical thinking. However, there is (a little) difference between general thinking and philosophical thinking. Rational, observational and satisfactory judgment of any problem is philosophical thinking, usually called ‘reflection’ which is the base of philosophy. So, when anyone’s thinking is based on reason, causation and satisfaction, it can be regarded as the first step of philosophy. Aristotle says-

“Whether we will philosophize or we won’t philosophize, we must philosophize.”

• Man has a common tendency to know about life and the universe as a whole. Philosophy discusses it explaining the nature, meaning, purpose, origin, destiny of human life.
• There is a controversy among human beings regarding the ‘universal spirit’ or the ‘infinite Being’ or God. It has also occupied a great part in philosophy.
• We often use different methods of philosophy in our practical life. For example, Socrates ‘negative dialectic method’ is now used in modern ‘courts’ in order to find out the truth through asking questions.
• Philosophy may well organize our humanity and social, moral and religious spirit, and may lead to right path.
• Dr. Paulsen says, “Philosophy is the sum total of all scientific knowledge.”

So we must say that wherever is human life, therein lies philosophy. It may be someone’s philosophical explanation to life or common to all.