So, What is Philosophy?

It is sometimes not easy to get introductory philosophy students to understand the nature and function of philosophy. Many come to class with false (though popular) beliefs concerning philosophy, e.g., that philosophy is an abstract and esoteric discipline without much practical value or that it is simply your opinion versus mine. In order to attempt to remedy this problem, the following is a short essay which attempts to analyze the meaning of philosophy .

Philosophy is for everyone. In fact, although most people may be vague about what philosophy is, we all engage in philosophy, whether we are aware of it or not. We all have some ideas concerning free will, human nature, morality, the meaning of life, the nature of reality, and the like. Everyone, at one time or another, either because of startling events or simple curiosity, asks philosophical questions like: Does God exist? Is there a life after Death? Are there any absolute or universal moral principles? What do ethical terms like "good," "bad," "right," "wrong," mean? What is beauty? What are the characteristics of a good work of art? From what sources do we gain our knowledge? Does sensory experience provide indubitable knowledge? Are human beings complex physical systems, or do they have properties not reducible to anything physical?

So what is philosophy? Literally, the word "philosophy" is derived from the Greek words philos (loving) and Sophia (wisdom), and means "the love of wisdom." But philosophers do not always agree on the nature and function of philosophy. Here are four definitions that attempt to explain what is generally meant by the word "philosophy."

1. Philosophy analyzes the foundations and presuppositions underlying other disciplines. It does not ask "If the theory of evolution true?" rather "How do we distinguish truth from error? Under what conditions are we justified in claiming to know that a belief is true?

2. Philosophy attempts to develop a comprehensive conception or apprehension of the world. Philosophy seeks to integrate the knowledge of the sciences with that of other fields of study to achieve some kind of consistent and coherent world view. Philosophers do not want to confine their attention to a fragment of human experience or knowledge, but rather, want to reflect upon life as a totality.

3. Philosophy studies and critically evaluates our most deeply held beliefs and attitudes; in particular those which are often held uncritically. Philosophers have an attitude of critical and logical thoughtfulness. They attempt to force us to see the significance and consequences of our beliefs and sometimes their inconsistencies. They analyze the evidence (or lack of it) for our most treasured beliefs and seek to remove from our perspectives every taint and trace of ignorance, prejudice, superstition, blind acceptance of ideas, and other forms of irrationality.

4. Philosophy investigates the principles and rules of language, and attempts to clarify the meaning of vague and ambiguous words and concepts. Philosophy examines the role of language in communication and thought, and the problem of how to identify or ensure the presence of meaning in our use of language. It is a method which seeks to expose the problems and confusions which have resulted from the misuse of language and to clarify the meanings and use of vague and ambiguous terms.

Course Home Page

Updated 6 September 1997
Comments to Danney Ursery