Philosophical Questions About Philosophy

by Paul Austin Murphy (August 2018)

Four Philosophers, Peter Paul Rubens, 1611-1612

 

 

 

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phia = wisdom. One problem with taking the etymology of the word “philosophy” seriously is that it seems to be the case that philosophy should be all about the self—or about the “lover of wisdom”. In other words, “how to live well”, “how to live the good life”, “how to be fulfilled and happy”, etc. Clearly all this has only been a small aspect of Western philosophy; and, perhaps, a big aspect of various religions. It can even be classed as self-centered. (In certain strands of existentialism, it’s mainly about living a sincere life—sincere to one’s genuine self.)

 

 

 

What is Philosophy?

 

 

should incorporate science and its findings. Thus – from such a place – it would be very difficult to take a useful (or genuine) metaphilosophical position on science.

 

Question “What is Philosophy?”

 

The Philosophy of Philosophy) which are very like the thought experiments engaged in by scientists (Williamson cites Galileo). Nonetheless, they’re still not physical experiments as they’re commonly understood in science. In addition, observations may be said to be prerequisites for just about any kind of philosophy. And technically it can also be said that observations (or at least “a posteriori reasoning”) can defeat seemingly a priori claims or statements.

 

Bertrand Russell on Philosophy

 

Russell wrote:

 

Definitions may be given in this way of any field where a body of definite knowledge exists. But philosophy cannot be so defined. Any definition is controversial and already embodies a philosophic attitude. The only way to find out what philosophy is, is to do philosophy.

 

 

The only way to find out what science is, is to do science. (Or at least see how science is done.)

 

within philosophy from positions on philosophy itself.

 

Finally, we must conclude that the question “What is philosophy?” is itself philosophical in nature. Or at least we need to indulge in philosophy in order to discover an answer to that question.

 

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