THE MEANING OF PHILOSOPHY

Let us attempt to define philosophy adequately. Philosophy is sometimes approached or defined at different points of view, which are supplementary rather than contradictory. We might like to get two things straight at the start.

“Firstly, philosophy isn’t a subject – it’s an activity. Consequently one doesn’t study it: one does it. This is how philosophers, at least those in the Anglo-Saxon tradition (which for some obscure historical reason seems to include the Finns), tend to put it. And secondly, philosophy is largely a matter of conceptual analysis – or thinking about thinking.”[1]

It is important to know first what the meaning of definition is. We must study the terms that we are using, to be clear at the start. “The term definition is derived from the Latin word de-fenire meaning to state to limits of or to enclose within limits.”[2] Now as we start giving definition of philosophy, let us remember that we are limiting the meaning of philosophy.

The definition of philosophy may be nominal or real. . In nominal, it may be either etymological or vernacular. While in real, it may either be intrinsic or extrinsic.

What is the etymological definition of philosophy? But first what is etymological definition? Etymological definition limits a thing by taking its derivation. We mean that we get the meaning of a word from its root.

“Etymologically, philosophy is derived from the two Greek words philein meaning love or friendship and sophia meaning wisdom.”[3]

When we combine the derived meaning of Philosophy, we will come up to the meaning of philosophy as love of wisdom. This meaning is an understanding of the philosophy given to us by the ancient Greek philosophers and until now we accept and use this definition.

Literally, Philosophy means love of wisdom. But what is love and what is wisdom? Love is basically a drive towards a particular thing. And wisdom means an application of knowledge. Thus wisdom cannot be dissociated with knowledge.

The Chinese also gave a definition to philosophy which stands so close to the ancient Greeks definition of philosophy as love of wisdom.

“The Chinese, however, define philosophy as Zhe-Xue or Che Shueh (this is originally coined by Dr. Nishi Amane).The Chinese understands Zhe-Xue or philosophy as the study of wisdom.”[4]

The Chinese characters, Zhe and Xue, suggest the inseparability of the words and actions. Thus, for the Chinese, philosophy is the translation of the words into action or the application of the theory into practice. Hence, for the Chinese, philosophy singles out a person to live on what he says.

If the Greeks and the Chinese have their own definitions of Philosophy, the Hindus, too, have something they call their own.

“Philosophy is Darsana. Darsana means seeing, seeing not only through the eyes, but through the whole being of the one that sees. In other words, Philosophy for the Hindus means seeing the whole of the reality through a total advertence and involvement of the looker.”[5]

This kind of definition shows up our preconception, biases, and prejudices of a certain reality since all these are partial treatment of any phenomenon or any reality.

What is then the vernacular definition of philosophy? Vernacular definition limits a term by taking into account its exclusive meaning.

“Now, consider the vernacular definition of philosophy. That which limits philosophy exclusively compared to other sciences is its ultimate foundation: reason. Of all sciences, philosophy prides itself in being the only science that investigates all things in their ultimate causes, reasons, and principles through reason alone.”[6]

This means that the philosophy does not employ faith or experiments done in laboratories. But it does not mean that philosophy is not present in theology or a science. Since philosophy is the application of theory to practice which presupposes the total attention of the viewer.

A misconception is that philosophy is something like theology. Philosophy is concerned with the undermining and questioning of dogmas whereas theology is about accepting and supporting them. To explain further the connection of theology and philosophy, Theology needs philosophy that is why philosophy is the handmaid of theology. The only difference between them is that philosophy only uses reason while theology depends on faith and reason. We can say that the end of philosophy is the beginning of theology.

What is the essential definition of philosophy? To understand it let us give the meaning of intrinsic definition. Essential definition limits a thing according to its kind.

“Philosophy as a science [Generic (genus)-Essential-Intrinsic-Real definition], it investigates and presents evidences that are systematically-arranged and complete body of knowledge or truth.”[7] Philosophy and science have much in common. Both grow out of reflective, inquiring attitude and are prompted by an impartial love of truth. Philosophy investigates not superficial or cursory but deep, critical and impartial. To simplify it, philosophy goes beyond any common sense or current set of assumption and fact. So, we can notice why philosophers must not be contended on such particular answer. A great example is Socrates who is never contended of current assumptions.

The definition of philosophy according to its real definition will help us now justify that philosophy as a science that investigates all things in their ultimate causes, reasons, and principles through human reason alone.

Let us also consider the definition of philosophy given to us by various writers and philosophers. Let us start with the definition of W.P. Montague, the author of the book, Great Visions of Philosophy.

“Philosophy is the attempt to give a reasoned conception of the universe and of man’s place in it.”[8]

In the definition given to us by Montague, we can see that it gives us a specific definition. He tries to define philosophy in one of its branches, Cosmology or Philosophy of nature which is most concerned about the cosmos or the universe and all in it.

J.A. Leighton gave a similar definition of philosophy. Like Montague, but he further explained it and gave much wider range. While E.S. Ames concept is much about life and connected philosophy with science.

“J.A. Leighton says that a complete philosophy includes a world-view, or reasoned conception of the whole cosmos, and a life-view, or doctrine of the values, meaning, and purposes of human life. E.S. Ames defines it as the endeavour to achieve a comprehensive view of life and its meaning, upon the basis of the results of the various sciences.”[9]

“Philosophy is, I think, most appropriately to be conceived as a clearing house to which the result of all other human inquiries is brought and in which the records of all forms of human experience are sifted, assessed and evaluated.”[10]

From the definition at the top, we can say that philosophy may be described as a study which is without restrictions upon its subject-matter. We may compare it to court where cases are examined and evaluated. It is unlike other Human inquiries that have their own restriction like Botany that only concerns with plants. Most of the definitions emphasize the use of methods of reflective thinking. They state or imply that the aim is to gain unity and to see life as a whole.

There might be lots of definition of philosophy but we must remember that every definition is not contradictory to the other but a support. It will all lead us that philosophy is all about truth.

[1] Jim Hankinson, “The Bluffer’s Guide to Philosophy” (United Kingdom: Oval Books, 2005) p.5.

[2]Eddie R. Babor, “The Human Person: Not real, but existing” (Manila: C&E Publishing Inc., 1998) p.13.

[3] Ibid.p.15.

[4]Eddie R. Babor, “The Human Person: Not real, but existing” (Manila: C&E Publishing Inc., 1998) p. 16.

[5] Ibid.

[6] Ibid.

[7] Ibid.p.17.

[8] Harold H. Titus, “Living Issues in Philosophy” (U.S.A: American Book Company, 1953) p. 8.

[9] Ibid

[10] C. E. M. Joad, “Philosophy” (New York: Fawcett Premier Book, 1966) p.17.