The Philosophy of Philosophy
© Tatiana Velitchkov

Philosophy can not be accurately defined. Any definition that seeks to define philosophy deems to be debatable, and at times controversial. However, in characterizing it according to its distinctive system of beliefs and critique, we can generally say that philosophy is the study of existence, values, beliefs, mind, knowledge and nature. However, philosophy goes beyond that, and the only way to understand it is to understand the philosophy of philosophy. What are the values and morals of philosophy? What does philosophy seek to unravel? What is the ultimate justification of philosophy?

Fundamentally, philosophy seeks to inquire concepts surrounding human being. Although some have translated it as human sciences, it goes beyond that. Perhaps, we can say that philosophy is about critical thinking. According to Wilfred Hodges, English philosophy, as well as the entire Western philosophy, you are not to take things to believe, especially if they seem incontestable and obvious. You have to take a “second order” inquiry rather than base your trust on emotions and perceptions. Although the line between the “second order” thinking and the “first order” thinking may be unclear, the subject matter here is “thinking about thinking” on the basis of the way of human thinking.

Philosophy is distinct from other human sciences in the way it seeks to answer questions of existence and conditions of humankind through logic, natural phenomenon, mysticism (or mythology), aesthetics and relationship between beliefs, truth and justification. On values, philosophy concerns itself on the question of morals or ethics; how is a human being supposed to live? What are the various ethical systems in existence, and how do they influence on the way of thinking? Its central approach in unraveling such phenomenon is through reasoned argument; while as the origin meaning of the study translates (philosophia in Greek) the soul of philosophy is the “Love of Wisdom”.

If you are interested – see this: Heidegger life and Philosophy video 1 of 6