0.5.1 Limits of the Philosophical Perspective

Version 1.6 March 2013                                      Previous Version

Philosophy can provide a theoretical analysis consistent with our practical analysis.

Philosophers are becoming more isolated as science encroaches on what was once the subject of philosophy.  Some modern philosophers contribute to debates on ethics and politics but many don't seem to be publicly involved in the major issues of our times. 

Many philosophers, especially English speaking ones, now seem to focus on what language means – but are slow to make any point that most of us think is worth hearing.  So called “continental� (ie European) philosophy seems to be more nebulous.

Those who do take a firm position on an issue – such as a belief, or disbelief, in god – often ridicule their opponents rather than present valid arguments. 

Sceptics generally tell us nothing positive, only what they don't believe.

There are impressive overviews of philosophy which can help us.  But often these simply survey and summarise the history of philosophy.  The brilliant insights of early philosophers such as Veda Vyāsa, Confucius and Socrates, and the many others who came after them, affect us today.  The variety of opinions is confusing, and no conclusion seems firm.  We need guides, not dry history lessons.

Philosophy can help us analyse what we believe.  When it comes down to it, our philosophy does guide all our major choices and core values.  But most people have unconsciously adopted old philosophical views that are no longer justifiable.  So their values and beliefs are inconsistent with reality.  We need to update our philosophy.

But on its own, philosophy is limited: we can speculate all we like, but science and history can sometimes tell us which philosophical ideas are unrealistic.

We propose to provide more detailed reviews of the related literature in future.  more