Introduction to Philosophy: What is Philosophy?

HAKIZIMANA Maurice

Philosophy can be defined as a rational reflection on the great questions related to human existence, knowledge, truth, morality, society and the meaning of life. It is distinguished by its critical and rigorous approach, seeking to understand the foundations of reality and to question what we take for granted.

Etymologically, the word philosophy comes from the Greek philein (to love) and sophia (wisdom), meaning “love of wisdom”. This reflects a perpetual quest for knowledge that allows us to live in an enlightened and reflective manner. Philosophy does not claim to provide definitive answers, but asks essential questions that nourish reflection. A dialogical discipline par excellence, it relies on doubt and questioning to move forward.

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I. DEFINITIONS OF PHILOSOPHY ACCORDING TO SOME PHILOSOPHERS

(1) Plato

For Plato, philosophy is a quest for truth through reason. It aims to go beyond sensible appearances to reach immutable and eternal realities, which he calls “Ideas”. He states:“Philosophy is the search for truth.”

(2) Aristotle

Aristotle defined philosophy as the science of being as being, studying the very foundations of reality. He stated: “Philosophy is the science that studies being as being.”

(3) René Descartes


For Descartes, philosophy is a means of acquiring certain knowledge, through methodical doubt. He explains: “Philosophy is the study of wisdom, and by wisdom is meant not only prudence in business, but a perfect knowledge of all things that man can know, both for the conduct of his life and for the preservation of his health and the invention of all the arts.”

(4) Emmanuel Kant


Kant sees philosophy as a reflection on the conditions of possibility of knowledge and action. He identifies three major philosophical questions: “What can I know? What should I do? What am I permitted to hope?”

(5) Karl Jaspers


For Jaspers, to philosophize is to expand human consciousness and reflect on the existential situation of the individual in the world. He states: “To philosophize is to be on the way.”

(6) Martin Heidegger

Heidegger considers philosophy as a meditation on existence and being. He states: “Philosophy is the science of being, of beings as they are.”

II. THE IMPORTANCE OF PHILOSOPHY

(1). Awakening the critical sense

Philosophy encourages us to question evidence and stereotypes. It develops the critical mind, essential for analyzing and evaluating arguments. According to Spinoza: “The free man thinks of nothing less than death, and his wisdom is a meditation not on death, but on life.”

(2). Understanding the world and oneself

It helps to explore fundamental notions such as truth, justice, and conscience. Socrates illustrates this with his maxim: “Know thyself.”

(3). Guide to Moral Action

Philosophy questions the meaning of good action and proposes ethical systems to guide individual and collective choices. Kant states: “Morality is the art of behaving.”

(4). Contribution to democratic life

By encouraging critical reflection on values ​​and institutions, philosophy forms enlightened citizens. Socrates declares: “The unexamined life is not worth living.” Descartes adds: “The more civilized and polite the nation is, the better its men philosophize.”

III. PHILOSOPHY AND SCIENTIFIC DISCIPLINES

Unlike the sciences which seek to establish empirical facts (the how of things), philosophy is interested in the why, questioning the concepts and foundations of the disciplines. However, it remains complementary to the sciences, exploring the ethical implications of scientific discoveries. Bertrand Russell illustrates this: “Science is what a man knows; philosophy is what he does not know.”

IV. CRITIQUES OF PHILOSOPHY

(1) Arthur Schopenhauer

Schopenhauer criticizes academic philosophy, which he considers detached from human realities:
“Academic philosophy is nothing but a brainstorming of empty concepts.”

(2) Friedrich Nietzsche


Nietzsche rejects the quest for absolute truth and criticizes the influence of the will to power in philosophy: “Philosophy, as I have understood it up to now, is a search for truth motivated by a will to power.”

(3) Georges Clémenceau


Clemenceau sees philosophy as a potential threat to stability: “If I had a French province to punish, I would have it governed by a philosopher.”

V. CONCLUSION

Philosophy is a perpetual quest for knowledge and wisdom. Although it is sometimes criticized for its abstraction, it remains fundamental to the development of human thought. By pushing us to question the meaning of our existence, it helps us lead a more reflective and just life. It is inseparable from all education and intellectual emancipation, playing a key role in the formation of critical and enlightened minds.

This world,

HAKIZIMANA Maurice II To follow my channel  Whatsapp https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaCyM5ILdQejDYwQ2b2u II To follow me on facebookhttps://www.facebook.com/professormaurice/

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