Over the centuries, the purpose of philosophy has changed, and I think the change has not been for the better. The Hellenic and Roman cultures, philosophy was intended as a guide to life, to living a meaningful existence. It was not, at least in intent, an academic exercise--although of course there were those frauds for whom the teaching of philosophy was just another way to make a living, as there will be in any age or culture.
In our world, philosophy is coming to mean analytic philosophy, but that is only a small part of its function. Of course we have to analyze events, experiences and so forth, but we should do so with the intent of creating a meaningful whole, a coherent view of the world. This does not mean that we should create fantasy worlds ala Plotinus or Porphyry, but it does mean that it should provide a reasonable guide to how to live. It must address the significant events in peoples' lives, such as disappointment, the grief over the loss of a loved on, and so on. If it does this it can attract the interest and devotion of the educated populace that wants a rational guide to life, and not surrender the field to superstition.
No comments:
Post a Comment