Philosophy, as an intellectual endeavor, has long been integral to the development and evolution of human civilization and culture. At its core, philosophy seeks to explore fundamental questions about existence, knowledge, values, reason, mind, and language through various methods of inquiry. These methods, ranging from logical analysis to critical reflection, have played a pivotal role in shaping not only philosophical discourse but also influencing broader societal norms, institutions, and cultural practices. In this exploration, we delve into the diverse philosophical methods employed by thinkers throughout history and examine their profound impact on the fabric of civilization and culture.
PHILOSOPHICAL METHOD
The philosophical method is not exclusively employed by philosophers. Every man, at some time or another, utilizes philosophical methods in his thinking or philosophical problems. However, the philosophical method is mainly utilized by the philosopher. Secondly, the philosophical method is not absolutely different from the scientific method. As has been already pointed out, philosophical problems have much in common with scientific problems. It goes without saying that in solving problems concerning science, the philosopher utilizes the same methods of induction and deducation as used by a scientist. Thus, in understanding the philosophical method, these two methods must be discussed :
Induction: The principles of different sciences are arrived by means of inductive process. For examples, in psychiatry, some general principles concerning mental diseases are discovered by observation of the behaviour of mental patients, its recording, its analysis, classification and finally generalization to arrive at certain common principle. This is the method of induction. The philosopher does not act on the facts like the scientist. He has no laboratory work to do. He utilizes concepts and propounds new theories, e.g., materialism, idealism, etc. And then he tries to explain his experiences satisfactorily on the basis of these theories. As in science so in philosophy, a theory is acknowledged to the extent it satisfactorily explains experience, otherwise, it is substituted by another theory that is more successful for this purpose. The cure of bad philosophy is not the negation of all philosophy but the affirmation of a better philosophy. The failure of a particular philosophical theory does not mean the failure of philosophy itself because very soon a better philosophical theory substituted the earlier and this process goes on ad infinitum. The process of arriving at a general proposition by means of several particular propositions is known as the inductive process and it is equally found in philosophical as well as scientific thinking.
Deducation: Deducation is the process of arriving at certain particular propositions from a general proposition. For example: All men are mortal, Socrates is a man, therefore, Socrates is mortal. Deductions like this are occasionally made in philosophical thinking.
Besides the two above-mentioned methods, philosophical thinking involves another peculiar to it, known as the dialectical method.
Dialectical method: This is a natural method of philosophical thinking. It is a commonplace experience that when we think over a problem we arrive at certain positive facts. This is the thesis. Now, after some time we come to know some facts which are contradictory to the thesis; this is the antithesis. Now these thesis and antithesis cannot live together for long and hence they are synthesised into a synthesis. This b synthesis, arrived through antithesis, is more comprehensive than the original thesis. Thus knowledge grows in a dialectical process through this antithesis and synthesis. To illustrate in the beginning a philosopher in knowledge and experience finds that the world is untrue. When he proceeds further in the realm of knowledge and experience he finds that the word is neither true nor untrue but both. Thus philosophical thinking proceeds from thesis, antithesis to synthesis. In fact, the dialectical process is the thinking of thought. In it the man rethinks over his earlier thought and discovers hitherto known facts.
While searching for the solution to his problems the philosopher utilizes two methods with regards to his experience, analysis and synthesis. While some philosophers have exclusively emphasized the value of philosophical thinking others have absolutely denied its value. It goes without saying that these two extremist views are equally one-sided. Analysis: Analysis means the process of distinction between different elements involved in a particular state of experience so that they might be more clear. Realist philosophers have emphasized this procedure while absolutists have advanced arguments against it.
Synthesis: This process involves connecting together the scattered elements in a particular experience which brings into light new patterns and facts. The Idealist philosophers have laid emphasis on synthesis. But, as has been already pointed out, philosophical thinking requires both analysis and synthesis. Analysis, therefore, cannot be banished from the field of philosophy, though it might be useless in certain conditions. The contemporary school of Logical Positivism has taken analysis as the sole method in philosophy. Though the method of logical analysis solves many intricate problems in philosophy it does not negate the value of synthesis.
Thus philosophical method is multisided. Though philosophers have sometimes emphasized this or that method exclusively, all the above-mentioned methods have been found to be useful in philosophical thinking.
PHILOSOPHICAL ACTIVITY
Once an eminent psychologist was asked what is psychology? To this, he replied: psychology is what the psychologists do. Similarly, we can say Philosophising, philosophy is Philosophising involves thinking, criticism and the process of solving the philosophical problems through different philosophical methods. Philosophical activity begins in a state of wonder, discontentment and doubt. In it the philosopher thinks over his own experience. This thinking is critical and the attitude is philosophical. In brief, philosophical thinking has the following characteristics:
- Philosophical thinking is gradually matured with the increase in knowledge and experience.
- Philosophical concern with problem. thinking is philosophical
- Philosophical thinking utilizes philosophical methods and philosophical attitudes.
- Philosophical thinking is done in individual and group situation, alone and together with others.
- Philosophical thinking is comprehensive while non-philosophical thinking is one-sided.
In the end, the real nature of philosophical thinking can be known only after one himself takes recourse to it. The above-mentioned discussion only points out its chief characteristics.
PHILOSOPHICAL EFFECTS
Different types of knowledge affect the individual and group differently. This effect philosophy is as follows:
Effect on the Philosopher :
The effect of philosophy can be seen in the life on the philosopher, in his expectations and aspirations, in his aim of life, in his bent of mind and in his different activities.
Effect on Group-Life : The effect of philosophy is seen not only in the life of the individual but also in group life. The influence of democratic philosophy can be seen in the democratic societies of the world.
Effect on Civilization and Culture: In any time and place contemporary philosophical trends express the process of thinking in contemporary culture. Philosophical changes are the expressions of cultural changes. A comparison of the history of philosophy with the history of culture will prove this fact.
In conclusion, the exploration of philosophical methods reveals a dynamic interplay between intellectual inquiry and societal transformation. From the dialectical debates of ancient Greece to the empirical investigations of the modern era, philosophers have utilized a myriad of methods to probe the mysteries of existence and challenge prevailing beliefs. Through their endeavors, they have not only expanded the boundaries of human knowledge but also enriched the tapestry of civilization and culture. As we continue to engage with philosophical inquiry, it is imperative to recognize the enduring significance of methodological diversity in shaping our understanding of the world and guiding the course of human progress.
