Philosophy means consideration of general fundamental questions to be the kind of things existing. It also looks at the limits of knowledge, the nature, scope, moral judgment and the nature of language and the mind. What makes philosophy different from other forms of addressing such kind of questions is because of its generally systematic and critical approach that uses reasoned argument. The word philosophy originated from a Greek word philosophia which means love of wisdom or love of knowledge.
Important question in philosophy
In philosophy there are three most important questions which carry almost the same weight. The first one is “where could I be” the other one is “how can I know “and lastly” what am I supposed to do”. The last question happen to be the most important of all the three because it helps a person to understand how best to make his life. In the effort of answering this question a person is able to make a difference to his life and to the life of other people. The question on” what am I supposed to do” addresses issues that are beyond epistemological and metaphysical level. (Mead, 2002 pp24-25)
Purpose of philosophy
The purpose of philosophy is to help people to attain knowledge through clarity of concepts. This is triggered by the questions that arise through interaction with the component of the physical world. This helps in discovering absolute truth and reality. The awe and many wonders that surround human beings is what philosophy tries to explain. When man discovers the truth and reality, pain and sufferings are greatly reduced due to general comfort obtained.
General state of philosophy overtime
Historically, Philosophy arose after all basic necessities were gotten. It grew out of the feeling of wonder and curiosity, to which myths of religion gave provisional satisfaction only. Early speculators knew the philosophy of nature which was succeeded with mathematical abstractions by the Pythagoreans. Pure thought was attained completely by Socrates who made contribution in expressing general conceptions in form of definitions by use of analogy and induction. (Hans, 2006 pp12-15)
How philosophers have tried to relate what they have done to the world
There are things that first philosophers try to express by use of words. This includes, whether there is anyone who doubts owning his memory, whether there are things that invade our memories or any attempt made by evil spirits in order to take over our souls. Philosophers recognize that, memories have limitations because sometimes we forget. The memory’s philosophical mechanism involves chemical substances used to pass signal to brain cells. This chemical is eaten or inhaled and special boundary layer protects the brain so that chemical cannot leave the blood and reach brain cells that help to produce memories.
Does philosophy make a difference?
Philosophy make difference because, it has already regained courage to search for knowledge which is both prescriptive and descriptive. It is more concerned about reality by returning from second order analytical work to first order of moral and metaphysical philosophy and the future of philosophy which declined in the past can easily be reversed. It is also important to put into consideration that charges made against philosophy are rampant in popular and academic mind although these charges overlook differences between philosophy and science as inquiry modes that are distinct. (Mead, 2002 pp22-23)
References
Hans E. (2006): Philosophy: language arts, pp. 12-15.
Mead G. (2002): the philosophy of the present: Prometheus Books, pp. 22-25.