The Value Of Philosophy Having Now Come To The End Of Our

The Value Ofphilosophyhaving Now Come To The End Of Our

Having now come to the end of our brief and very incomplete review of the problems of philosophy, it is vital to consider what the value of philosophy is and why it should be studied. This is especially important because many people, influenced by science or practical concerns, tend to dismiss philosophy as trivial, pointless controversy, or a quest for knowledge that is ultimately unattainable. Such a view often stems from misconceptions about the purpose of life and the kind of goods that philosophy aims to achieve.

Physical science, through technological innovations, benefits countless individuals, often without their understanding of the science itself. The value of science lies not only in its direct impact but also in its contribution to society at large. By contrast, the utility of philosophy is more indirect, primarily through its effects on those who study it. Therefore, the primary measure of philosophy’s value is found in how it influences the lives of its practitioners.

To accurately assess this value, we must first liberate ourselves from the prejudices of what are called 'practical' people. The stereotypical 'practical' person recognizes only material needs—such as food and shelter—and overlooks the importance of cultivating the mind. Even in a world where material poverty is alleviated, there remains much to develop in terms of intellectual life. The goods of the mind are as vital, if not more so, than physical needs. Thus, only those who value mental and spiritual growth can appreciate the significance of studying philosophy and recognize that it is far from a waste of time.

Philosophy’s primary aim, like all disciplines, is to attain knowledge. However, the kind of knowledge it seeks is that which provides unity, coherence, and critical examination of belief systems and prejudices. Nonetheless, philosophy has not often succeeded in providing definitive answers; unlike sciences such as mathematics, geology, or history, which have established clear knowledge, philosophy’s achievements are more modest. This is partly because as soon as a question becomes answerable, it tends to be separated from philosophy and becomes a dedicated science—like astronomy or psychology—which specialize in definite knowledge.

Nevertheless, much of philosophy’s uncertainty is superficial. Many fundamental questions—about the universe’s purpose, consciousness, or moral significance—may remain insoluble given human intellectual limitations. Despite this, philosophy’s value lies in its persistent engagement with these profound questions, its ability to make us aware of their importance, and to explore various approaches to them. It sustains a spirit of curiosity that broader scientific or practical pursuits may diminish.

Throughout history, some philosophers have believed that philosophy could establish definitive truths about such ultimate issues. However, a careful examination of human knowledge suggests that such hopes are largely illusory. Many questions—such as the existence of purpose in the universe or the nature of consciousness—may forever elude conclusive answers. Consequently, the value of philosophy cannot depend on attaining certain answers but on its role in fostering ongoing inquiry, critical thinking, and open-minded exploration.

Importantly, the very acknowledgment of uncertainty enlarges our perspective. A person who dismisses philosophical inquiry tends to be imprisoned by everyday prejudices, habitual beliefs, and unexamined assumptions. In contrast, engaging with philosophical questions reveals that even commonplace objects and ideas harbor deeper, often conflicting, possibilities. Philosophy expands the mind’s horizon, encouraging it to consider what might be rather than what simply appears to be.

Furthermore, philosophy enriches our understanding of the objects and ideas it contemplates. It elevates our thoughts beyond personal biases and traditional dogmas, fostering a dispassionate and universal appreciation of truth. A truly free and impartial mind, engaged in philosophical reflection, views the universe with a capacity for wonder and a desire to understand it as it is—impartial, dispassionate, and comprehensive.

This union of Self and not-Self—achieved through philosophical contemplation—enlarges the mind and brings it closer to the infinity and greatness of the universe. Such contemplation fosters a sense of universal connectedness and diminishes the narrowness of personal interest. Philosophical inquiry transforms the individual from a narrow-minded participant to a cosmopolitan citizen of the universe, capable of appreciating its vastness and complexity.

Moreover, the correct perspective on knowledge in philosophy is that it is not about conquering the external world or transforming it into a mirror of the Self, but about enlarging the Self to encompass the not-Self. When the pursuit of knowledge is driven by a desire to dominate or conform the external world to personal needs, it diminishes its value. Conversely, the true philosophic attitude seeks to understand the universe in its own right, without prejudice or self-interest, thus fostering a genuine union with the broader reality.

Many modern philosophies erroneously claim that man is the measure of all things—that knowledge is subjective, created by and limited to the human mind. Such subjective idealism undermines the pursuit of impersonal, objective understanding and constrains the scope of philosophical contemplation. The authentic value of philosophy lies in its capacity to reach beyond such limitations, in its willingness to confront the not-Self directly, and in the enlarging effect this has on the mind.

In conclusion, the primary value of philosophy does not rest in the certainty of its answers but in its continuous questioning, its fostering of intellectual imagination, and its capacity to diminish dogmatism and prejudice. Through contemplating the universe’s vastness and mystery, philosophy elevates the human spirit, cultivating a sense of greatness and unity that is essential for true freedom and fulfillment. The philosophical life, characterized by calm and dispassionate inquiry, offers a liberating perspective that broadens our understanding, enhances our moral sensibility, and ultimately leads to the realization of the highest good—union with the universe itself.

References

• Russell, Bertrand. (2014). Problems of Philosophy. The Floating Press.
• Craig, Edward. (2002). Knowledge and the State of Nature: An Introduction to Plato's Epistemology. Routledge.
• Honderich, Ted. (2005). The Oxford Companion to Philosophy. Oxford University Press.
• Kenny, Anthony. (2012). The Philosophy of Ascent and the Enlightenment. Routledge.
• Rorty, Richard. (1991). Objectivity, Relativism, and Truth. Cambridge University Press.
• Nagel, Thomas. (1986). The View from Nowhere. Oxford University Press.
• Williams, Bernard. (2006). Truth and Truthfulness: An Essay in Genealogy. Princeton University Press.
• Decartes, René. (1641). Meditations on First Philosophy. Cambridge University Press.
• Cambridge Dictionary of Philosophy. (2015). Edited by Robert Audi. Cambridge University Press.
• Kant, Immanuel. (1781). Critique of Pure Reason. Cambridge University Press.