Religious Values, Functions of Philosophy

1. RELIGIOUS VALUES OF PHILOSOPHY
Reporter: NONATO B. BALBOA
Professor: RONILLO C. APAS SR.,Ed.D.

20. FUNCTIONS OF PHILOSOPHY


22. Functions of
Philosophy
 1. Philosophy analyzes the foundations and presuppositions
underlying other disciplines. Philosophy investigates and
studies the underpinnings of science, art, and
theology. Philosophers do not ask "Are Pablo Picasso's
'good' works of art?" (as art critics do) but "Is aesthetic
a matter of personal taste, or are there objective standards that
we can apply to evaluate a work of art?" Philosophers do not
ask "Is the theory of evolution true?" (as biologists and physical
anthropologists do) but "How do we distinguish truth from
error?"

23. Functions of
Philosophy 2. Philosophy attempts to develop a comprehensive conception or
apprehension of the world. Philosophy seeks to integrate the
knowledge of the sciences with that of other fields of study to
achieve some kind of consistent and coherent world
view. Philosophers do not want to confine their attention to a
fragment of human experience or knowledge, but rather, want to
reflect upon life as a totality. In speaking of this particular function,
Charlie Dunbar Broad, an English twentieth century philosopher,
"Its object is to take over the results of the various sciences, to add
them the results of the religious and ethical experiences of mankind,
and then to reflect upon the whole. The hope is that, by this
we may be able to reach some general conclusions as to the nature
of the universe, and as to our position and prospects in
Thought, New York: Harcourt, 1923, p. 20)

24.  3. Philosophy studies and critically evaluates our most deeply
held beliefs and attitudes; in particular, those which are often
held uncritically. Philosophers have an attitude of critical and
logical thoughtfulness. They force us to see the significance
consequences of our beliefs, and sometimes their
inconsistencies. They analyze the evidence (or lack of it) for our
most treasured beliefs, and seek to remove from our
perspectives every taint and trace of ignorance, prejudice,
superstition, blind acceptance of ideas, and any other form of
irrationality.
Functions of
Philosophy

25.  4. Philosophy investigates the principles and rules of language,
and attempts to clarify the meaning of vague words and
concepts. Philosophy examines the role of language in
communication and thought, and the problem of how to
or ensure the presence of meaning in our use of language. It is
method--a practice--which seeks to expose the problems and
confusions which have results from the misuse of language,
to clarify the meaning and use of vague terms in scientific
everyday discourse.
Functions of
Philosophy

26. Generally,
The functions of philosophy come from its disciplines
and are closely related to the objects of each particular
direction, but at the same time have their unique
specifics. Considering them, it is necessary to take into
account the above.
Functions of
Philosophy

27. Values of Philosophy
 Where is the value of philosophy to be found?
(according to Bertrand Russell)
 The value of philosophy is indirect, found through its effects
upon the lives of those who study it. Russell argues that
philosophy does not have direct value; it is not useful in any
ordinary sense. Philosophical activity is for the sake of the
questions themselves. Pursuing these questions enlarges our
conception of what is possible, enriches our intellectual
imagination, diminishes dogmatic assurance which closes the
mind against speculation, and renders the mind capable of
union with the universe.

28. According to Russell, what may be the chief value of
philosophy?
The chief value of philosophy lies in the greatness of the
objects which it contemplates, and the freedom from
narrow and personal aims resulting from this
contemplation.
Values of Philosophy

29. More of Values Of
Philosophy Every man constructs for himself a fundamental philosophy as the basis of life, a theory of the relation of the world
and the individual, and this shapes his whole attitude to life. Aristotle called metaphysics the fundamental science,
for, a correct comprehension of it is enough to give man a complete knowledge of every constituent or content of
human experience. All persons live in accordance with the philosophy of life that they have framed for themselves,
consciously or unconsciously. Even the uneducated and the uncultured have a rough and ready philosophy of their
own. Life without a philosophy is unimaginable. It is only when we confine the concept of philosophy to the
labored edifices of academic men that we are inclined to think that only a few in the world have any philosophy, or
study or understand it. Even those who hold that there is no need of any philosophy have a secret philosophy of
their own. They have a theory of reality, though it may consist only in denying it altogether. They have a theory of
the world, though it may be only one of crass material perception, or of a superstitious belief in the supremacy of
the personalities and forces of myth and fable. We have an ethics, an epistemology and even a logic of our own,
though it may be purely personal or limited to a certain group of persons of kindred ideas and temperaments.
Under these conditions, it is certainly advisable for us to frame a systematic and intelligent philosophy for our life,
after critically examining and understanding the nature of the world and our experiences in it, at least so far as it is
possible for the powers that we are endowed with. And if we consistently carry our sincere efforts, with critical
intelligence, to their logical limits, we will find that philosophies are not pet theories or private affairs of different
individuals, but from a science and an art of human life taken into completeness. We would then arrive at a
philosophy, not of this or that school, but of humanity in general.

30. Values of Philosophy
 Its value in imparting true culture to man, to make him wise and useful both
to himself and to others is inestimable. Philosophy wakes us from our
‘dogmatic slumber’ and makes us critical in our outlook, opening before our
eyes huge vistas of the majesty and reality of the unknown, giving us
to stand firm on our own legs and to assert our rightful citizenship of the
universe. Our whims, fancies and prejudices are broken, and philosophy
us free and broad in our attitudes. The philosopher is raised above the usual
clinging to immediate practical needs and is enabled to roam fearlessly in
empyrean of the joy springing from within. This is the privilege of the true
philosopher who gains access to Reality, and it is not available to those who
are sunk in earthliness, bound by material urges and content with what they
see with their physical eyes.