Philosophy and the Fundamental Problem of Philosophy
Philosophy is defined as the system of the most general theoretical views concerning the world and humanity's place within it, according to Marxist-Leninist thought. Its fundamental problem revolves around the relationship between existence (matter) and thought (consciousness). Historically, philosophy has evolved from encompassing all knowledge to becoming the theoretical core of the worldview, utilizing methods like dialectics and contrasting metaphysics.
Key Takeaways
Philosophy originates from cognitive abstraction and societal division of labor.
The core philosophical problem is the relationship between matter and consciousness.
Historical philosophical scope shifted from all sciences to specialized theory.
Dialectics views objects in universal connection, motion, and development.
Metaphysics analyzes objects in isolation, limiting understanding of change.
What is philosophy and how did it originate?
Philosophy, derived from the Greek "Phylosophia" meaning "love of wisdom," emerged around the 8th to 6th centuries BC in both the East and West. According to the Marxist-Leninist definition, philosophy is a system of the most general theoretical views about the world and humanity's position within it. Its origins are twofold: cognitive, stemming from the development of abstract, systematic thought; and social, arising from a certain level of production and the division between mental and manual labor, alongside class division. Historically, its subject matter has evolved significantly, moving from encompassing all knowledge in antiquity to becoming a specialized theoretical discipline.
- The origins of philosophy:
- Cognitive origin requires thought reaching high levels of abstraction, generalization, and systematic organization.
- Social origin necessitates society achieving a certain level of production and the division of mental/manual labor and class structures.
- The concept and definition of philosophy:
- Western (Greek) philosophy is rooted in "Phylosophia," which translates directly to the "love of wisdom."
- Eastern (China) philosophy uses 'Triết' (Zhe) to signify seeking the fundamental essence and profound understanding.
- Eastern (India) philosophy, 'Dar'sana', emphasizes contemplation and the dedicated search for ultimate truth.
- Marxist-Leninist philosophy defines it as a system of the most general theoretical views about the world and humanity's place.
- The historical evolution of philosophy's subject matter:
- In Antiquity, philosophy was considered the science of all sciences, encompassing all available human knowledge.
- During the Middle Ages in Western Europe, scholastic philosophy was heavily dominated by Christianity and religious doctrine.
- Its primary task during the medieval period was to interpret and provide rational proof for the Holy Scriptures (the Bible).
- From the Renaissance to the 18th Century, philosophy broke free from theology, leading to the birth of specialized natural sciences.
- Marxist-Leninist philosophy focuses specifically on resolving the core relationship between existence (matter) and thought (consciousness).
- Philosophy's role as the theoretical core of the worldview:
- Worldview is defined as a comprehensive system of knowledge, views, and beliefs determining the world and human position.
- The three basic historical forms of worldview are identified as Myth, Religion, and formalized Philosophy.
- The primary role of worldview is to serve as the precondition for establishing a rational and logical method of thinking.
- Philosophy inherently functions as a worldview and influences other forms of worldviews, such as common sense or empirical experience.
What is the fundamental problem of philosophy and how does it define philosophical schools?
The fundamental problem of philosophy centers on the relationship between existence (matter) and thought (consciousness), often summarized as the relationship between matter and consciousness. This core issue has two primary aspects: first, determining which is primary—matter or consciousness—which establishes the main philosophical camps (materialism or idealism); and second, determining whether humans can truly understand the objective world, which leads to the debate between gnosticism (knowability) and agnosticism (unknowability). The answer to the first aspect dictates whether a philosophy adopts a materialist stance, where matter precedes and determines consciousness, or an idealist stance, which posits consciousness or a spiritual entity as primary.
- Content of the fundamental problem:
- The central issue is the complex relationship between Matter and Consciousness, or Existence and Thought.
- The problem has two distinct sides: the ontological question of the relationship between matter and consciousness, and the epistemological question of knowability.
- The distinction between materialism and idealism:
- Materialism maintains that matter is primary, existing before consciousness, and fundamentally determines all forms of consciousness.
- Objective Idealism posits that an independent spiritual entity exists and is responsible for producing the entire material world.
- Subjective Idealism argues that sensations or individual consciousness are primary, viewing objects as mere complex combinations of sensations.
- The debate between gnosticism (knowability) and agnosticism (unknowability):
- Gnosticism affirms that human beings can, in principle, fully understand the essential nature of objective reality.
- Agnosticism asserts that it is fundamentally impossible for humans to grasp the true, underlying nature of objects.
How do dialectics and metaphysics differ as historical methods of thought?
Dialectics and metaphysics represent contrasting methods for understanding reality. The metaphysical method perceives objects in a state of isolation and stasis, limiting its ability to address issues of movement and connection. This approach originated from classical mathematics and physics. Conversely, the dialectical method recognizes objects within universal connection, constant motion, and development, making it a powerful tool for understanding and transforming the world. Historically, dialectics has progressed through three forms: spontaneous dialectics in antiquity (based on intuition), idealistic dialectics (reflecting the movement of the Idea), and finally, dialectical materialism, which builds upon rational foundations to establish a comprehensive theory of universal connection and development.
- Historical concepts of dialectics and metaphysics:
- The Metaphysical Method perceives objects in static, isolated states, neglecting their dynamic interconnections.
- This method is limited when attempting to solve complex problems involving movement, change, and universal relationships.
- Metaphysics was historically introduced into philosophy from the structured fields of classical mathematics and physics.
- The Dialectical Method perceives objects within their universal connection, constant motion, and continuous development.
- Dialectics serves as a highly effective tool for both the cognition of reality and the practical transformation of the world.
- It allows for the recognition of the existence, formation, growth, development, and eventual demise of all phenomena.
- The various historical forms of dialectics:
- Spontaneous Dialectics of Antiquity relied heavily on direct intuition, observing endless movement without formal generalization.
- Idealistic Dialectics, peaking in Classical German Philosophy, held that the real world reflects the dialectical movement of the Idea.
- Dialectical Materialism (Marx, Engels, Lenin) inherited the rational core of previous forms, building a comprehensive doctrine of universal connection and development.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the two main sources for the origin of philosophy?
Philosophy originates from cognitive sources, requiring abstract and systematic thought development, and social sources, necessitating a certain level of production and the division between mental and manual labor.
How do Materialism and Idealism differ regarding the fundamental problem?
Materialism asserts that matter precedes and determines consciousness. Idealism, conversely, posits that consciousness (either objective spiritual entities or subjective sensations) is primary and generates the material world.
What is the primary limitation of the metaphysical method?
The metaphysical method's primary limitation is its tendency to perceive objects in isolation and static states. This approach struggles to adequately explain processes involving movement, change, and universal connection.
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