Philosophy does not have a univocal definition that cuts
across the bias of every philosopher. This is because some definitions advanced
are too narrow such that they exclude some of the fundamental features that
constitute the meaning of philosophy. On the other hand, some of the
definitions are too broad that they include superfluous features that demean
the concept of philosophy.
The fact that philosophy does have a univocal definition does
not imply that philosophy cannot be defined. To grasp the meaning of
philosophy, therefore, three approaches could be advanced, namely: etymological
approach, normative or popular approach and meta-philosophical approach.
i. Etymological Approach: In this approach, the concept of philosophy is assessed
from its root-meaning. Philosophy, therefore, is derived from two Greek words: ‘philo’ meaning ‘love’ and ‘sophia’
meaning ‘wisdom’, combining the two
words, we have ‘philosophia’ which
means ‘love of wisdom’.
The concept
of philosophy was coined by Pythagoras. Pythagoras was a mystic and
mathematician, who was endowed with knowledge so much so that people began to
see him as a wiseman. But in reaction to this designation, he noted that he was
not a wiseman because wisdom was strictly the property of the gods; rather he
saw himself as the lover of wisdom. From this, therefore, a philosopher is
basically seen as a LOVER OF WISDOM.
Love and
wisdom ought to be given somewhat elucidation in view to bring home what it
takes to love wisdom. In loving wisdom, a philosopher is said to crave for or
have a strong passion to acquire wisdom. Imagine a young man who sees a
beautiful girl he is attracted to. He runs after the girl even when the girl
tries to pose difficult-to-get attitude. He never gives up until the girl
accepts him. This is what a philosopher does; he leaves no stone unturned until
he gets wisdom.
It is worthy to note that wisdom is quite different
from knowledge. Whereas knowledge means ‘an acquisition of facts’ wisdom
implies the possession of a comprehensive knowledge of all there is. Whereas
wisdom is universal, perfect and all-encompassing, knowledge is limited to
certain information. That is why a philosopher seeks wisdom rather that
knowledge. To get more elaborate information about the difference between
wisdom and knowledge, click this link: The Gap between Knowledge and Wisdom.
ii.
Normative approach: This approach is also referred to
as ‘popular conception’. It falls within the ambits or scope of what the man in
the street understands as philosophy. According to Prof. S. I. Udoidem notes
that this approach ‘prescribes a way of viewing, understanding and interpreting
our experiences or the objects of our consciousness.’ Based on this approach,
therefore, philosophy means ‘the guiding principle that shapes or conditions
one’s attitude to the surrounding circumstances of his time’.
iii.
Meta-philosophical Approach: This
approach explores the various ways in which the concept of philosophy has been
defined. This approach tackles the what is philosophy from two perspectives:
namely performative ostentation and circular reasoning. It is has been
argued that philosophy cannot be defined simply because it does not have a
generally acceptable definition. In performative ostentation, the
indefinability of philosophy is itself a definition. So, if one what asks: what
is philosophy? And another responds: ‘philosophy cannot be defined’. The later
has invariably given a definition of philosophy as that concept which cannot be
defined. Even when views philosophy as the act of philosophizing, it is also a
form of definition, but this is simply a ‘circular reasoning’.
Beyond the foregoing, there are several definitions advanced to explain
what philosophy is. According to Ludwig Wittgenstein, philosophy is the activity
of clarification of concepts and language use in view to resolve to
philosophical problems. Wittgenstein has argued that the basic problem which
has confronted philosophers has been the problem of language and it is only
when philosophy concerns itself with the analysis and clarification of thoughts
and concepts that the problem in the philosophical enterprise could be curbed.
That is why he views the business of philosophy as strictly to clarify concepts
and thoughts. He explored this idea in his Tractatus and Philosophical
Investigations.
For Socrates, philosophy is a reflective self-examination of the
principles of just and happy life. The business of philosophy is to search for
the principles aimed that making one live a good life. A philosopher would be
one whose business is to engage in self-examination. Besides, he succinctly
noted that an unexamined life is not worth living. So, one who does not reflect
upon his life is as good as dead. For Dewey, philosophy is the criticism of
criticisms. Philosophy, from this definition, is viewed as a second order
discipline and activity. Philosophy detaches itself from other disciplines and
begins to question the fundamental concerns and underpinning of these
disciplines.
Philosophy is also seen as the journey of the mind towards truth (itineriarum mentis ad veritatem). It is
also the persistent attempt to see life critically, appreciatively and wholly.
Joseph Omoregbe defines it as a rational search for answers to the questions
which arises in our minds when we reflect on human experience. Well, for me,
philosophy could be defined as the critical discipline which reflects on the
fundamental issues of reality in view to proffering solutions. But one basic
thing about the act of philosophizing is that why the more one gives an answer,
the more questions arise. Note that when we ask ‘what’, we are simply
requesting for the nature of the thing in question, when we ask ‘why’ we are
trying to find out the essence of the thing in question.
Practical Exercise:
Explore more definitions of philosophy by other philosophers not mentioned
here; then attempt your own definition.
