What is Philosophy - Assignment Example

What is Philosophy? Philosophy could be defined as the understanding of truth and knowledge in the light of reason and contemplative reflection. However, it can be said that philosophy cannot simply be defined in a single concept or idea. Mosser (2010) said that “Philosophy involves the asking of questions and the pursuit of answers and it can help us better understand our own beliefs as well as the beliefs of others”.  It should be remembered that both the history and diversity of many philosophical schools of thought and knowledge vary so much.

Philosophy strongly rests in the realm of belief and can also find itself entangled with issues of religion. While philosophy advocates that truth is mostly ascertained through logic and rationalization, religion finds truth solely in the faith of one’s belief. This has been one of the central conflicts between philosophy and religion. The American pragmatist philosopher William James recognizes the role of belief in finding truth, especially in religious matters. Stumpf (1999) noted that “James argues that certain kinds of truths become possible only when we put ourselves in the position for the truth fully to materialize itself” (p.365). With regards to this understanding of religious matters, the pragmatic role is relevant because it drops the long-winded arguments whether a belief is a matter of logic or faith.

As William James (1897) said “All this is on the supposition that it really may be prophetic and right, and that, even to us who are discussing the matter, religion is a live hypothesis which may be true” (p.10). In simplicity, philosophy is knowledge and understanding that can be learned and applied.ReferencesJames, William. (1897). The will to believe and other essays. London: Longmans, Green, and Co.Mosser, K. (2010). A concise introduction to philosophy. San Diego, CA: Bridgepoint Education, Inc.Stumpf, S.E (1999).

Socrates to Sartre: A History of Philosophy. Boston: McGraw-Hill Book Co.