Myth, Logos, and Foundations of Philosophical Knowledge
Myth: Narratives of Belief
A collection of written and oral narratives recorded in works like Hesiod’s Theogony and Homer’s Odyssey.
Features of Myth
- Concepts like death, life, and love are personified and deified.
- Events in the world are believed to depend upon the will of the gods.
- Objects acquire properties distinct from their physical nature, allocated by divine forces.
Logos: Knowledge Through Reason
Knowledge acquired through reason, distinct from beliefs or myths.
Characteristics of Logos
- Rejects arbitrariness in favor of necessity and rational explanation.
- Contrasts chaos with an ordered cosmos governed by inherent laws.
- Addresses existential anxiety through the explanatory power of reason.
- Stands in contrast to myth, representing critical historical capacity.
Origins of Western Philosophy
Philosophy originated in the sixth century BC in Greece as a rational endeavor to explain natural phenomena. The origin of Western philosophy is often linked to Thales. Western philosophy emerged concurrently with significant developments in Chinese philosophy (often associated with Confucius) and Indian philosophy (reflected in the Upanishads). There are similarities between Greek and Eastern cultures, sometimes sharing comparable mythological frameworks and religious beliefs.
Psychological Source of Philosophy
The psychological root of philosophy lies in our innate capacity for wonder when facing the unknown. Both Plato and Aristotle attached great importance to this sense of amazement. This wonder is an awakening of consciousness, an attempt to understand reality itself. The psychological origin of philosophy ultimately stems from a fruitful attitude of mind—an innate human desire to question all that exists respectfully.
Philosophical Knowledge
Philosophical knowledge is a second-order knowledge that presupposes a certain level of political, socioeconomic, and cultural development.
Types of Knowledge
Common Knowledge (Vulgar)
This knowledge teaches everyday truths, for example, that fire burns. All human beings possess this basic knowledge, but it is often mixed with prejudice and lacks critical examination.
Scientific Knowledge
Explores and explains the immediate causes of phenomena within our observation. It is a deeper, descriptive knowledge, explaining how things are. This knowledge is typically specialized or sectoral.
Philosophical Knowledge
Brings us closer to understanding the ultimate causes of reality. Philosophy doesn’t focus narrowly on specific facts but uses concrete realities to reach fundamental principles.
Characteristics of Philosophical Knowledge
- Reflective: because it reflects upon reality and truth.
- Open: because it considers multiple perspectives and proposals.
- Rational: because it seeks answers adaptable to human understanding.
- Global, Integrating, Unifying: It connects various fields of knowledge.
- Radical: because it addresses the most essential aspects of difficult issues.
- Practical: because it aims to guide human action based on principles.
- Systematic: because it organizes and relates different fields of reality.
Key Concepts Defined
Imagination
The power of the mind that forms images of real or ideal things.
Belief
A mental state accepting a proposition as true.
Analysis
Breaking down a whole into its parts for individual study.
Synthesis
The mental process of combining various elements into a coherent whole.
Prejudice
A judgment formed without direct or actual experience.
Uncritical
Accepting information or ideas without rational analysis or evaluation of their content or impact.