The Discovery of Reason: From Myth to Philosophy
The Discovery of Reason
Mythical Narratives
Humans have two ways of explaining the questions that concern them: mythical narratives and rational argumentation.
Myths are fantastic stories, full of symbols and beautiful metaphors, often transmitted across generations. These narratives, whether the result of collective effort or individual authorship, feature supernatural characters, heroes, and gods who often act arbitrarily.
Myths serve a social function, maintaining cohesion within the society that created them. The society’s values and beliefs are reflected in its myths.
Rational Discourse
Rational discourse uses arguments based on natural elements and their own inherent laws. It does not depend on the will of gods or other supernatural powers. The term “logos” denotes a reasoned argument that explains the nature of things. This marked the beginning of rational thought, and philosophy is its heir.
Rational discourse freed humanity from relying on gods and other strange powers to explain the natural world.
Ancient Greece
Ancient Greek culture is rich with epic poems like Homer’s Iliad and Odyssey. These works reveal the language, thoughts, and customs of Greek society, including the roles of slaves and women. Ancient Greece adapted some customs from other civilizations like those in India, Egypt, and Mesopotamia, but they also created a unique and original civilization.
Pythagoras, a mathematician, musician, and philosopher, is believed to be one of the first to use the term “philosophy.”
Philosophers constantly seek knowledge and are never satisfied with what they already know. They use reason to define concepts, develop methods, and create systems of ideas. Philosophy is not static; it requires constant reflection.
Philosophy
While rational discourse and myth may seem opposed, they share a common source: the human capacity for wonder and curiosity about the unknown. The most significant difference lies in the use of argumentation, which is central to reason but absent in myth.
About Opinion
There are different types of knowledge: 1) Disinterested knowledge seeks to understand reality as it is. 2) Practical knowledge seeks to apply knowledge for a specific purpose.
Ignorance is simply not knowing. Opinion is a belief without a rigorous basis. Finally, superstition is an adherence to a theory or dogma without a solid foundation.
Since its origins, philosophy has challenged beliefs, opinions, ignorance, and superstition.
The Ideal of Wisdom
Philosophy aims to be a universal activity, accessible to anyone capable of reason. Wisdom is not just a theory but a way of life enlightened by knowledge.
Wisdom unites knowledge, truth, and happiness. Philosophers do not claim to possess wisdom but are “friends of wisdom,” constantly seeking it.
Key Branches of Philosophy:
- Theology: Rational reflection on God as the ultimate reality.
- Epistemology: The study of knowledge, its origins, limits, and the nature of truth.
Ethics and Practical Philosophy
Ethics analyzes human behavior and proposes guidelines for good actions. Aesthetics considers the nature of beauty. Social and political philosophy examines the problems of society, including its origins, constitution, power, and the impact of work and technology.
A Historical Perspective
Philosophy is a historical product. The history of philosophy is not a story of solved problems, as many philosophical questions remain open.
Philosophy and Its History
- Antiquity (6th-5th Century BC): This period saw the rise of Greek philosophy, including figures like Plato and Aristotle, and the development of major Hellenistic moral systems.
- Indian Philosophy (around 1500-1000 BC): Focuses on sacred writings and the pursuit of enlightenment.
- Buddhism (6th-5th Century BC): Siddhartha Gautama, the Buddha, founded this philosophy, which influenced Chinese and Japanese thought.
- Confucianism (6th-5th Century BC): Confucius, a contemporary of Buddha and Pythagoras, developed a philosophy that profoundly impacted Chinese culture.
- 20th-Century Philosophy: Philosophers grappled with the new societal landscape shaped by technology, the welfare state, and globalization. Thinkers like Husserl, Heidegger, and Wittgenstein, influenced by profound systemic thinking, offered new perspectives. Postmodern philosophers also contributed significantly to this era.