Progress in Philosophy: Embracing Eternal Revolution and Continuous Evolution
Philosophy, as a field, has seen significant theoretical and methodological advancements over the centuries. Understanding how philosophy has progressed involves recognizing both the specialization that occurred as individual fields separated from its fold and the evolving sophistication of philosophical theories themselves.
The specialization of philosophy
Historically, philosophy aimed to encompass all areas of study, including metaphysics, ethics, epistemology, physics, chemistry, biology, psychology, economics, and political science. Over the last 2500 years, these disciplines have matured and split off, becoming specialized areas of study. This specialization has enabled the development of rigorous, field-specific research and methodologies, contributing to the overall progress of philosophy.
Sophistication and evolution of philosophical theories
While the fundamental questions posed by philosophers have remained consistent over centuries, the sophistication and detail of their theories and arguments have significantly evolved. For instance, the transition from pre-analytic to post-analytic philosophy, as suggested by Saul Kripke, points towards increased focus on ethics, knowledge, and engineering. This represents a clear progression in the sophistication of philosophical inquiry.
New developments in philosophy
Modern philosophy has witnessed several innovative developments, including Dimensionism, proposed by M.C. Escher and inspired by category theory and multi-dimensional concepts. This approach emphasizes the interconnectedness and complexity of reality, much like Escher's art, which visually depicts mathematical and philosophical concepts.
Another notable development is the movement known as "New Volition," which emphasizes practical application in areas such as perpetual motion machines. Although not yet widely accepted, this approach highlights the growing emphasis on real-world applications in philosophy.
Questions about the nature of philosophical change
The question of how to measure the progress of philosophy is inherently complex. Philosophers have been grappling with the notion of eternality versus ephemeral change, representing a perpetual tension between constancy and transformation.
One way to address this is by invoking the Quoran trope: "Before asking how, ask if." This suggests examining the very possibility of progress before seeking to quantify it. The eternal nature of philosophical inquiry versus the ephemeral quality of human understanding adds another layer of complexity.
The nature of wisdom and philosophical change
Philosophical wisdom is often seen as a transformative light, changing individuals as it penetrates their minds. However, the act of absorption and change means that the original form cannot continue unchanged. This reflects the idea that any expression of inspiration is a mutation, carrying the mark of the individual.
The concept of wisdom as a light or a form of energy raises interesting parallels with physical phenomena like molecular oxygen and respiration. Just as oxygen is a double-edged sword that both supports life and contributes to our return to vapor, so too does philosophical wisdom imbue us with insights while altering our original state.
The cyclical nature of change
The cyclical nature of change is highlighted by the ideas of "eternal revolution" and "ephemeral zeitgeist." While change may often appear continuous, it is also fundamentally cyclical. This duality represents a tension between absolute forms and relative human perceptions.
The progress of philosophy, much like the tides of time and the oscillatory nature of the 'pneuma' or 'hevel,' is neither solely positive nor negative but rather a complex interplay of both. Just as in respiration, where the very process of gaining life also leads to death, philosophical progress involves both accumulation and transformation.
Finally, the question of whether knowledge leads to wisdom or merely dissipates what was once wise highlights the paradoxical nature of philosophical change. It is a reminder that while our understanding grows, it also modifies the very essence of what we once knew to be true.
In conclusion, the progress of philosophy is a nuanced and complex process that involves both specialization and evolving sophistication. Whether viewed through the lens of eternal revolution or cyclical change, philosophy continues to evolve, shaping and being shaped by human understanding.