What is the purpose of philosophy? (a metaphilosophical question)

[Topspin715]

I would say that it is meant to help us make sense of the world and human experience and navigate it to have a better experience and avoid danger and harm

[Sincerity]

To discover Truth

[Topspin715]

1 hour ago, Sincerity said:

To discover Truth

What would you say is the purpose of discovering truth?

[Someone here]

@Topspin715 i think the function of philosophy is about how to live a better life which is why wisdom and virtues are original philosophy ideas. Other philosophy ideas are Stoicism, religion, science, socialism ect..

it translated from Latin (or Greek, im not sure) as "love of wisdom ". So it's the pursuit of wisdom and truth and intellectual pleasure just for its own sake . Meaning it has no purpose outside of itself.

Edited January 19, 2023 by Someone here

[gettoefl]

philosophy is to understand the seen mysticism the unseen

[Sincerity]

15 hours ago, Topspin715 said:

What would you say is the purpose of discovering truth?

It is its own purpose.

You do it because You care about it. Or don't if You don't.

[Topspin715]

On 1/19/2023 at 8:13 AM, Someone here said:

@Topspin715 i think the function of philosophy is about how to live a better life which is why wisdom and virtues are original philosophy ideas. Other philosophy ideas are Stoicism, religion, science, socialism ect..

it translated from Latin (or Greek, im not sure) as "love of wisdom ". So it's the pursuit of wisdom and truth and intellectual pleasure just for its own sake . Meaning it has no purpose outside of itself.

How does spirituality fit into all of that?  In what ways are philosophy and spirituality similar versus different?

[Topspin715]

21 hours ago, gettoefl said:

philosophy is to understand the seen mysticism the unseen

Any thoughts on the differences between occultism, mysticism, and esotericism?

[Someone here]

27 minutes ago, Topspin715 said:

How does spirituality fit into all of that?  In what ways are philosophy and spirituality similar versus different?

Philosophy in a formal sense is not necessary for a spiritual life. even so, in a less formal sense every person is their own philosopher. The moment you start to wonder about life and its meaning, you become a lover of wisdom. However, there is no need to reinvent the wheel. We can draw on the insights of the great thinkers throughout history, not only in Greek and European history, but in Chinese and Indian philosophy also. 

Spirituality is just philosophy on steroids.  You are basically wondering about the deepest existential questions that a human can ask .

[gettoefl]

2 hours ago, Topspin715 said:

Any thoughts on the differences between occultism, mysticism, and esotericism?

better i say to ask chat-gpt such a technical question:

Occultism, mysticism, and esotericism are all related but distinct concepts.

Occultism typically refers to the study of hidden or mysterious knowledge or powers. It often includes the exploration of supernatural or paranormal phenomena, such as witchcraft, alchemy, and divination.

Mysticism, on the other hand, is the practice of seeking direct knowledge or union with the divine or ultimate reality through spiritual practices such as meditation, prayer, or contemplation. Mysticism can be found in many different religions and spiritual traditions.

Esotericism is a broad term that encompasses both occultism and mysticism, as well as other forms of hidden or secret knowledge. It is often used to refer to knowledge that is intended for or likely to be understood by only a small number of people with a specialized understanding or interest.

In summary, occultism is the study of hidden knowledge, mysticism is the practice of seeking union with the divine, and esotericism is a broad term that encompasses both of these concepts, as well as other forms of hidden knowledge.

 

[Topspin715]

4 hours ago, gettoefl said:

better i say to ask chat-gpt such a technical question:

Really interesting response from Chat gpt.  I think esotericism refers to any kind of hidden or inner knowledge but perhaps the concepts of mysticism and occultism are much more closely related.  But it seems that occultism is more often associated with supernatural or magical beliefs.

 

What did you mean when you said that philosophy is the study of the seen where mysticism is the unseen.  What does it mean to be seen versus unseen?  Is unseen part of the inner or esoteric worlds?

[Breakingthewall]

7 hours ago, Topspin715 said:

How does spirituality fit into all of that?  In what ways are philosophy and spirituality similar versus different?

philosophy is a development of the rational mind trying to explain reality, spirituality is transcending the rational mind and penetrating into the depths of reality to dissolve the fiction of separation and realize what you really are

[Hojo]

@Topspin715 the philosophers stone. Immortality. The point of philosophy is to find out that nothing is true except you. And understanding this is worth more than money can buy times infinity. Also to ground your world view so no one can hurt you anymore as your foundation has been made with concrete. You have to understand it yourself in order for to be true so you still have to do the thinking. Build your tower of philosophy to the top grab the philosophers stone and deconstruct the tower on the way down. Then soak everything in. It can be seen as another form of religion and any big religion that is studied and practiced seriously can lead you to enlightenment. Philosophy is like spirituality you can research and practice arguing with others exchange ideas and converse but ultimately it is done by the soul alone.

Edited January 20, 2023 by Hojo

[Matt23]

Philosphy: love of wisdom

I think the purpose of philosophy is... hmm... one part of figuring things out and knowing.  Another part is living wisely and optimally, and this part I think is associated with loving life.

This is probably not thought out too far, and coming from things I've heard probably... but the ol' True, Good, and Beautiful come to mind: to know truth (epistemology, metaphysics), to be good (ethics), and see beauty (aesthetics).  

... seems comprehensive.

What's the synthesis of these though?

Love?  ... joining together... wholeness... a comprehensive wholeness... a loving wholeness... hmmm...  am using my felt-sense to figure out what feels more true as i write.  

 

What's the purpose of philosophy?  To live as happy as you can?  To ascertain the most positivity one can from life in total.

Edited January 21, 2023 by Matt23

[Topspin715]

On 1/21/2023 at 0:46 AM, Matt23 said:

Philosphy: love of wisdom

I think the purpose of philosophy is... hmm... one part of figuring things out and knowing.  Another part is living wisely and optimally, and this part I think is associated with loving life.

This is probably not thought out too far, and coming from things I've heard probably... but the ol' True, Good, and Beautiful come to mind: to know truth (epistemology, metaphysics), to be good (ethics), and see beauty (aesthetics).  

... seems comprehensive.

What's the synthesis of these though?

Love?  ... joining together... wholeness... a comprehensive wholeness... a loving wholeness... hmmm...  am using my felt-sense to figure out what feels more true as i write.  

 

What's the purpose of philosophy?  To live as happy as you can?  To ascertain the most positivity one can from life in total.

thanks I really like this answer and explanation

 

Any thoughts on how philosophy differs from spirituality?

[Matt23]

On 22/01/2023 at 2:53 PM, Topspin715 said:

Any thoughts on how philosophy differs from spirituality?

Mmm....

I mean they are close cousins.

In my mind, philosophy has a bigger conceptual or mind component to it.  Perhaps more of an emphasis on the knowing and wisdom part.  Actions and knowing.  Maybe closer to contemplation whereas spirituality may be closer to meditation.  Western. Wisdom. 

Whereas spirituality to me feels more like flowy and nebulous. More moving by intuition.  Less mind, more body.  Closer to something like wu-wei.  More energy-type stuff as opposed to cognitive stuff.  Eastern. Love.  

...

Again, I think they are close and can overlap lots, but these are the associations I make.  I'm sure others see and feel differently as well.