Metaphilosophy

Metaphilosophy is the branch of philosophy that studies the nature, aims, and methods of philosophy itself. It seeks to answer the fundamental questions about what philosophy is, what it can achieve, and how it should be conducted. Metaphilosophy is often considered a philosophical inquiry into philosophy, making it a second-order discipline.

Definition and Scope

Metaphilosophy explores questions such as "What is philosophy?", "Can philosophy develop a methodological approach similar to that of the natural sciences?", and "What are the goals of philosophy?". It also examines the implications of philosophical methods and the effectiveness of these methods in achieving philosophical goals.

Historical Development

The term "metaphilosophy" became more prominent in the 20th century, although the practice of reflecting on the nature of philosophy dates back to ancient times. Early philosophers like Plato and Aristotle engaged in metaphilosophical reflection, questioning the purpose and methods of philosophical inquiry.

In the modern era, figures such as Ludwig Wittgenstein, Martin Heidegger, and Wilfrid Sellars have contributed significantly to metaphilosophical discussions. Wittgenstein, for instance, questioned the limits and nature of philosophical problems in his later works, suggesting that many so-called philosophical problems are actually confusions about language.

Key Themes

1. 1. 1. Philosophical Methodology

Metaphilosophy critically examines the methods used in philosophical inquiry, such as logic, analysis, and phenomenology. It debates whether philosophy should strive for a systematic method akin to scientific disciplines or embrace a more eclectic and interpretative approach.

1. 1. 1. Purpose of Philosophy

Another central theme in metaphilosophy is the purpose or end-goal of philosophical activity. This includes discussions on whether philosophy should aim primarily at theoretical understanding, practical ethical guidance, or a synthesis of both.

1. 1. 1. The Language of Philosophy

Metaphilosophy also addresses the language used in philosophical discourse, questioning whether philosophical language is fundamentally different from everyday language and how it impacts the formulation and understanding of philosophical issues.

Contemporary Issues

In contemporary metaphilosophy, there is an ongoing debate between those who see philosophy as a rigorous, almost scientific discipline, and those who believe it is more akin to the arts or literature in terms of its methods and objectives. This debate often centers around the issue of whether philosophical truths are objective and universal or subjective and culturally specific.

Impact and Criticism

Metaphilosophy has been both praised and criticized for its introspective nature. Supporters argue that it helps clarify philosophical practice and enhances the coherence and relevance of philosophical inquiries. Critics, however, claim that metaphilosophy can lead to excessive navel-gazing, which might detract from addressing substantive philosophical and practical problems.

See Also

• Philosophy of science
• Epistemology
• Ethics
• Aesthetics