by EnnisP

Created on: January 22, 2009

Philosophy is an area of study which confuses many but intrigues us all. If you have ever read a philosophy book you know exactly what I mean. The popular definition of philosophy is "the love of wisdom" (not knowledge) which is really more vague than clarifying but The Free Dictionary helps us out with a very thorough definition, a portion of which follows. Philosophy is

"The critical analysis of fundamental assumptions or beliefs."

That is to say, philosophers tediously discuss ideas that can't be proven true or false. They target your "beliefs" (faith) about the fundamental issues of life and focus on questions like these:

Where did we come from? How did we get here? How do we exist? What are thoughts made of? What constitutes morality?

The answers to all of these questions fall into the "belief" category and the philosopher's intent is to substantiate or discredit those beliefs using logically arranged arguments. And they don't all agree. The Free Dictionary lists over 180 different philosophies some of which blend, many of which clash violently.

Rene Descartes used philosophical arguments about "thought" to prove the existence of God. The popular statement, "I think, therefore I am" was coined by him.

David Hume and others did just the opposite. They attempted to prove that "the conception of God" was no proof of His existence. But, (and this is an important truth) all philosophers begin with a supposition. They are dealing with beliefs and their premise in every case is unfounded. They may vehemently argue for what they "believe" (God or no God, creation or evolution, after life no after life) but prove it they can't.

Descartes was a theist and used philosophy to justify his theism. Hume was an agnostic/atheist and used philosophy to substantiate his "belief" system. The writings of these men and others have heavily influenced philosophical musings in recent times.

Because every person is philosophical by nature most people are drawn into the discussion. And why not, it promisesnot a possible answer, but the answer. If you are like me, you have on occasion bought (or borrowed) a book or two that includes the writings and thoughts of recognized philosophers. And, if you are like me, you have gotten lost in the rhetoric a time or two and been disappointed with the outcome. Descartes didn't prove God existed and Hume couldn't prove He didn't. How frustrating!

But, that doesn't stop us from philosophizing. The need to investigate is basic to our nature. Every person

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