by Megan Furner

Created on: October 19, 2009

For many, philosophical study harbors a personal manifestation; it is accomplished via an individualistic pathway to arrive at individualistic conclusions. Though valuable in its intrinsic uniqueness, the extrinsic commonalities of single philosophies have sparked the growth of humanity. Measurably, scientific achievement provides quantitative evidence of intellectual success. Historical records show a shifting emphasis on spiritual prosperity. Amidst such advancement, neither sector has proven more indispensable than the other to human existence.

It is not difficult to believe philosophy existed before it was given its name. Humans are biologically programmed to assimilate themselves in the world around them. Therefore, it is common for them to ask questions about life, death, and its meaning. It remains no surprise there are god-believing optimists, atheistic pessimists, and Wiccan naturalists. The act of questioning is instinctive, and people have been doing it before philosophy took a formal stand. However, the widespread philosophical phenomena in the Western world catalyzed a movement that urged people to behave introspectively. Literary advances made it possible for thinkers to record their ideas and share them among communities. This spawned an exponential growth unprecedented by any art or scientific form. Moreover, it challenged the integrity of all existing studies. The modern, relatable, edgy assets of philosophy gave Westerners fresh new perspective. For instance, renowned intellectuals like Socrates, Plato, and Aristotle coupled philosophy to their discoveries in the natural world. A truly unique study was underway.

The merging of science and philosophy resulted in a lesser need for a higher power. Mathematical proofs ands scientific laws were snack food to secularists who saw their potential in a life without higher powers. Or, by contrast, the higher powers were believed to highly esteem concrete applications. However, during the Dark Ages, cultural biases toward a mystical, monotheistic God prevailed over philosophical output. During this time, one's faith influenced the majority of self-discovery. People like the monks were abstemious and sacrificial, owing much effort to the practice of faith. For example, Saint Augustine believed that the tenants of philosophy alone were insufficient if not based on faith. He felt that humans were too imperfect in their sin to be able to reason correctly; therefore, he argued, religion was crucial to

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