The Philosophy of Philosophy

Abstract

Phillosophy, as distinct from any other field of study and irrespective of the actual stage of its development, has always existed as the sum of an indefinite number of philosophical doctrines. This accounts for philosophy's ability to restrain the growth of dogmatism both in the system of knowledge as a whole and in private theories by particular thinkers. Any competent disavowal of philosophy must also be regarded philosophy since it gives rise to new problems and thus fertilizes the ocean of philosophical inquiry. This kind of pluralism, therefore, is inherent in philosopy, and should be recognized as one of its real advantages.