Core Philosophical Questions: Knowledge, Reality, and Existence

Fundamental Problems of Philosophy

This unit delves into some of the fundamental problems that have faced philosophers in modern and contemporary eras. These problems belong to theoretical philosophy and are grouped into two main areas: the theory of knowledge (epistemology) and metaphysics.

The Theory of Knowledge (Epistemology)

Epistemology, or the theory of knowledge, is the philosophical discipline concerned with the nature and scope of knowledge. Key questions addressed include:

• Is Knowledge Possible? What is its Origin?

  This fundamental question explores whether knowledge is attainable and, if so, where it originates. The two primary philosophical solutions are rationalism and empiricism.

• What is Truth?

  The concept of truth is complex. Some philosophers and sociologists argue that truth is socially constructed. This perspective, known as relativism, gained significant support during the 20th and 21st centuries. Truth can be understood in various ways, often reflected by:

  • Coherence (consistency within a system)
  • Utility (practical usefulness)
  • Consensus (agreement among individuals)

Metaphysics: Understanding Reality

The problem of perception naturally leads to the second major area of theoretical philosophy: metaphysics. Metaphysics addresses fundamental questions about the nature of reality itself.

• How Do We Know Reality?

  Several theories attempt to explain our knowledge of reality. The classical theory of perception posits that our senses receive information from reality, from which a representation or mental image is formed. This implies that the mind does not have direct contact with external reality, but rather with these internal mental images.

The Nature of Reality: Materialism, Idealism, and Dualism

In modern philosophy, three primary positions on the nature of reality have emerged:

• Materialism: This view asserts that reality is exclusively material. For materialists, only matter exists.
• Idealism: Idealism posits that reality is fundamentally spiritual or mental. Idealists argue that reality is ultimately mind-dependent.
• Dualism: Dualism conceives of reality as comprising both material and spiritual (or mental) aspects. Dualists often argue that the human mind cannot be reduced to mere matter, suggesting the necessity of a non-material substance to fully explain human nature.

The Existence of God and Transcendence

Throughout the Middle Ages and the modern age, philosophy extensively debated the existence of God and the concept of transcendence. While some philosophers presented arguments and evidence to support the existence of God, other influential thinkers, such as Immanuel Kant, contended that such existence cannot be definitively proven through rational arguments alone.