Defining Philosophy: Characteristics, Functions, and Kant's Core Questions

What is Philosophy?

Philosophy is constituted as a form of knowledge that, through the use of reason, questions the totality of things, seeking their root causes and addressing the major issues of concern to humans.

Characteristics of Philosophy

Philosophy is a wonder about all of reality; its field of study is thus the most universal. Philosophy questions all that human beings are capable of thinking and is interested in understanding the entire human experience. This universality is the major difference compared to the sciences.

Philosophy is radical in that it aims to reach the ultimate explanatory principles of reality—the meaning, the 'why,' and not only the 'how.'

It is a rational knowledge, born with the aim of understanding and interpreting reality rationally. In this sense, one must argue, that is, to reason in a structured way, justify claims, and make statements consistent, objective, and free from contradiction.

It is a critical knowledge: philosophy has always been a rethinking of traditionally accepted knowledge. It never accepts what is established simply because it has always been.

The Functions of Philosophy

The primary functions of philosophical inquiry include:

• Universal and non-specialized knowledge, providing unity to expertise (a role in interdisciplinarity).
• Examines knowledge and methods of knowing.
• Critical knowledge, whose foundation is reason. It promotes social transformation, whose foundation is critical thinking.
• Teaches us to reason properly, avoiding contradiction and utilizing abstract thought.
• Guides human behavior in moral and sociopolitical spheres.
• Addresses the ultimate philosophical problems.

Immanuel Kant's Tasks for Philosophy

Based on this new concept of reason, Kant established the fundamental tasks of philosophy:

• Establish the scope and limits of scientific knowledge, answering the question: What can I know?
• Establish the principles which should govern human action, answering the question: What should I do?
• Design the ultimate destination of man and humanity and the conditions for its implementation, answering the question: What may I hope?