Foundations of Thought: Myth, Rationality, and Philosophical Doubt

The Animal Perspective on Reality

Animals live completely submerged in the immediate facts; they are driven by needs that must be satisfied to continue living, responding predictably to stimuli.

Difference Between Humans and Animals Regarding Reality

Animals face reality with a practical attitude. Humans, however, do not see reality only as a means of subsistence or a source of danger, but as a world full of mystery and profound questions, a fascinating universe that causes bewilderment and curiosity.

Similarities and Differences Between Mythical and Rational Thought

Mythical Thought

• It is based on supernatural explanations, including gods and imaginary beings.
• It follows an anthropomorphic model: it personifies nature and attributes divine characteristics.
• Despite attempting to introduce order in the world, reality remains unpredictable.
• It is a simplistic explanation based on imagination.
• Articulated in stories that make use of metaphors, images, and symbols.
• It is a finalist explanation where natural phenomena act in accordance with intentions or purposes.
• It is dogmatic and cannot be critically examined or verified.

Rational Thought

• It is based on natural explanations derived from observation.
• It rejects anthropomorphism and reduces phenomena to physical laws.
• It emphasizes the dominance of order and necessity: phenomena are predictable.
• It is a logical and consistent explanation based on reason.
• Articulated in theories that make use of concepts.
• It is a causal explanation that excludes any purpose or intention in nature.
• It is a critical and verifiable discourse.

What are Myths?

Myths are fabulous stories about the origins of the world, human beings, and society. Their goal is to confer order and make sense of reality.

Functions of Myths

• Ontological and Cosmological Role: Defines what is real, the nature of humans, and their links with the rest of nature.
• Social Function: Links individuals to each other and to their ancestors.
• Moral Function: Dictates required behavior patterns and norms.
• Political Function: Justifies the power of governors and demands obedience to the laws they impose.

Similarities and Differences: Religion, Philosophy, Science

Why is Philosophy Primarily Doubt?

We say this because we put our certainties in brackets and submit them to a critical examination to determine their foundation. Where there is no doubt or perplexity, where reality is not problematic and seems self-evident, philosophy cannot exist.

Therefore, philosophy has more to do with the questions than with the answers.

Philosophy and Skepticism

Thinking, doubting, and subjecting all opinions and thoughts to review does not necessarily lead to skepticism.

Origin and Location of Philosophy

Philosophy appeared in the 6th century BC in Ionia (the Turkish coast).

When Did Science Separate from Philosophy?

Science emancipated itself from philosophy approximately four hundred years later.