Major Methods in Philosophy

Rational-Empirical Methods

These methods involve both the senses and the mind. The senses provide data about reality, which is perceived as varied and changing. The mind, however, seeks a permanent reality, understood through intuition and reasoning, or through certain concepts. These methods aim to grasp the substance of things, identifying the fundamental basis grasped by the mind – something sustainable and unchanging beneath all perceived changes.

Empiricist Methods

• Experience is the primary source of knowledge. The value of knowledge comes from experience.
• Truth is verified de facto through experience; questions that cannot be empirically verified are outside its scope.
• The origin and value of knowledge derive from sensory experience, and inductive research methods are typically used.

Rationalist Methods

• Reason is the primary source of knowledge.
• Key figures include Descartes, Spinoza, and Leibniz.
• Critical Rationalism is associated with Karl Popper and Hans Albert.
• Knowledge comes from intelligence, not solely from external senses. The most relevant and real ideas are derived from reason, as sensory input can be dark and doubtful.
• Classic rationalism combines intuition and deduction.
• Descartes' method involved systematic doubt, leading to Cogito ergo sum (I think, therefore I am). From this foundational idea, reality is understood through rational deduction.
• Critical Rationalism, developed by Karl Popper and Hans Albert in the 20th century, represents a distinct approach.

Methods of Language Analysis

• This involves the study of the philosophy of language, prominent in the 20th century.
• It addresses the issue that vague or mixed philosophical expressions and words often create philosophical problems.
• The goal is not necessarily to know reality directly, but to analyze language as the basis for understanding knowledge and concepts.
• Key figures include Moore, Russell, Wittgenstein, and the Vienna Circle (Logical Positivism).

Hermeneutic Methods

• These methods aim to understand and interpret meaning, initially of texts.
• Originating in the 19th century, hermeneutics expanded beyond texts to encompass the universal nature of human action and historical events. All such phenomena must be interpreted and understood.
• This is particularly relevant in the social sciences, which seek to interpret and understand the meaning and purpose of these actions.
• Hermeneutics has two key objectives:
  • To contrast with modern science, which explains causes through events.
  • To answer the question: How can we understand?