The future of philosophy

This report examines the evolving relationship between philosophy and science, focusing on the unique characteristics of philosophical problems and their potential transformation into scientific ones. It highlights the shift from skepticism to a more constructive approach in philosophy, paralleling historical transitions in philosophical thought. The report also discusses the future of six philosophical areas: mind-body problem, philosophy of mind, philosophy of language, philosophy of society, ethics, and philosophy of science.

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Quick Facts
Report location:	source
Language:	English
Publisher:	the royal society University Of California – Berkeley
Authors:	John R. Searle
Geographic focus:	Global

Methods

The research method used in the report involves a historical and conceptual analysis of the evolution of philosophical thought and its relationship with scientific inquiry. It examines the characteristics of philosophical problems, the transition from skepticism to constructive philosophy, and the potential future developments in various philosophical domains.

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Key Insights

The report explores the interplay between philosophy and science, noting that while there is no clear boundary between the two, philosophical problems are distinct in their lack of a systematic method of solution, their framework nature, and their conceptual focus. It argues that philosophical issues can become scientific ones when properly formulated, as seen in the 20th century's focus on logic and language. The report anticipates a more constructive future for philosophy, akin to the shift from Socratic skepticism to Aristotelian enterprise, and outlines prospects for areas such as the mind-body problem, cognitive science, language, society, ethics, and science.

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