What Are the Boundaries of Philosophy and Its Relation to Science?

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The discussion centers on the definition and boundaries of philosophy, particularly its relationship with science. Participants clarify that philosophy addresses fundamental questions about existence, knowledge, and meaning that cannot be empirically tested or observed, distinguishing it from disciplines like neurobiology and linguistics. The conversation emphasizes that while philosophy explores "Why" questions, it remains subjective, lacking definitive answers, similar to religion. Ultimately, the discourse highlights the unique role of philosophy in contemplating existential inquiries that science does not address.

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  • Understanding of basic philosophical concepts such as metaphysics and epistemology.
  • Familiarity with the scientific method and its limitations.
  • Knowledge of the distinctions between philosophy, science, and religion.
  • Awareness of fundamental questions in philosophy, such as the nature of existence and meaning.
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  • Explore the relationship between philosophy and the scientific method.
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Avichal
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Don't close this thread. I am not discussing any philosophy here.
I am just confused with what philosophy is. Wikipedia says:
Philosophy is the study of general and fundamental problems, such as those connected with reality, existence, knowledge, values, reason, mind, and language.

In this definition, it says study of mind and language is philosophy. Well then is neuro-biology and linguistics philosophy? What is it exactly?
 
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Avichal said:
Don't close this thread. I am not discussing any philosophy here.
I am just confused with what philosophy is. Wikipedia says:


In this definition, it says study of mind and language is philosophy. Well then is neuro-biology and linguistics philosophy? What is it exactly?

Philosophy is all about the "Why" questions and is interested in the meanings of things which can't be explained via science.
 
MathJakob said:
Philosophy is all about the "Why" questions and is interested in the meanings of things which can't be explained via science.

Do you mean like - Why do electrons exist, what is the meaning of life etc. If these are the questions that philosophy deals with, then why is it a subject that is taught in universities? I can't imagine how you can progress further on such topics.
 
Just because two things study the same phenomena it doesn't mean one of them is part of the other. They can study these phenomena in different perspectives.

Theology and physics both study the universe as a whole and its fundamental properties but neither physics is a part of theology or theology a kind of physics.
 
Avichal said:
Do you mean like - Why do electrons exist, what is the meaning of life etc. If these are the questions that philosophy deals with, then why is it a subject that is taught in universities? I can't imagine how you can progress further on such topics.

Philosophy is like religion in the sense that you can't progress, prove, test or observe anything. All philosophy does is try to answer the questions science can't.

It's all completely subjective though, there is no right or wrong answer really. I actually find philosophy quite interesting, I don't think there is a single scientist out there that hasn't thought "Why are we here" or "Why is the speed of light c and not c+2" ect.

These questions are fun to think about but ultimately there is no reason. Id the speed of like were 100m/s we'd be asking why is it 100m/s and not 500m/s.

Humans are so insecure about not knowing and fear dying forever so they invent things or reasons to give their lives meaning.
 
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