Functions of Philosophy

Different researchers distinguish different functions of philosophy . There are a lot of them. The following functions of philosophy are recognized as the main ones by the majority of opinions.

Worldview - is the ability of the philosophical science to describe the world and unite the knowledge of various sciences, practices and arts. It is characterized by an abstract theoretical approach to explaining the world. In this regard, the philosophical concepts themselves are characterized by a dual character, expressed in gravitation either to science or to pseudoscience.

Methodological - is to identify the most optimal ways to achieve certain goals, for example, the construction of scientific knowledge, social practice or aesthetic creativity. Such methods and principles of action are implied, to which a fundamental, rather than a narrow meaning, is inherent. These methods include the historical method. The functions of philosophy are largely aimed at clarifying the content of the main principles of science and practice.

Philosophy is a general doctrine of methods, as well as a set of methods of cognition, which are common to the sciences involved in the cognition of the world.

Humanistic - is manifested rather brightly and is realized in the utmost care of people. Philosophy is called upon to be attentive to people. Therefore, it does not limit itself to a strictly scientific approach, and ethical and aesthetic approaches are widely used.

Practical - is to care for the welfare of people, that is, in morality.

Prognostic - formulates hypotheses of general tendencies in the development of matter, of the world, of consciousness, of man. Probability of the forecast increases with the degree to which philosophy relies on scientific knowledge.

Critical - applies to other disciplines, and to philosophy itself. Since antiquity, the actual principle of this science is the postulate of exposing everything to doubt. This is understood not as abstract nihilism, but constructive criticism based on dialectical negation.

Axiological - is associated with the evaluation of the object under study from the positions of different kinds of values: moral, social, ideological, aesthetic, etc.

Social functions of philosophy are rather multifaceted in content and coverage of aspects of society. Philosophy fulfills a twofold task - it explains social being and contributes to its spiritual and material improvement. In this regard, philosophy has taken the prerogative of developing general concepts for the consolidation and integration of society.

Its tasks include helping to understand and formulate collective goals, as well as directing people's efforts to achieve them. The vitality of philosophical concepts is determined by the degree to which each individual is able to understand and accept it. Therefore, while philosophy is of a comprehensive nature, it must be addressed to every concrete person.

The functions of philosophy in culture are manifested at all levels of functioning of society and individuals. All the roles, features and characteristics inherent in philosophy in one way or another assume the involvement of this science in culture, their interaction.

As history shows , philosophy in culture took a wide variety of forms. The philosophy of Plato is permeated through with myths. The Roman Stoics turned it into a kind of moral preaching. In the Middle Ages, philosophy became a servant of theology. In modern times the principle of scientificity has penetrated into it. Today, philosophy has become a coherent scientific theory.

All functions of philosophy are linked together dialectically. Each of them to a certain extent includes the rest. Many of them in general are inseparable, for example, philosophical and methodological, methodological and epistemological, social and humanitarian, etc. Only through the integrity and unity of functions is manifested the essence and specificity of philosophy as a science.