

Meaning of Philosophy:





There are three conceptions of philosophy. These are the following:



1. Philosophy as Wisdom : Philosophy as thoughtful response to a question or situation. It is of two types :

i. Personal reflection on broad questions

ii. Prophetic wisdoms





2. Philosophy as Ideology : It is a more highly organized body of opinion. It usually serves programs of action and organizational needs.



3. Philosophy as Critical Inquiry : It treats knowledge as tentative. It is a method, not personal authority that establishes truth; it does not encourage us to become followers. Each person is required to think for himself/herself.





Emmanuel Kant ascribed a “critical” function to philosophy that is inquiry. Philosophical inquiry is reflection upon human experience in order to decipher the fundamental principles of reality and principle of existence itself.





Methodology of Philosophical Research:





The educational researches are designed to achieve following four objectives:



To formulate new theory, principles and laws

To establish new truth or reality

To find out new facts

To suggest new applications.





These objectives are achieved by conducting Historical, Experimental Surveys, and Philosophical Researches.





Major Approaches in Philosophical Research:





· A System of Thought

· A Critical Appraisal of the Thought of Great Personage



