History of Philosophy

What is Philosophy?

The Purpose of Philosophy

Like anything in the world, philosophy is tasked with fulfilling specific roles. The most profound and comprehensive response to the question of philosophy's purpose, or the role it should play, was provided by the ancient Greek philosopher Plato in his allegory known as the "Myth of the Cave." This allegory is presented in Plato’s Republic, a dialogue between Socrates and Glaucon. In this myth, Plato describes prisoners confined in a cave, shackled in such a way that they can only gaze at the cave’s wall. Behind them burns a fire, and the shadows cast on the wall by people and objects moving in front of the fire constitute the prisoners' entire reality. Over time, these shadows become the prisoners' only reality, and they come to believe that the shadows are the true essence of being. Eventually, one prisoner manages to break free and emerge from the cave, discovering the true world and realizing that the shadows were mere illusions. However, it is challenging for him to adjust to the brightness of the sun, which causes him pain and requires time and effort to endure. Upon returning to the cave to enlighten the others about the falsehood of the shadows and the need to escape the chains to see the true essence, he faces resistance. Some are lazy and unwilling to strive for freedom, others do not believe that the shadows are illusions, and still others, although they understand that truth lies beyond their cave, fear the discomfort and pain of seeing the light.

This myth symbolically portrays the condition of the ordinary person. People remain in the cave, observing shadows and accepting them as reality. They are accustomed to their situation and unwilling to leave their comfort zone for the sake of truth. Yet, throughout history, individuals have managed to break free from their chains, leave the cave, and witness the true world. The truth ignites in them an enthusiastic desire to reveal it to others, but they encounter resistance from those they seek to enlighten. Philosophy demands a departure from familiar environments, the abandonment of established beliefs, and the breaking of chains, resulting in the pain brought about by confronting the truth.

Philosophy is arduous. To grasp the truth, one must begin to think independently, a task that is among the most challenging that a person can undertake. It is far easier to accept ready-made conclusions and judgments broadcasted by a television screen. Television’s popularity lies in its liberation of viewers from the need for independent thought. The speaker on the screen has already pondered everything, effectively performing the cognitive labor for others. Even when what is conveyed is merely shadows, viewers are unconcerned, as it is simpler to believe in convenient falsehoods than to seek the truth on their own.

To perceive the truth, one must shatter the chains holding the prisoners in the cave. This requires courage and effort. Many people not only cannot but also do not wish to break these chains. As long as they remain in chains, they are like everyone else; they are comfortable in the general conformity. Once someone breaks the chains, they become different from the rest. Thus, philosophers, independent thinkers, prophets, and geniuses are often doomed to misunderstanding and solitude. This trial is not within everyone’s capacity. Most choose the vortex of universal madness.

Even if one does break the chains, they will face widespread misunderstanding. Instead of receiving laurels of victory, they endure the pain of bright sunlight. When a philosopher begins to see the truth, their soul aches for the world and other people. Philosophy brings profound spiritual suffering. The philosopher’s suffering is never fully comprehended by those around them. They are alone in their pain. This is why so many geniuses have been unhappy and closed off in their inner worlds.

Despite the fact that a true philosopher is condemned to arduous intellectual labor, misunderstanding from others, and spiritual suffering, the attainment of truth brings an indescribable joy. If a philosopher is one who loves wisdom, and love is indescribable, then the inner delight that the philosopher experiences is also beyond description. It is the joy of freedom. However, the philosopher’s activity is not entirely hopeless and disheartening. A philosopher is someone who creates worldviews and thus changes the world. God created the world but did not dictate how it should be. This is done by humans through their intellectual endeavors. The modern world is shaped by the intellectuals of the past, the great philosophers, and scientists.