Preface

Let no one delay their engagement with philosophy in youth, nor grow weary of it in old age, for the pursuit of philosophical wisdom is always timely for the well-being of the soul. No one can be too young or too old to benefit from this pursuit.

Epicurus

The 21st century is marked by particularly turbulent historical processes, with powerful social, national, and democratic revolutionary changes unfolding worldwide. Globalization is driving the transformation of political and social relations. Although this process of reconfiguration has begun, many are either unaware of it or reluctant to acknowledge it. Humanity, with its intellect, curiosity, and unique existential status, stands as a universal marvel: only it has access to what we call existence, only in its mind does the universal cosmos come into focus.

A distinctive feature of contemporary philosophical thought is its need to critically review and reassess its content. Most modern thinkers believe that we have moved beyond old stereotypes, yet a new perspective has not yet been fully established.

The spiritual world of humanity is based on four forms: science, religion, art, and philosophy. We cannot imagine a society without science and art, and it is even more inconceivable without philosophy. A society without philosophers is unthinkable, as they are those who are perpetually in search of the reasons for human existence, society, and the world, striving to understand the direction humanity is taking in its development; what the universe is and how humans can grasp its infinity in space and time, and understand its laws. Without such inquiries, society would cease to exist.

Philosophy, like art and science, is grounded in a particular style of thinking that is shaped within society. A philosopher should be a physicist studying the laws of the origin and development of the galaxy; a biologist seeking to understand how life emerged and what differentiates the living from the non-living; a linguist trying to comprehend the profound connections between languages and realizing that it is not we who speak languages, but they who speak through and with us; a doctor treating both body and soul.

Eternal questions will drive the search for truth and the ideal in society. Humanity has raised and will continue to address these questions to the extent that it feels its humanity. In this respect, philosophy serves as a form of conscious resolution of the fundamental issues of human existence—worldview orientation, self-awareness, and self-affirmation. It accumulates historical experience and becomes the intellectual core of human spirituality.

Today, it is no secret that philosophy has traditionally positioned itself as a privileged point of contemplation of reality. This stance has provoked a negative reaction from some contemporary thinkers, such as postmodernists, who see in the philosophers’ claim to "Divine Truth" a guise for the struggle over power distribution and a hidden drive for self-assertion at the expense of others. This is an old problem, and it would be futile to deny the existence of vivid historical examples where individuals have manipulated the concept of truth and its pretentious possession as a weapon in the subjugation of existence and the assertion of a special, privileged status.

Philosophy can be viewed both as a theoretical worldview and as a science if it is connected with principles of self-reflection and organizational structures that align with the norms of scientific knowledge. Philosophy may directly contribute to an individual's spiritual life or may not, instead influencing the consciousness of future generations who will perceive such views as only abstract elements of their ancestors' spiritual life. Similarly, philosophy can be a form of intellectual production, an institutional creation of ideas, with only a somewhat indirect connection to the specific phenomenon of spiritual life.

The problem of the interplay between philosophy and medicine is one of the most pressing practical issues in contemporary science. Medical research has always reached the level of philosophical generalizations. Modern medicine increasingly aligns with philosophy due to the integral nature of medical practice, which encompasses not only its activities but also a cognitive and value-oriented attitude toward its object. Moreover, at a certain level of development, medicine increasingly becomes a theory, with an intensive formation of self-awareness—reflections on its characteristics, the structure of knowledge, and other typically philosophical questions.

In summary, philosophy is an intellectual form of answering deep human concerns and queries. It is always necessary for humanity, particularly when life demands choices and the definition of moral and social positions.

This textbook has been prepared in accordance with the curriculum requirements. The material presented will enable students not only to study philosophy but also to use it for independent work. It is important to note that the supplementary material covers the latest approaches to various issues, with a special focus on the postmodern era. Unlike other similar works, this textbook takes the form of an essay, providing a concise yet substantial history of philosophy. It will be useful not only for students of higher medical education institutions of III-IV levels of accreditation but also for graduate students, lecturers, and anyone interested in the development of philosophy. We hope that the material presented can serve as an impetus for further independent exploration of the vast sea of global philosophical thought.