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What is the point of philosophy if it is itself the fruit of words and that therefore is limited?

User Jaichander
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Final answer:

Philosophy is valuable despite its reliance on language because it uses logic and reasoning to approach truth and incorporates historical and cultural contexts. It promotes critical thought and inquiry, akin to a child's wonder.

Step-by-step explanation:

The question asked concerns the value of philosophy given its reliance on language, which is inherently limited. Indeed, philosophy's pursuit of truth is not bound by the same empirical standards as the sciences. The limitation of focusing solely on philosophical arguments and neglecting the historical and cultural contexts in which philosophers lived overlooks the multifaceted nature of philosophical inquiry.

Ludwig Wittgenstein's later work underscores that language is context-dependent, challenging the earlier belief that language problems account for philosophical and human dilemmas.

However, philosophy has the open-ended goal of approaching the truth through logic and reasoning, despite a lack of canonical knowledge. Historical philosophers often engaged with religious ideas and cannot be judged solely by present-day standards. Philosophy involves a sense of wonder that propels inquiry and critical thought, much like a child's curiosity.

User AlbertMunichMar
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