Philosophical Reflection from a Holistic philosophize; it will depend on their

Perspective (live conference) philosophy.

What is to Philosophize Existentialism is not interested in the
problem of the ultimate principles; neither is
Generally, to philosophize means to
Indian philosophy concerned with the truth
theoretically consider all things in a study or
arrived at by the light of natural reason.
reflection.
Shall we then define philosophy as the
It is to speculate and having theories about
individual’s quest for authentic existence, or
fundamental or serious issues, especially in a
as the search for the Ultimate Being by the
tedious or punctilious way. You explain or
use of one’s intuitive faculty? But what
you argue a point of idea in terms of one’s
would happen to Chinese philosophy whose
philosophical theory.
main interest is to know how man can live in
Early attempts to write a universal definition harmony, unity, peace, prosperity, if indeed,
of philosophy failed because mankind never perpetuity! Should philosophy then be
shared a common idea of what it is, which is defined as a way of life? But then it could
why philosophy is broad. easily be rejected by those who believe that
it is a way of thought!
Is it valid to define philosophy as the science
of beings, of their ultimate causes or It seems that behind the many definitions,
principles as known by the light of natural whatever degree of validity each one has,
reason? Perhaps so, but then, what would rests a more fundamental question: What is
happen to Existentialism (We are to philosophize?
responsible for creating meaning and
Man is a universal phenomenon. He
purpose in our lives. Our individual meaning
cogitates, contemplates, and interprets the
is not given to us by God, the government,
same world and yet he comes up with varied
teachers nor other authorities. They are not
opinions regarding it. History has indeed
basically interested in the problem of the
shown us that the diversity of human
ultimate principle) or Indian philosophy
experiences has created diversified cultures
(They are also not concerned in the problem
which have brought about distinct
of the ultimate principle. But rather,
interpretations of the world.
basically concerned with the truth arrived at
the light of the natural reason. They also The complex enterprise of philosophizing
have different beliefs from different has been a monopoly of man ab initio. God,
perspectives. This philosophy is focused on being omniscient, has no need for either
the ultimate goal of liberation of individual reason or intuition in order to know. He is
from Dutta and Satischandra through diverse the Repository of truth and the Fountainhead
range of spiritual practices)? of wisdom. The angels possess a natural
knowledge of God and know other things by
We have these theories, definition, and
merely contemplating their angelic essence.
explanation of what philosophy is.
The brutes do not philosophize for their
Existentialism and Indian Philosophy have
sentient level simply cannot allow them to
their own philosophy. Whatever explanation
do so. Only man can and needs to
that they have when it comes to how they
philosophize because of his uncertainties, Holistic – relating to or concerned with
which manifests themselves as doubts. complete systems rather than with individual
Therefore, we may say that philosophy parts
begins and ends with man. We see in the
Philosophy
history of ideas, how a man tried to
construct philosophical ideas, and how Philosophy is, first of all, reflection.
others tried to destroy them. One system of
thought is raised and another system refutes It is stepping back, listening to yourself and
it. other people and trying to understand and
evaluate what it is that you hear, and what it
Generally, to philosophize means to is that you believe.
theoretically consider all things in a study or
reflection. But philosophizing is a complex “Wonder is the feeling of a philosopher, and
process of thought. The history of humanity philosophy begins in wonder”
has shown how man struggled to come up - SOCRATES
with a genuine, indigenous worldview.
Through the different periods of history, he
has used his natural powers to pursue Break
various philosophical ends. I see generally
three ends, namely: The Knowledge of the It is a discontinuity, or a jarring disturbance,
Absolute Truth; the Knowledge of the in our everyday life.
Reasoned Truth; and the Knowledge of Life is not consistent.
Practical Truth or what is also known as the
Knowledge of the Art of Living. If we do not face challenges, what is there to
learn?
Kubler-Ross Grief Cycle
To philosophize means:
A methodic exercise of the faculty of
intuition for the transcendental grasp of the (Five Stages of Grief)
Absolute Truth Kubler-Ross Grief Cycle
A methodic exercise of the faculty of reason (Five Stages of Grief)
with the use of a logical paradigm for the Denial Avoidance,
attainment of ontological or epistemic truths confusion, elation,
shock, fear
A methodic exercise of practical reason Anger Frustration,
based on man’s experience for the practical irritation, anxiety
ability of man to live in dignity as a moral Bargaining Struggling to find
person meaning, reaching
out to other, telling
one’s story
Depression Overwhelmed,
Partial vs Holistic View
helplessness,
Partial – Existing only in part; incomplete hostility, flight
 Acceptance Exploring options,
new plan in place,
moving on

“Happiness can only exist in acceptance.” -

George Orwell

What is Reflection?
Reflection (Merriam-Webster)
It is consideration of some subject matter,
idea, or purpose.
It is a thought, idea, or opinion formed or a
remark made as a result of meditation.
Reflection (Philosophy)
Human self-reflection is the capacity of
humans to exercise introspection and the
willingness to learn more about their
fundamental nature, purpose and essence.
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