Course Review: Study Secret Teachings of All Ages

Course Review: Study Secret Teachings of All Ages

Inspired by the works of Manly P Hall

Philosophy, in its essence, is the science of estimating values. It seeks to understand the primary importance of things by stripping away the secondary and superficial.

This endeavor to comprehend the core nature of existence has led to various definitions of philosophy over the ages. For instance, Cicero described it as the study of things both divine and human, while Descartes saw it as the deduction of truths from first principles. Such varied interpretations highlight the vast and intricate tapestry of philosophical thought.

One of the foundational aspects of philosophy is its categorization into specific disciplines, each addressing distinct facets of existence and thought. Metaphysics, for example, delves into abstract subjects like the nature of being and the cosmos. Logic, on the other hand, is the guardian of rational thinking, ensuring that our thoughts follow a coherent and valid pattern.

Ethics, a field of immense relevance in any age, grapples with questions of morality, responsibility, and the essence of goodness. Psychology, a bridge between the philosophical and the scientific, seeks to understand phenomena stemming from the mind.

Epistemology, a critical branch, wrestles with the very nature of knowledge, questioning its origins, its limits, and its absolute forms. Lastly, aesthetics celebrates the sublime in life, exploring beauty, harmony, and those elements that elevate the spirit.

The great philosopher Plato revered philosophy as the highest gift bestowed upon humanity by the divine. He saw it as the beacon that illuminates the path to truth and understanding. However, as we moved into the 20th century, the nature of philosophy underwent a transformation.

It evolved—or to some, devolved—into a complex structure riddled with varied and often conflicting notions. A significant drift towards materialism became evident, with many modern philosophies focusing more on the tangible and the immediate rather than the eternal and the profound.

Aristotle, another titan of ancient thought, began his treatise on metaphysics with a simple yet profound observation: all men naturally desire to know. This innate curiosity, this hunger for understanding, is what fuels philosophical inquiry. It’s a quest to comprehend the relationship between the self and the universe, the ephemeral and the eternal.

The quality of one’s thinking, according to ancient wisdom, determines one’s status in the natural world. Those enslaved by base instincts are philosophically no different from beasts. In contrast, those whose thoughts soar to the realms of the divine are akin to demigods, their beings radiant with the luminosity of profound understanding.

Cicero, the Roman statesman and philosopher, extolled philosophy as the guiding light of life. He credited it with the establishment of civilizations, transforming scattered tribes into cohesive societies. Philosophy, in his view, was the force that drew humanity together into the shared pursuit of wisdom and understanding.

However, the modern age presents a somewhat fragmented picture of philosophy. The once cohesive field has splintered into numerous “isms,” each with its own set of beliefs, principles, and interpretations.

These varied schools of thought, while enriching the philosophical landscape with diversity, have also led to conflicts. The focus, unfortunately, has often shifted from seeking profound truths to disproving the fallacies of opposing views.

Yet, the ideal function of philosophy remains unchanged. It is meant to be the anchor, the stabilizing force in the ever-churning sea of human thought. By its very nature, philosophy should prevent humanity from veering into the treacherous waters of unreasonable beliefs and codes of life.

However, this noble goal has often been thwarted by philosophers themselves, who, lost in abstract contemplation, have sometimes strayed from the path of rationality.

The Greek school of philosophy, with its rich contributions and foundational theories, stands as a testament to the enduring power of philosophical thought. It serves as a reminder of a time when philosophy was not just an academic pursuit but a way of life, a path to understanding the mysteries of existence.

In conclusion, philosophy, with its millennia-old legacy, remains as relevant today as it was in the days of Plato and Aristotle. It is the compass that guides us through the labyrinth of existence, helping us make sense of the world and our place in it.

While the challenges of the modern age and the fragmentation of philosophical thought may seem daunting, the core essence of philosophy—to seek, to question, to understand—remains unaltered. It is this essence that will continue to inspire and guide humanity in its eternal quest for wisdom.

Key Points:

1. Philosophy Defined: Philosophy is the science of estimating values and understanding the primary importance of things by removing secondary elements.

2. Various Definitions: Different philosophers and thinkers have defined philosophy in various ways, such as:
– Cicero: “The science of things divine and human and of the causes in which they are contained.”
– Hobbes: “The science of effects by their causes.”
– Descartes: “The science of things evidently deduced from first principles.”
– Kant: “The science of the relations of all knowledge to the necessary ends of human reason.”

3. Disciplines of Philosophy: Philosophy is classified under six headings:
– Metaphysics: Deals with abstract subjects like cosmology, theology, and the nature of being.
– Logic: Concerned with the laws governing rational thinking.
– Ethics: The science of morality, individual responsibility, and character.
– Psychology: Investigates phenomena related to mental origin.
– Epistemology: Concerned with the nature of knowledge itself.
– Aesthetics: Focuses on the nature of beauty, harmony, elegance, and nobility.

4. Plato’s View: Plato saw philosophy as the greatest gift from divinity to man.

5. Modern Philosophy: In the 20th century, philosophy has become complex with various notions, drifting towards materialism.

6. Aristotle’s Metaphysics: Begins with the statement that all men naturally desire to know.

7. Man’s Status: Determined by the quality of his thinking. Those who ponder divine realities are considered demigods.

8. Cicero’s Praise: Cicero praises philosophy as the guide of life and the force that has produced civilizations.

9. Modern Fragmentation: In the current age, philosophy has fragmented into various “isms” that often conflict with each other.

10. Philosophy’s Ideal Function: It should serve as a stabilizing influence in human thought, preventing unreasonable codes of life.

11. Greek School of Philosophy: Had its significant influence and is mentioned as a foundation.