Abstract:
The contemporary scene reflects a close interdependence between philosophy and some of the special sciences. In these areas of interpenetration both philosophers and researchers from other fields should have an appreciation of what set of problems is focal to each and which problems they have in common. However, history has shown this conjunctive relationship at times to have been very strained, often posing a threat especially to the philosophers, some of whom believed that philosophy had become the handmaiden of the sciences. The analysis in this lecture, however, shows that philosophy has its own unique character and makes its own unique character and makes its own, important contribution to human thinking and human knowledge. It also shows that philosophy has a distinct inter-disciplinary nature and that the relationship between philosophy and the special sciences can be very meaningful and fruitful. Finally certain options or criteria are offered for the acceptable and successful presentation of philosophy at the university. The axioms underlying my viewpoint are that philosophy has a conceptual nature and its results are controversial. Although it poses general questions, the philosophers need to know something about the other sciences and there is no one correct method of research. There should be room for a practical philosophy, philosophers seek a measure of certainty, philosophy is concerned with world views. Philosophy has an educational function, it is imbedded in history, it is committed to precision, clarity and consistency. Philosophy is critical, it is grounded in the life-world and also directs itself to transcendental questions.
