The philosophy arose in ancient centuries. Meaning literally "love for wisdom", it is purely theoretical science generalizing the experience accumulated for centuries and knowledge by means of certain techniques.
Philosophy subject
The world around is very interesting and many-sided. Since ancient times of people was engaged in study and an explanation of various phenomena, systematizing the knowledge in scientific approach. However the philosophy claims that any phenomenon should be considered not as a separate part and as an inseparable part of a whole. In it its main difference from other sciences giving an idea only of the separate industry of knowledge.
The subject of philosophy includes general in material life and general complete life of the person and represents not only the attitude of the world towards the person, but also the special relation of the person to the world. Communication "world person" is the cornerstone making a philosophy subject at which its main issues are aimed.
Philosophical problems cover the person in general and have eternal character. However, as well as all live, philosophical knowledge is in continuous self-updating of problems and their decisions on the basis of real knowledge of public human life. The main method of the solution of these problems is theoretical thinking which relies on achievement of all sciences, cultures and cumulative experience of the person.
Functions of philosophy
Achievement of a main goal of philosophy assumes performance of a number of the interconnected functions by it. One of the most significant functions forming idea of the person of the world around, its place in it and the relation of the world and the person, is world outlook function. Depending on knowledge and ideas of the person of the world around, the outlook can act in three forms: mythological, religious and philosophical. The mythological outlook is based on myths, i.e. the fantastic narrations which are a product of collective imagination. The religious outlook in which center the all-powerful strength of the Creator covering everything existing was a consequence of myths. The central aspect of any religion is the way of finding of the supreme values by observance of religious dogmas. The philosophical outlook is based on results of cognitive and practical activities of people. The philosophy generalizes different views and exercises (science, mythology, religion), forming a general picture of the world on their basis. Methodological function assumes the system of actions based on knowledge, intended for obtaining new knowledge. It gives the initial and fundamental principles which use defines orientation of cognitive and practical activities. The point of reflexive and critical function consists judgment of a state in which there is culture, society and the person. On the basis of reconsideration and systematization of dofilosofsky forms of thinking the philosophy forms the generalized theoretical images of the world according to activity of the person and a spirit of the age.