Keeping in view the multi-dimensional importance of Philosophy its importance is as follows:-(1) The academic and socio-ethical importance of ‘Philosophy’ is immens. Epistemology, logic and scientific method, philosophy of science, aesthetics, ethics, philosophy of religion, philosophy of law and social philosophy are some of the important branches of Philosophy. Epistemology deals with the nature, scope and sources of human knowledge. Logic discusses the basic principles of valid reasoning. Scientific method refers to the methodology of sciences. Philosophy of science analyses the basic concepts of sciences and tries thereby to provide them a rational basis. Thus, it provides conducive to pursuits of scientific researches.
A clear comprehension of the fundamentals of epistemology, logic and scientific method is a necessary pre-requisite of undertaking any meaningful rational activity including theory-formation and decision-making. In view of its importance, ‘Logic and scientific method’ is taught as a compulsory course to all the students in some of the European and American Universities। In India too, some IIT’s and the Department of Economics, Commerce and Management in Universities provide for ‘Logic and Scientific method as a compulsory course of study, and it is also a compulsory paper in the test for Chartered Accountants.
(2) Science & Philosophy are certainly the two most dominant forces that have shaped the course of humanity। It is also true that science alone can solve the problems related to hunger, poverty, illiteracy, environment pollution, illness and unemployment but then through the study of Philosophy one can achieve compassion, love, honesty and integrity, peace, tolerance, discipline and humanism without which the very existence of mankind will be at stake.
Cited From:
Starting the teaching of M.A. Philosophy in Distance Mode through Directorate of Distance Education, Kurukshetra University, Kurukshetra
