What are the Limitations of Philosophy?

The limitations of philosophy are concomitant with the bounds of human inquiry and curiosity. Unlike science, which is primarily concerned with material phenomena, philosophy encompasses a broader scope. It delves into aesthetics, humor, art, subjectivity, spirituality, and transcendentalism—essentially, anything that can be experienced and thought about by human minds.

Subjectivity in Philosophy

Philosophy strives for objectivity but falls short as a science. The subjectivity inherent in it is bound to persist due to the nature of the rational minds that develop it. Even when there is a consensus that an idea rings true, it remains subjective, relying on the acceptance within the majority's minds.

Human nature is fundamentally biased. People tend to adopt the opinions of their peers, which can skew the objectivity of philosophical ideas. Sometimes, even if an idea is later revealed as wrong, it can remain accepted for a period due to the collective belief. Circumstances can change, but the inherent bias and human nature pose significant limitations.

Philosophy is a vital part of social structures, grounded in reason and instinct. Society relies on these rational constructs, and conforming to them is often in one's interest. However, the necessity of philosophy lies in its ability to challenge and expand these constructs, fostering critical thinking and reflection.

The End of Philosophy?

There are no inherent limits to philosophy. The discipline is vast and can continue to evolve. However, some argue that philosophy itself can impose limitations, as evident in the works of Immanuel Kant and his categorical imperative.

Kant's Categorical Imperative and Its Limitations

Immanuel Kant's categorical imperative is a command that establishes a moral path between the ethical pathway of the "bad to the good" and the "good to the bad." The choice to follow the latter path—conversely moving from good to bad—reflects a biased and flawed application of such a command.

Kant's ethical solution, while theoretically sound, was addressed by subsequent philosophers and thinkers. The environment of philosophy has expanded in a way that often deviates from critical, objective reasoning. This environment, while open and selective, can be seen as an irrational and subjective bias within the discipline.

This subjectivity should have prompted Kant to reconsider and possibly complete his unfinished writings on ethical theory. Instead, his influence inadvertently set a limit on philosophical thought, particularly in the area of ethics, where subjective biases can prevail over objective principles.

New Limits for Philosophy

The limitations introduced by Kant's ethical theory have spurred the need for new boundaries and critical thinking within philosophy. The discipline should embrace objective reasoning while acknowledging and addressing the inherent subjectivity that can cloud philosophical debates.

The evolution of philosophy continues, with new limits being set by both individual thinkers and the broader philosophical community. These new limits aim to foster a more balanced and critical approach to ethical philosophy, ensuring that objective understanding prevails over subjective biases.