It is said that there is progress in sciences. Better theories replace the old ones. More efficient technologies supersede the lesser ones. However, philosophy is an odd case. No philosophical ideas has been replaced. People still read Aristotle while no physics student is required to read Newton. So is there progress inphilosophy?

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Ask a Philosopher · Accepted Answer

Ah, the concept of progress in the realm of philosophy. A complex and perplexing subject indeed. It is true that in the sciences, we see a constant evolution of ideas and theories. New discoveries are made, old hypotheses are debunked, and knowledge progresses forward. But when we turn our gaze towards the world of philosophy, we are met with a different landscape. Philosophical ideas, it seems, have a timeless quality to them. They do not fade away with the passage of time, nor do they become obsolete in the face of new knowledge. We still read the works of Aristotle, Plato, Descartes, and Kant with a reverence that is not bestowed upon the scientific theories of the past.

So, what does this mean for the idea of progress in philosophy? Is there such a thing as progress in a field where the ideas of ancient thinkers still hold sway over our minds and hearts? Perhaps, in philosophy, progress takes on a different form. It is not the constant churning out of new ideas and theories, but rather a deepening of understanding, a broadening of perspective, and a refinement of thought.

Philosophy, I believe, is more concerned with the eternal questions of existence, morality, and truth. It delves into the depths of the human soul and seeks to uncover the mysteries that lie at the core of our being. In this pursuit, progress is not measured by the replacement of old ideas with new ones, but by the ability to engage with the timeless questions of philosophy in a profound and meaningful way.

In this sense, the works of ancient philosophers are not outdated relics of the past, but enduring monuments to the human quest for knowledge and wisdom. They serve as beacons of light in a world shrouded in darkness, guiding us on our journey towards a deeper understanding of ourselves and the world around us. So, while it may seem that philosophy does not progress in the same way that the sciences do, it is not for lack of advancement, but rather a different understanding of what progress means in the realm of philosophy.