THE IDEA OF PHILOSOPHY ACCORDING TO KARL JASPERS

The problem undertaken is to determine and propose as tenable the basic, root idea of Jaspers' philosophy. This problem concerning the very nature of philosophy is a constant underlying theme in Jaspers' writings and frequently comes up in explicit discussion. The specific task is to extract and crystalize this root idea.;In the first part, then, philosophy is first considered in relation to science. In doing so it is seen that philosophy participates in science and uses science but in its essence remains distinct. While science provides genuine knowledge philosophy does not; rather it is an accomplishment in thought which transforms one's entire consciousness of being. Secondly, philosophy is compared to art. This comparison brings to light another important facet of philosophy, especially in regard to its concrete and creative aspect. Thirdly, philosophy is considered in relation to religion. This discloses its character as "faith" standing in opposition to religious faith. Here there is perceived a certain kinship, yet also a relationship of antagonism. Somehow philosophy has always arisen out of religious origins and yet in opposition to religion. This opposition must remain if philosophy is not to be denatured as mere handmaiden to religion, which has occurred at various times in its history.;In the second part the first consideration is philosophy in relation to Existenz. It is shown that Existenz is the ground and source of philosophical thinking. We see how we arrive at this source and how it is further elucidated in terms of its essential signa: freedom, communication, historicity, boundary situation. As polar opposite, reason is shown to be the illumination and amplification of this ground in terms of its wider implications to reality and truth. Although not a source itself, reason is that through which all the sources of reality and truth are brought to light. As principle of unity it is also the bond which unites the various modes of truth into the one truth of being. Finally, love is found to be the common factor in the other two basic components. Both Existenz and reason can be likened to love. This is the source of their polar relationship. Love is also found to be that fundamental motivational and inspirational force it has always been in philosophy.;It is concluded that, in spite of criticisms to the contrary, Jaspers' idea of philosophy is and must remain essentially non-objective and concrete in character.;To this end the exposition consists of two major parts: the first, entitled "Philosophy Differentiated," attempts to arrive at some intimation of the essential nature of philosophy by counterposing it to and distinguishing it from three other broad areas of the human mind and spirit on which it depends but from which it must be distinguished if it is to retain its integrity and not become distorted as it actually has been from time to time in the history of philosophy. These three areas are science, art and religion. The second part, entitled "Philosophy in Itself," deals with philosophy in terms of its own intrinsic components. The light which the first part sheds on the nature of philosophy already discloses it as a concrete activity in which the individual engages. Thus the second part focuses on philosophy in its most primal, elemental sense--the concrete activity that constitutes philosophizing. Viewed in this light the three most essential components are contended to be Existenz, reason and love.