Is philosophy losing its academic importance in a similar way that theology has?
The question of “Why” a thing exists or “Why” existence itself exists is philosophical for those who reject the evidence that a Creator exists and therefore He should be able to inform me “Why” we exist, “Why” objects exist and “Why” existence exists.
Science deals with how things work. If true to the definition of acquiring knowledge from experimentation to benefit oneself or humanity, the scientific method is merely one of trial and error with, say, a working hypothesis, that if I tinker with this device some more, I should be able to improve on its operation.
When people, claiming to be scientists, depart from merely putting together means for improving the wellbeing of themselves and their fellow, and start producing theories that have no relationship to practical applications for improving living standards, they delve into the realm of philosophy and begin attempting to explain “why” things exist, “why” we exist and “why” existence exists. Abiogenesis and the theory of evolution is philosophy introduced into science.
Philosophy has nothing to do with practical matters such as developing devices or equipment or machinery or information systems or artificial intelligence. Philosophy has to do with the reasons people do what they do and what is the best course of action to take when utilizing scientific creations.
Being of a human creation, philosophy is relative rather than absolute in regard to what is the best means for utilizing a given thing or procedure. This capacity for human reasoning to gauge standards and vary conditions of acceptance under the superlatives of good, better, best, bad, worse, worst, may seem scientific, but because the demarcations stipulated by these terms crossover, when application is made and a manufactured product is designated good, it could still be better, except it is not really the best fit for purpose envisaged. For instance, a seat may be good enough for a child, yet made better to accommodate average size adults but not be the best fit for a person of a huge size.
Initially, only a practical application of scientific principles is realized in constructing seats for aircraft. However, when taken to the next dimension, a philosophy of ethics and policy bears upon the decisions made in respect to accommodating all passengers. In this respect, practical philosophies of ethics and policy remain an important part of ameliorating the human physical condition, while ensuring what is profitable. Roomier first class seats are available for those who want a more comfortable flight.
Theology, on the other hand, considers the reasons for explaining a belief (if not the truth) about God's existence. The difference in theology and philosophy involve the Creator. Theology is the explanation of matters relating to the Creator. Philosophy is merely the thoughts of humans about life’s existence with the express exclusion of the Creator.
Theology is considered moribund in a world where academia is intent on promoting the philosophy of an evolutionary advancement of some life principle, exclusive of original design. Critical to the philosophical position is emphasis on the acceptance of the cosmological belief that life originated from nothing as a mere chance event. For academia, philosophy will always be relevant, even if few seek to understand the subject and its application to society.
Religion, on the other hand, being the quest for the truth, of which theology is how it is explained to non-seekers, will always exist, until the end of this world. Academia has no time for it, but neither have seekers of truth much truck with academics.
For many, the word “academic” is a pejorative term. Among the bulk of the population, who have no appreciation of scholarship or the reasons people attempt to unveil historical truths concerning society at large, academics are seen as irrelevant. For the ruling class they are seen as a buffer between them and the ignorati, who have no idea of the geopolitical and commercial transactions that take place globally.
Religion according to Marx was the opiate of the serfs, and according to Nietzsche, as good as dead. As much as scientism and Marxism are promoted as the answer to humankind’s woes, atheism has not been able to gain its hold over the world, Something is missing within the human psyche, and this has to do with relationship and being connected, but not just to other humans, rather to the One who has the answers that transcend being born to die and suffering in the process.
Established universities that have become bastions of academia and scientism will always preserve departments of philosophy in preference to theology. Because of this, those interested in learning about God have departed and formed their own colleges for purposes of instruction and discussion about Creation, the plan and purpose of the Creator and what is required of those who seek absolute truth.
The Ten Commandments Were Designed For You To Enjoy And Possess Life
Thank you
Clifford Buxton (Former Chief of Employee and Labor Relations at U.S. Air Force 1964–1991)
Well reasoned and nicely explained. Thanks. But
I sense that even most theologians cannot explain where we came from (other
than being created by God), and why we are here and where we go from here
(other than a nice place called heaven) or what we will do there (playing harps
is nonsense for eternity). That is why revelation from God must be a continuing
event if we are to come to and retain truth and find our purpose for eternity.
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