practical significance of their doctrine·[1] still less can we define the subject-matter and form of philosophy considered as a special science, in a way that shall hold good for all cases. For even aside from the primitive or the revived standpoint for which philosophy is a universal science,[2] the attempts to limit it are extremely various. The problems of natural science form at first almost the sole objects of interest for philosophy, then for a long period are included in its scope, and do not separate from it until modern times. History, on the other hand, has remained an object of indifference to most philosophical systems, and has emerged as an object of philosophical investigation relatively late and in isolated cases. Metaphysical doctrines, again, in which the centre of philosophy is usually sought, we see either pushed one side at important turning-points in history or declared to be entirely impossible[3]; and if at times the ability of philosophy to determine the life of the individual or of society is emphasised, a proud standpoint of pure theory has renounced such a menial occupation [4]
From still another side it has been claimed that philosophy treats the same subjects as the other sciences, but in another sense and by another method; but neither has this specific characteristic of form historical universality. That there is no such acknowledged historical method would of course be no objection if only the endeavour after such a method were a constant characteristic of all philosophies. This is, however, so far from being the case that in fact many philosophers imprint on their science the method of other disciplines, e.g. of mathematics or of investigation of nature,[5] while others will have nothing at all to do with a methodical treatment of their problems, and regard the philosophic activity as analogous to the creations of genius in art.
3. From these circumstances is explained also the fact that there is no fixed relation of philosophy to the other sciences, which is capable of a definition valid for all history. Where philosophy presents itself as the universal science, the other sciences appear only as its more or less distinctly separated parts.[6] Where, on the contrary, philosophy is assigned the task of grasping the results of the par-
- ↑ So in the case of the majority of the philosophers of later antiquity
- ↑ As for Chr. Wolf; cf his Logica, §§ 29 ff.
- ↑ This is especially the case where philosophy is regarded solely as "science of cognition" Cf, e g, W. Hamilton in his notes to Reid's works, II 808. Among the French at the close of the eighteenth and the beginning of this century, philosophy = analyse de l'entendement humain.
- ↑ E.g with Plotinus.
- ↑ So Descartes and Bacon.
- ↑ So, for example, in the Hegelian system.
