A journey through the many philosophically oriented Web sites
reveals very quickly that even when philosophy opts out of the
print medium, it carries over many of the limitations of
literacy. The ability to open philosophic discourse, to adopt
non- linearity, and to encourage dialogue free of the pressure of
tradition is often signaled, but rarely accomplished. The medium
is resisted, not enjoyed as an alternative to classic
philosophical discourse. Such observations have prompted the
opinion that scientists are becoming the most appropriate
philosophers of their own contributions.
Who needs philosophy? And what for?
At this point, one question naturally arises: Is philosophy
relevant after all? Moreover, is it even possible without the
participation of natural language, or at least without this
intermediary between philosophers and their public? In blunter
terms, can we live without it? In the context in which
efficiency expectations translate into a practical experience of
an unprecedented degree of specialization, will philosophy turn
into another mediating activity among people? Or will it be, as
it was considered in the culture of a Romantic ideal, humanity's
self-consciousness, as expressed in Hegel's philosophy? If
indeed philosophy is absorbed into science, what can its purpose
be?
As with literacy, the inclination is to suggest that, regardless
of the new condition of language, philosophy remains possible
and is indeed relevant.
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