Philosophical knowledge: characteristics, examples and functions.

This branch of philosophy aims to propose new ideas and concepts.

Philosophical knowledge can be considered a branch of philosophy; it is the result or the product of philosophical reflections.. It is based on the logic and criticism that characterize philosophical thought.

In other words, it is the science that studies "knowledge itself". In this article we will know what it consists of, its functions, characteristics, types, elements that form it and some examples of it.

• We recommend reading: "The 8 branches of Philosophy (and its main thinkers)".

Philosophical knowledge: what does it consist of?

Philosophical knowledge is that which is born from observing, reading, studying, investigating and analyzing different phenomena of the environment, as well as other types of knowledge.as well as other types of knowledge. It is a branch of philosophy based on studying the most salient issues of philosophy.

This type of knowledge also originates thanks to our capacity for reflection, which allows us to reflect on reality and on previous reflections of other people. In other words, it is not strictly based on science or experience (although there are some types that are, as we will see later), but on our own capacity for reflection.

When its methodology is strictly reflective, we speak of epistemology; that is, in reality epistemology is a type of philosophical knowledge, but there are more.

Thus, epistemology is considered "the science that studies knowledge itself". But How does philosophical knowledge study reality? Through three main ways: observation, reflection and critical capacity.

Functions

The aim of philosophical knowledge is the creation of new ideas and concepts that, in turn, allow the development of new knowledge.. In addition, it also allows us to understand how certain ideas and reflections have appeared, that is, where they have arisen from and why.

This understanding that allows philosophical knowledge helps us to determine errors, contradictions, repetitions, etc., of philosophical knowledge (or discourse). That is to say, as we were saying, it is a matter of studying knowledge itself, its bases and structure. Moreover, philosophical knowledge has another function: to get to know reality as truly as possible, and also to understand it.

Another of its primary objectives is to analyze the way people reason, think and answer the classic questions of philosophy. On the other hand, it attempts to define what method(s) science should use, what contents it should cover and the language it should use.

Characteristics

Let's get to know the 6 main characteristics of philosophical knowledge below.

1. Systematic

The first characteristic we propose is its degree of systematicity.This means that philosophical knowledge is highly systematic, i.e. it is ordered according to a series of parameters.

2. Analytical

Another second characteristic is its degree of analysis. Philosophical knowledge aims to analyze and understand reality, one's own knowledge, in an analytical and detailed way. Thus, it focuses on some particular categories, concepts, themes and theories. It aims to cover a particular topic (or concept, category, etc.) in order to analyze it in detail.

3. Rational

It is a rational knowledge, which is studied mainly through logic and reason.. This means that it is detached from any emotion. Reason is the basic tool of philosophers and thinkers, which allows us to access and understand knowledge.

4. Historical

This type of knowledge is linked to a specific historical context, that is, to a period of history, which may or may not be current.which may or may not be current. This context includes specific historical facts, and in turn, it is a social and political context. In other words, it is not "timeless" knowledge.

5. Global

On the other hand, this knowledge can encompass any possible reality, i.e., different sciences, fields of knowledge, and so on.In other words, it can be applied in its totality (although it sometimes focuses on certain categories or concepts, as we explained in point 2).

6. Critic

As we have already mentioned, one of the ways of studying philosophical knowledge is the critical sense, which is widely used in philosophy.. Criticism is used to answer questions, to ask doubts, to unravel mysteries, etc. This tool allows us to identify possible contradictions within the philosophical discourse, as well as to think with a greater degree of objectivity.

Types

There are 5 main types of philosophical knowledge, according to their objectives, characteristics, methodologies, etc.characteristics, methodologies, etc. These are the following.

1. Empirical philosophical knowledge

This type of knowledge provides information and data through experience and what we are living. It is based on empirically verifying facts, hypotheses or theories. Examples are: learning a language or learning to read and write.

2. Scientific philosophical knowledge

This, unlike the empirical method, is based on observation, experimentation and analysis of phenomena. That is to say, it is based on the scientific method, based on rigorous methods. Some examples are: the theory of gravity, Darwin's theory of evolution...

3. Theological philosophical knowledge

It focuses on the study of religions, faith and spirituality. In addition, it explains why we can feel or accept phenomena that we cannot verify; thus, it corresponds to a more spiritual version of knowledge. Some examples of it are: the miracles of Jesus, the 10 commandments, the fact that God exists, etc. (i.e., it gathers beliefs, theories, etc.).

4. Pure philosophical knowledge (epistemology)

The so-called epistemology, which we mentioned at the beginning of the article, consists of studying one's own knowledge. Specifically, it analyzes one's own thinking and how ideas arise. Sometimes it is also called "philosophical self-knowledge".

This type of knowledge has some relation to wisdom, and to the need for answers. It is related to the classical questions of philosophy, such as "what are we?", "what is the meaning of life?", etc.

5. Intuitive philosophical knowledge

This is the more "day to day" knowledge, which is obtained through the things that happen to us in everyday life. For example, it would be being able to identify the emotions of others, interpret a gesture or a look, understand certain social situations, etc.

Elements

Philosophical knowledge is made up of 4 elements or components. We are going to know them below.

1. Subject

This is the person who reflects or thinks about some question, that is, "the thinker himself or herself".

2. Object

Consists of the object, i.e. the knowledge itself, the ideas, thoughts, etc. "That which is thought and analyzed".

3. Cognitive operation

It encompasses the mental processes responsible for analyzing and reflecting on something.

4. Thought

It is the final product of a reflection, of a thought process. It can be, for example, an idea, a sentence or a philosophical discourse.

Bibliographical references:

• Bachelard, Gaston. (2006). Epistemología, Ed. Anagrama.
• Beyer, C., & Burri, A. (2007). Philosophical Knowledge: Its Possibility and Scope. New York: Rodopi.
• Castells, M. & Ipola, E. (1942). Metodología y epistemología de las ciencias sociales, Ayuso Ed.