Functions of Philosophy Essay

The functions of school of thought are the uses of the subject to us as individuals and as members of a society. Some contemporary thinkers called the Analytic philosophers see philosophy as a ingest that essentially simplifies and analyses issues and statements pertaining to early(a)wise subjects in order to enable us understand them better. The functions of philosophy are explained as follows 1. Analytical Function This has to do with the analysis and clarification of ideas, issues, and statements to enable us understand the subject matters of other disciplines.This analytical function is considered to be the primary function of philosophy. 2. Speculative and Normative Function The mind is a very essential instrument for doing philosophy. The mind is one gift to man which enables him to think about himself, the heap around him and the world in general. With it he can speculate about things he is not sure of he can imagine things that are possible and even those that are not p ossible. It is to be observe however, that, when we think about things or speculate on issues it is done within the context of our affable and heathenish environment.3. Inspirational Function The educational process is constantly moved by philosophers. Such works as Platos Republic and others like it have become the reference book for many educators because they obtain a lot of insight from these books to guide their activities. For one thing, every society has its rarified and thus, strives to attain it. Platos ideal in the Republic is one in which education serves as an important criterion for assigning social positions and responsibilities.It is therefore, believed that, people should be educated in order to enable them achieve self-fulfillment. Even though Platos society does not pretend to strive for equality of all people, it is still a model to inspire the Kenyan educator in his effort to bring about a measure of equality in society. 4. Prescriptive Function Every nation has its problems which call for solution. It is continueed that every one would contribute to the outflank of his ability.Although philosophy has a lot to contribute, philosophers are sometimes excluded from the decision making process. This appears to have made the pip worse. For example, before adopting a new educational or social policy in the clownish, one would expect that philosophers would be included in the planning. Such contributions would benefit all concerned. Some educational philosophers in the country hold the view that the poverty of Kenyas philosophical base is responsible for our technological under-development.They also break up the countrys social political instability on the weakness of its philosophical foundation. Philosophical ethical drug is therefore, made to help to overcome these difficulties. Indeed every society expects some guidance from its philosophers, especially in education. It is on this score that philosophy is made compulsory in all Teac her Education and jurisprudence Program. 5. Coordinating Function Since it is well known that all other disciplines are generated from philosophy, philosophy cannot be seen as competing with its offspring.In view of the fact that these disciplines have established their knowledge base solidly, philosophy has mapped out for itself other responsibilities. The fact that there exist at present such area as philosophy of science, philosophy of social science, philosophy of law and philosophy of education among others, shows the contribution that philosophy still makes to learning. Consequently, the coordinating fibre of philosophy in articulating the knowledge base of these disciplines should not leave anyone in doubt about the normative function of philosophy.