ON THE POSSIBILITY OF PHILOSOPHY

Abstract

We propose to speak on the possibility of philosophy. The consideration which led us to this choice is that the discussion of this topic can provide us with a proper context – the context of discussing in a connected and meaningful way – the subjects like Saṁśaya, Pramā, and the like.¹ Alternatively described our chosen context is Skepticism. Let us for the present agree to use the expression “knowledge” for pramā and “doubt” for saṁśaya. So it may be found that the themes under reference belong to the domain of epistemology. That epistemology or, as many view it, first philosophy involves essential reference to skepticism can be gathered or verified from the literature of modern or contemporary European philosophy (or epistemology). There, one is likely to find assertions like “theory of knowledge is primarily an exercise in skepticism”.² However, skepticism is not a matter of concern exclusively of the modern and contemporary European philosophers or epistemologists. Besides the form of skepticism which these philosophers discuss is not the only form which skepticism has or takes. The contemporary Euro-American philosophers and epistemologists are primarily concerned with what may be called modern (forms of) skepticism which doubts or denies that we can know the external world or other minds or the (human) past.