POLYSOPHY

To all appearances the world consists of gross matter, subtle energy, and throbbing life-forms. Physics studies matter and energy in systematic ways. Biology investigates life0forms. But lived life is more than a form: It is a series of fleeting experiences, good, bad, and neutral. Thus, for humans these include joy and sorrow, hope and despondency. Beyond sensory titillations we have a mind that is capable of extraordinary feats.

One of these is reflection on what is experienced. Philosophy is serious reflection on any aspect of human life. In simple terms, then, the moment we go beyond just reacting to sensory inputs and begin to comment on any experience, we are philosophizing. One is philosophizing even when one makes fun of philosophy with answers like: What is matter? No matter. What is mind? Never mind. Pascal put it this way: Se moquer de la philosophie, c’est vraiment philosopher: Ridiculing philosophy is really philosophizing.

No thinking person can escape from philosophizing now and then. So we are all philosophers of sorts

Reflection on any aspect of human thought and experience is sublimated to serious philosophy when it ascends to higher regions of thought. A sandwich at a burger-joint is food as much as a gourmet banquet, but there is a difference. You may tell a despondent friend, “Come on, don’t say life is worthless!” But the poet says, “Tell me not in mournful numbers life is but an empty dream!” So it is between the simple exclamation, “We can’t be sure of anything!” and a treatise on Agnosticism.

Or again, one can argue about what constitutes beauty or ugliness. That would be part of aesthetics, another branch of philosophy.

Consider human knowledge. How can one be sure that this knowledge is reliable? The careful exploration into its source and validity as of beliefs is a branch of philosophy known to as epistemology.

Then there is the God of religions who is worshiped, prayed to, and extolled in hymns. One may reflect on the nature of Gods, on Divine attributes, and on the validity of God-belief. These reflections constitute theology.

Or again, consider society and government, human welfare and law. All these are part of politics on which topic also one may philosophize.

Finally, from the moment we wake up in the morning till we doze off – whether for a siesta, at a lecture, while reading an essay, or at night – everything seems as real as the bills in the mail. But then, during sleeping hours we experience totally different things which seem no less real at that time. So the question is, what is really real?The systematic probe into the nature of reality is called metaphysics.

Systematic reflections on different domains of thought and experience by countless thinkers over the ages make up the specialized discipline of technical philosophy.

As there are many human minds, there are also many philosophies. Like fruits and flowers, philosophies come in a variety of forms and colors. Like poems and music, they come in many meters and melodies. I refer to this range and variety of philosophical positions polysophy: Views and visions in multiple splendors. (P)

Polysophy has enriched individuals by provoking them to think. Philosophers have affected societies by stirring people to act or abstain, they have shaped our picture of the world, and influenced the course of history. In their impact on the human mind they are somewhat like religions, but less overtly so. If we probe into the roots of our opinions and convictions we will discover that philosophers, unbeknownst to us, have played a role in constructing and shaping them.

his book is a treasure trove of ideas for anyone who wants to expand their understanding of the world in which they live. It talks about the type of terminology used by philosophers as they discuss major issues concerning the nature and origins of various features of our planetary home. The discussions of the philosophic terms are done in a manner that does not look like philosophy is being discussed. The philosophical terminology is translated into very easy to understand descriptions and explanations. So it is perfect for someone who wants a mild and enjoyable introduction to philosophic thinking.

It provides images of life in this world that could serve as “grounding” for philosophical terms and ideas of the type that one might encounter in an introduction to philosophy course. And it does that while being a delightful read.

Professor Eugene Troxell

University of San Diego

POLYSOPHY covers the human search for meaning with subtle intelligence, rare balance and wide information.

Dr. Peter Lourdes – Australia