Filosofia hoje : porquê e para quê

Abstract

Concerning the polemic on the role of Philosophy today, A. comments on the trans-historic character of philosophical knowledge and the innovative repe¬tition of its theme. What is philosophical in the History of Philosophy is the problem of man, of life and its meaning, of being. In the face of present-day scientific and technical imperialism, philosophical reflexion has gained increasing importance as critical, discerning wisdom, capable of integrating and giving direction to different branches of productive knowledge, in a perspective which valves mankind. A then discusses the present state of 'the teaching of Philosophy, and its progressive devaluation in almost every European country, at both the secondary and university levels. He contrasts this situation with the growing interest in the humanities in hichly industrialized. Countries, concretly in the U.S.A.. In these countries, the mental reductionism provoked by instrumentalization has led to the rediscovery of the importancs of the humanities, in 'that them enable one to develop critical capacity, mental flexibility, and the potential for continuous learning. It is vital for Western Europe that the Question of Philosophy - its relevance and the scope of reaching syllabi - be widely debated. Without it, man runs the risk of abdicating responsability for himself, for his freedom as a human being.