Philosophy: Perspicuity or Theology?

Philosophy is a kind of pagan sport. It tends to go outside the limits of considered contexts to ask questions which are not ordinarily asked within certain - if not all - religious communities, in our case, a Christian community. In this sense, it may well challenge one's basic beliefs and assumptions about the world and one's worldview - this, of course, includes religion. However, and many philosophers will degree with this next statement, philosophy will not give you truth about life. That is something left to faith, theology, religion, spirituality, etc. What philosophy can do is make that which one considers clear; it clarifies meaning within contexts. And while this project may seem simple, it is easier said that done. This is not to say that the history of philosophy has not been constituted by a journey for the search for truth, which has led humanity to many side passages and back alleys which at times confused what truth was. But the kind of journey for truth is what needs to be questioned here. That is, the term 'search for truth' is multifaceted though at first it may seem not to be. What philosophy looks at with regards to truth is not so much what is true, but what counts for truth within certain contexts. What I mean generally by context is bound up with a group, community, culture, and so forth and what those within think is true. And what they think is true may be conflicting within their own community. This is where philosophizing becomes not just grueling, but difficult conceptually, in other words, confusing.

I say this last part about the kind of inquiry of philosophy with tongue and cheek. Previous to the 20th century and I'd say the latter part of the 19th century, much of the search for truth was about finding 'the' truth. A recognition arose that made it, in my opinion, impossible to hold a 'one truth' kind of orientiation for those searching for this truth. There comes recognition that difference does not necessarily mean worse - it just means different. So the question then is how do we adjudicate which truth is 'the' truth. But if this question is asked, then what has changed? What is more important to know in order to be clear is what is the criteria that one holds as important. This will show what truth is for a particular group, community, culture, etc. Still, this is not to say that there are not those who cannot let go of the notion that there must be an all enompassing truth. But for those, I think philosophy has come to an end. There is a time to become clear of what one is talking about or considering, and a time to make up one's mind about what to believe. When this happens, one crosses over to a different realm which may be closer to a religious point of view.