Reality and practicability

pp. 13-37

in: Nathan Rotenstreich, Reflection and action, Berlin, Springer, 1985

Abstract

Reality is a philosophical problem because it is a total sphere. The aspect of totality turns reality into a major subject matter of philosophical reflection; problems like spheres of reality, matter, body, soul, etc. are philosophical problems because they can be conceived as secondary spheres of reality. From the point of view of cognition, or methods serving cognition, there are different channels of exploring and interpreting reality, such as the everyday orientation or scientific disciplines, e.g. physics, chemistry and biology. It can be said that the differentiation within the channels of approaching reality corresponds to different aspects or spheres of reality. In any case, knowing is a philosophical problem, not only because it is a domain in itself but also because it refers to the totality of reality which, in view of its quality as a totality, is a philosophical problem in the first place and bestows that quality on cognition as well.