Practical philosophy
The modern division of philosophy into theoretical philosophy and practical philosophy[1][2] has its origin in Aristotle's categories of natural philosophy and moral philosophy.[3] The one has theory for its object, and the other practice.[1]
Overview
In Sweden[4] and Finland courses in theoretical and practical philosophy are taught separately, and are separate degrees. Other countries may use a similar scheme—some Scottish universities, for example, divide philosophy into logic, metaphysics, and ethics—but in most universities around the world philosophy is taught as a single subject. There is also a unified philosophy subject in some Swedish universities, such as Södertörns Högskola.
Subjects of practical philosophy
Examples of practical philosophy subjects are:
Philosophical counseling
Practical philosophy is also the use of philosophy and philosophical techniques in everyday life. This can take a number of forms including reflective practice, personal philosophical thinking, and philosophical counseling.
Examples of philosophical counseling subjects include:
- Philosophical counseling
- Philosophy of education
- Philosophy of law
- Philosophy of religion
- Philosophy of history
- Philosophy of social science
- Value theory
- Reflective practice
References
- Immanuel Kant, Lectures on Ethics, Cambridge University Press, 2001, p. 41 ("On Universal Practical Philosophy"). Original text: Immanuel Kant, Kant’s Gesammelte Schriften, Band XXVII – Moralphilosophie, 1. Hälfte, 1974, p. 243.
- Albert Schwegler, A History of Philosophy in Epitome, D. Appleton, 1877, p. 312.
- Aristotle, Metaphysics, Book 1.
- Department of Philosophy, Stockholm University