On the Unity of Systematic Philosophy and History of Philosophy

Abstract

A look at the very complete bibliographic Repertorium of the Tijdschrift voor Filosofie and the Revue Philosophique de Louvain suffices to show that more than two-thirds of all recent publications in philosophy are dedicated to historical subjects and less than one-third to systematic ones. There are, however, philosophical authors, handbooks and faculties according to which the history of philosophy has little or nothing to do with the task of an authentic philosopher. In their opinion the past of philosophy was only a preparatory stage overcome by today’s systematic philosophy: the study of that past is not necessary at all for those who want to solve philosophical problems; the best introduction into philosophy would consist in a good presentation of today’s theories and debates.