Dogmatism is a concept of human thinking, which configures him to accept concepts, facts, formulations from the position of dogma, using the evidence of what is being discussed, outdated data, without taking into account the new and changing. The dogmatic concept has no desire to perceive and learn the new, scientifically predetermined, avoids creative development, is the opposite of critical perception, and is generally detached from reality.
The concept of dogmatism originates in Ancient Greece, thanks to the philosophers Zeno and Pyrrho, who considered all philosophy dogmatic.
Basic methods of philosophy
The methods of philosophy can be very diverse, and their classification is determined not only by the historical development of philosophical science, but also by the views of certain representatives of philosophy on the functions and tasks of science. In reality, methods most often mean the means by which philosophy intends to solve the problems assigned to it.
Universal philosophical method
The universal philosophical method is the study of the unity of worldview and methodology, which a particular subject resorts to in various activities.
Identification of facts is associated with the reflection of social reality in human consciousness through the use of objective dialectics.
When considering an event, any subjectivity and bias are excluded due to the fact that the above event is studied at the moment when it becomes and develops.
Dialectical method
The dialectical method in philosophy is a thought process that considers the close relationship of phenomena and events with each other, studying patterns and even opposites.
Hegel paid special attention to the development of such a methodology in his own works. Thanks to dialectics:
- The possibilities for forecasting are expanding;
- The causes and causal relationships of phenomena and events are discovered;
- The internal patterns that are inherent in phenomena and events are revealed.
Scientific method
The scientific method of philosophy is the possibilities associated with obtaining new knowledge, as well as solving important problems within the framework of philosophy.
The philosophical and worldview block of scientific methodology is extremely important for the development of any philosophical direction and the fulfillment of the main tasks of this discipline. Only philosophy, considered as a science, has every chance of further development and direct application in a practical sense.
Hermeneutic method
The hermeneutic method in philosophy is the interpretation or interpretation of texts (as well as certain phenomena and events) through the prism of philosophical analysis.
Thanks to hermeneutics, philosophy can interpret ultimate cultural meanings by observing the surrounding reality through culture. Culture itself can be considered as a collection of major texts.
Dogmatic method
The dogmatic method of philosophy is philosophical and logical means that allow one to make conclusions, ranging from the unobvious to the obvious.
It is based on equality:
- Thought processes and surrounding existence;
- Any phenomenon and its meaning;
- Mental self-sufficiency and independence.
The basis of this method is the belief that absolute knowledge can be achieved. It is interesting that Hegel defined his own philosophizing by dogmatism, since he considered thinking the highest method associated with the knowledge of truth.
Axiomatic method
The axiomatic method in philosophy is a means that helps build philosophical theories through deduction.
This technique involves the selection of a theory that is accepted without an evidence base (in fact, such theories are called axioms) and the subsequent fixation of standards for the definition and conclusion of this theory, due to which a new terminology appears.
This terminology is used to derive all subsequent propositions from the presented theory. One of the first thinkers to use this technique were the ancient Greeks (the same Plato or Aristotle).
Pragmatic method
The pragmatic method of philosophy is a means that helps synthesize knowledge along with transformations. The difference between opposites must be practical and proven.
Philosophical conclusions must be tested through methods of extrapolation to humans.
The studies implied by this method are structuralism, systems approach, functional analysis and so on.
Formal-logical method
The formal-logical method of philosophy is a means that helps to build logical conclusions and substantiate various judgments when conducting any research.
Such conclusions could be:
- Inductive;
- Deductive;
- Traductive.
Hegel generally called the formal logical method the means of reason, contrasting it with dialectical methods, that is, the points of view of reason.
Metaphysical method
The metaphysical method of philosophy is a means of studying a variety of natural, social and conscious phenomena as unchanging and unrelated.
This technique is contrasted with dialectics. However, even dialectical methods begin with a statement of some phenomenon and its isolation from the main mass, which in itself presupposes a metaphysical approach. Only after this is it possible to further explore connections and search for patterns.
Critical method
The critical method of philosophy is a means that helps to analyze the positive and negative aspects of the object under study in relation to the goals set.
At the same time, one should not think that criticism involves identifying only negative aspects.
Deduction method
The method of deduction in philosophy is a means for obtaining partial results based on knowledge of certain general provisions.
Thus, thought processes move from general concepts to particular and individual definitions.
Deduction contributes to the emergence of new theoretical systems for subsequent empirical research. Together with philosophy, the technique is actively used in mathematics. Philosophy speaks of the relationship between this method and induction (although attempts have been made repeatedly to contrast these methods).
Materialistic method
The materialist method of philosophy is certain concepts that consider matter to be the primary philosophical question that requires research and solution.
Being is practically identical to matter, since matter is the immediate reality of being.
The surrounding world is represented by forms and various states of matter, which in itself is objective and not determined by human consciousness.
Simulation method
The modeling method in philosophy is the construction of a model that will display one or another facet of the phenomenon being studied for a more complete and in-depth study of it.
It is considered one of the main cognitive techniques.
The model itself turns out to be much simpler than the real phenomenon, and this allows us to study its main characteristics and specifics. In particular, through modeling the following can be achieved:
- Understanding how this or that system under study is structured, what are the characteristics of its development and relationships with the surrounding being.
- Management of the system under study, since along with understanding the specifics, methods of managing it are studied, while certain goals and criteria are set.
- Forecasting possible consequences after certain methods of influence are implemented.
Method of empirical knowledge
The method of empirical knowledge in philosophy is certain means and norms for mastering the surrounding reality through observation, measurement, description and experiment.
For example, the same observation is considered a purposeful perception of the external characteristics of certain objects or phenomena being studied.
Measurement is the same observation, in which special instruments are already used that allow a deeper analysis of the processes being studied, as well as phenomena. The ratio of the unit of the object being studied to any other quantity is determined.
Dogmatism in science
Dogmatism in science is seen as a necessity, when certain conclusions and views should not be subject to criticism and doubt. The epistemological point of view defines dogmatism as an unconscious ignorance of changes and dynamics of development, an exaggerated perception of the true assertion, and avoidance of logical explanation and verification.
Psychology views dogmatism as the tendency of the brain to remain inert - it will quickly perceive an idea rather than seek to explain it. This leads to stereotypical thinking and conservatism, when it is better to preserve the past (understandable and predictable) rather than lean towards the unknown and creative present and future.
Sociology views dogmatism as the desire to maintain the current state of affairs, to preserve an individual or group status that has already been acquired. Dogmatism is opposed to thinking in which facts and conclusions are drawn on the specificity of truth, conditions of formation, goals, place and time of applicability, its functioning within a certain framework.
Dogmatism is inherent in the conservative mind, which is more inclined to believe in the stability of moral and universal ideas. He doesn't question them. Here a perversion of morality occurs when, for example, good becomes evil if a good deed led to a crime and was not punished. Any changes and alterations, conditions and circumstances are completely excluded here. This type of thinking is ideal in circles where blind faith is required, such as religion.
Various crises that occur in the life of any person are based on dogmatic thinking. A person is faced with situations or circumstances that do not fit into the norms and rules he has accepted. Psychologists note that the cause of dogmatic thinking is opportunism and unprofessionalism.
Dogmatism forms a certain quality of character in a person (conservatism), in which he becomes prone to assertion without discussion, using the concepts given once and for all, and ignoring all changing circumstances and living conditions.
A person is forced to accept any information as true, without subjecting it to analysis, without considering it in various circumstances. This is a belief that has been implanted in the head and which the person may not have tested in any way. Examples of dogmas include:
- "Money gives power."
- “There are no decent men.”
- “All women are fools.”
- “Fate is predetermined”, etc.
Dogmatism is based on ignorance and ignorance. In order to somehow survive in the world, a person is ready to accept any idea as truth, and then build on it when making decisions and taking actions.
Dogmatism presupposes fear and avoidance of independent thinking, accepted traditions and authorities. Examples of such thinking can be found everywhere, for example, in the expression “A mother always wants the best for her child.” This does not take into account various circumstances and situations where mothers simply physically and mentally destroyed their own children and made them sick.
Dogmatism thrives where people need to be given some knowledge that they will accept as true. A person does not know something, so he is ready to receive information. He has neither the time, nor the desire, nor the ability to check it. He does not subject the information to criticism and doubt, and does not check its truth. He simply believes in it, makes it his conviction. As a result, a person begins to think and act, to live on the basis of this dogma.
Nominal methods of philosophy
Bacon's philosophical methods
Francis Bacon is a famous English thinker , politician and pioneer of empiricism. When Francis was 23 years old, he was elected to parliament. At 56, he became Lord Seal and was later given the position of Lord Chancellor. In addition, Bacon held the titles of Baron of Verulam and even Viscount of St. Albans.
In old age, he was convicted of bribery and removed from office, and although the king subsequently pardoned Bacon, he never returned to public service. The last years of his life were devoted to scientific work.
According to Bacon, scientific methods must meet the real goals of philosophy related to ensuring human well-being, as well as dignity. Practical power is impossible without the possession of truth. That is, it was knowledge that Francis Bacon considered the only real and effective force.
One of the methods he used was experimental-inductive. It consisted of the formation of new definitions through the interpretation of phenomena after their observation and subsequent analysis. Only this method can contribute to the discovery of new truths.
Bacon's deduction was not denied, but had to be used together with inductive methods, which in turn could be:
- Full;
- Incomplete.
Full inductive methods are associated with the ideal of knowledge, that is, the regular repetition of one or another property of a phenomenon. However, they are used quite rarely, since there is almost nothing permanent in the world around us.
Incomplete inductive methods involve drawing conclusions based on a partial analysis of empirical materials. This does not exclude the possibility of the nature of the conclusions drawn.
Philosophical Methods of Socrates
Socrates is considered the first Athenian thinker, whose father was an ordinary artisan, and whose mother was a midwife. In his youth, Socrates participated in the Athenian wars with Sparta, participated as a chairman in the post-war court, where he firmly stood on not rushing to execute all the Spartan strategists (however, they did not listen to him).
It is believed that Socrates was not the best family man, as he did not show any concern for his wife and three sons. He devoted most of his time to various disputes and conducting philosophical conversations, since he had a large number of students (although he did not take money).
At the age of seventy he was accused of atheism, refused to escape from prison (although such an opportunity was provided) and drank plant poison to commit suicide.
As for the philosophical method of Socrates, he himself called it maieutics. This technique consisted of extracting hidden knowledge through the right leading questions. Special importance was attached to the meaning of virtue. Moral people must have virtue, and morality coincides with knowledge.
In essence, such a technique can safely be considered the beginning of idealistic dialectics, since the truth was discovered through the fact that contradictions were revealed and subsequently overcome. Socrates' "irony" was to lead the interlocutor to contradict himself, from which his admission of ignorance followed.
Kant's philosophical methods
Immanuel Kant is a great German thinker and the founder of the classical philosophical teachings of the German school , which operated at the junction of the Enlightenment and Romantic eras. He was born into a rather poor family, and his father was an ordinary artisan. From his youth, Immanuel showed particular talent, managed to successfully graduate from prestigious educational institutions and worked as a home teacher for a long time.
At the age of 30, he managed to develop a cosmogonic hypothesis suggesting the origin of our galaxy from a nebula. This hypothesis is still relevant today. At the same time, Kant received his doctorate and taught at the university for 40 years. At the age of 46, he began writing his famous “critical” works and paid a lot of attention to political philosophy.
Kant's philosophical methodology is associated with transcendental thinking, and the purpose of such a methodology is to determine the conditions of knowledge. Such conditions turn out to be related to the conditions of judgment.
Consciousness itself plays an objective role and is necessary. Moreover, these judgments should not be analytical, but synthetic, that is, those that go beyond the boundaries of concepts and connect concepts with moments that go beyond its boundaries. Moreover, such judgments are based not only on experience, but also on the results of intuition.
Methods of study and research in philosophy
If we talk about methods of study and research in philosophy, the most common of them are the following methods:
- Dialectical;
- Metaphysical.
Often these methods are associated with different philosophical teachings. For example, dialectics in the teachings of Marx was combined with materialism, and in the teachings of Hegel the same dialectics is associated with idealism.
About dialectics
Dialectics is based on several principles when studying certain phenomena. For example, the objects under study can be considered with the unity of opposites, the development of quantitative changes into qualitative ones, and the negation of negative concepts.
The description and explanation of phenomena should be based on such philosophical categories as general and individual, phenomenon and essence, reality and possibility, and so on.
The object of research must be perceived as an objective reality. Any phenomenon being studied must be considered comprehensively and with all relationships. In this case, phenomena must be considered taking into account the fact that they are continuously changing. All knowledge that has been acquired must be tested through practical experience.
General logical methods
If we talk about general logical methods, they are represented by analysis, synthesis, induction, deduction, and analogy.
For example, analysis is the division of the object under study into different parts for a careful study of each of them. The types of analysis are:
- Classification techniques;
- Periodization.
Synthesis, on the contrary, is a combination of independent parts.
Induction is considered a mental movement from individual cases to certain general propositions.
Deduction, on the contrary, consists in deducing the particular from the general provisions.
Analogy lies in obtaining knowledge about the phenomena being studied on the basis of their similarity with some other phenomena, that is, conclusions are based on similar features.
If we talk about methods at the theoretical level , then here we distinguish axiomatic and hypothetical methods, abstraction, system analysis, and so on.
Dogmatist as a negative character
In everyday communication, a negative perception of this concept prevails. So, if we look for synonyms for the word “dogmatist,” then they will be “obscurantist” and “doctrinaire.” As we see, they do not bring anything positive. An obscurantist is defined as a principled opponent of all development and progress, and a doctrinaire is a fanatical executor of a certain scheme, absolutely indifferent to people.
Accordingly, for most people, a dogmatist is a person whose worldview is based on adherence to dogmas (theoretical provisions accepted as absolute and not subject to refutation).
An orthodox dogmatist bases his judgments on one-sidedly stated, schematic, limited provisions that do not allow the existence of others. His judgments (doctrines) operate with concepts of a permanent nature, ignoring the emergence of new data.
Methods by time periods
Naturally, philosophical methods differ depending on the historical era in which they were used. In particular, special attention should be paid to the methods used in the teachings of medieval philosophy, as well as the philosophical methods of modern times.
Methods of medieval philosophy
If we talk about the methods of medieval philosophy, they were directly related to the Christian religion. First of all, Christian preachers needed to substantiate their own positions. Therefore, Christianity was the main reference point for philosophical thought of that time.
The close connections of medieval philosophical movements with monotheistic religious views were considered one of the most significant differences between medieval philosophy and the teachings of other eras.
We can distinguish the following periods through which medieval philosophy passed in its development:
- Patristics;
- Scholasticism.
In particular, patristics presupposes a system of theological views held by the founders of the church and those who developed Christian ideas. Scholasticism is a medieval school of thought that was associated with the Western educational system. The basis of scholastic teachings was patristic literature.
Representatives of Western patristics compiled their works in Latin, and representatives of Eastern patristics - in Greek. The most famous representatives are considered to be John Chrysostom, Clement of Alexandria, and so on.
Method in modern philosophy
If we talk about the methods of modern philosophy, they are associated with the transition of the economy from feudal to capitalist relations. One of the founders of such methods was the thinker Francis Bacon, who proclaimed that knowledge is real power.
The direction of the methods used is associated with identifying the causes of all phenomena that can occur in the surrounding world through scientific methods (natural sciences received particular development at this time).
Science was considered the main force capable of conquering nature and dominating its laws. In particular, Bacon emphasized the existence of two main scientific methods:
- Dogmatic;
- Empirical.
Thinkers who adhere to dogmatic methods begin their work with some general provisions and strive to subsume all other phenomena under this provision. Scientists, relying on empirical methods, are engaged in the maximum accumulation of various facts.
According to Bacon, methods of knowledge should begin with the study of individual positions and facts and approach general results. Actually, this is an inductive method, which can be:
- Full;
- Incomplete.
Complete induction involves the study of phenomena of one class, and incomplete induction is associated with the study of even those facts that are not within the scope of the phenomenon and may even deny it.
About religious dogmas
Christianity is based on dogmas and restrictions. And that’s why it’s valuable. After all, this is the only formal system of views in society, according to which human life is really the highest value. (Secular legislation in this regard is extremely contradictory and is more declarative than sincere.)
Restrictions in the field of Christian morality are the commandments, in the field of discipline - canons. Moreover, Orthodox Christianity is the most dogmatic faith. After all, if in other faiths a dogmatist is someone who adheres to the dogmas of orthopraxy (correctness of actions), then in Orthodoxy for such a person the principle of orthodoxy (correctness of judgments), i.e., mandatory judgments about God, is additionally relevant. This state of affairs is caused by the fact that Orthodoxy is a religion of love and revelation, and these categories require protection from human passions.
Church dogmas have a high purpose. Figuratively speaking, these are soul-preserving walls - not prison walls, but fortress walls.
Problems of method in philosophy
The methods of philosophy must arise directly in human practical activity as its generalized techniques.
The subject of philosophical research is the organization of universal types of thinking and cognition. All methods provide the opportunity to understand individual aspects of a phenomenon, which implies the interaction of various methods with each other. At the same time, each method has certain boundaries of knowledge.
Philosophical methods should be used to solve various problems, especially since they are universal. Among the general principles of thinking in this area, the following methods should be noted:
- Inductive;
- Deductive;
- Analytical;
- Synthetic;
- Analogous;
- Comparative;
- Experimental;
- Observational and so on.
The correct choice and proof of certain methods is carefully considered by methodology, which is a system of basic principles and organizational techniques.
In philosophy, the theoretical field is the method used by scientific knowledge. Compared to some other sciences, dialectics is developed here, that is, a special knowledge that examines natural connections and existential development. The education of creative thinking, by the way, is impossible without the use of such techniques.
Dialectics is also accepted as the art of conversation and reasoning, a technique associated with understanding the surrounding reality and studying world patterns. This philosophical view has been developing for quite a long time, starting from the era of ancient Chinese and ancient thinkers. If we take into account the process of its historical development, we can note:
- The spontaneous dialectic that ancient philosophers adhered to.
- The idealistic dialectic adhered to by German classical thinkers.
- Materialist dialectics, which is considered by many modern thinkers.
Philosophy of the Soviet period
The philosophy of the Soviet period can be divided into several stages. First stage (1922-1930). This is a period when the ideological grip was already present, but had not yet contracted, and there was still room for discussion and debate within the framework of materialist ideas.
Second stage (1930-1953). From that moment on, Stalin established himself as an authority in Soviet philosophy for many years. In 1938, he published his “Short Course on the History of the All-Union Communist Party (Bolsheviks)”, containing a philosophical part, which becomes the indisputable canon for everyone involved in philosophy. Every year the dogmatization of philosophical knowledge grew and suppressed any living movement of thought.
The third stage (1953 - late 1980s). Since 1956, philosophy began to be taught as an independent subject not only in humanities schools and universities. In 1958, another journal of philosophical research was founded, then destroyed by the commercialization of intellectual life in the early 1990s, and now reborn, although on a much smaller scale. Beginning in the late 1950s, Soviet philosophers began to participate in international philosophical congresses.
Philosophers have discovered that along with Marxism-Leninism in its Stalinist manifestation there is Marx himself, who can be read. Since the early 1960s, books devoted to an emancipatory reading of the classics have been published one after another. These were the works of M.M. Rosenthal, E.V. Ilyenkov, L.A. Mankovsky, B.M. Kedrov, N.I. Lapin, V.V. Keshelava, V.A. Vazulin. The authors consider the problem of the relationship between the ideas of early and late Marx, analyze the internal logic and dialectics of Capital, and explore the humanistic aspects of the Economic and Philosophical Manuscripts of 1844.
A new free reading of the classics gives impetus to the development of dialectical logic. All over the country, groups of “dialecticians” are emerging, united by the opinion that dialectical logic is the heart of Marxism and that there are no national differences here: We find dialectical schools in Moscow (E.V. Ilyenkov, G.S. Batishchev, V.S. Bibler) , in Kazakhstan (Zh.M. Abdildin), in Azerbaijan (Z.M. Orujev), in Rostov-on-Don (A.M. Minasyan), in Ukraine (V.A. Bosenko). Since the beginning of the 70s, a number of studies have appeared on dialectics and its role in social life; these are multi-volume publications in which dialectics is analyzed as an objective process and method of cognition.
Conclusion about methods in philosophy
The choice of one or another method of philosophy is based on many factors. For example, the phenomenon or subject that is being studied is important. In addition, the choice may depend on the value system that you profess and the categories with which you operate.
The way of thinking that is closest to any of the philosophical teachings, accordingly, will be based on the methods used by representatives of this type of teaching.
It is also necessary to take into account that some methods are considered theoretically outdated for modern philosophy (for example, dogmatic)
What is dogmatism?
What is dogmatism? This concept implies a way of thinking in which a fact, belief, formulation is perceived as obvious and is not subject to doubt. A person operates with outdated data, ignoring everything new and changing. He does not criticize what he learns and blindly believes in certain dogmas. The dogmatic concept excludes the connection of human thinking with reality, avoids everything creative, ignores anything new and critical thinking. A person must accept the dogma as it appears and believe in it.
The concept of dogmatism originates in Ancient Greece, where the philosophers Pyrrho and Zeno perceived any philosophy as dogmatic. Today, this concept implies the uncritical perception of certain dogmas as true. Initially, dogmatism was used only in religion, where a person must believe in all religious teachings about God, his unity, infallibility and omnipotence.
Dogmatism flourished exclusively in religion, where every believer must believe the scriptures, interpret ideas unambiguously, without questioning them. Any dissent was considered heresy.
According to dictionaries, dogmatism is a method of thinking in which certain provisions are transformed into ossified conclusions that do not take into account changes in living conditions and are not subject to criticism and study by science. Dogma is perceived as an absolute. Its opposite is dialectics, which perceives all the diversity of circumstances and living conditions, the variability of nature, transformations and other changes.
Where blind faith becomes important, dogmatism flourishes. This direction is important in religion and politics. People must be blind in their beliefs to support those at the forefront of the movement. Otherwise, the movement will disintegrate, people will disperse and will not be able to reinforce the dogmas of those who want to control the crowd.
