Ideology and Philosophy

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            People consider the terms ideology and philosophy similar and use them interchangeably.  Taking one for the other and putting them in one category, people generally define both terms as world views, emotionally detached speculations of the world. However, closer inspection would reveal that there is a difference between the two terms that should not be taken for granted.

According to the Tim Ruggiero of Philosophical Society, the word philosophy is derived from the Greek term philosophia and is translated as “love of wisdom.” The Merriam-Webster Online Dictionary further defines philosophy as the search for wisdom and examination of reality. Philosophy is concerned with seeking the truth and understanding the human beings. Philosophy focuses on the mind and people’s way of thinking. However, learning how societies work may eventually lead philosophers to speak about what should be made better or what should be done instead. It is only logical that the knowledge gained from philosophical speculations be shared with others, especially when it would benefit them greatly. Immanuel Kant’s Categorical Imperative is one product of philosophy that ought to be spread to others as it speaks about respect, kindness, and treating others the way one wants to be treated (Jones, “Moral Philosophy,” par. 11).

On the other hand, ideology is described by Merriam-Webster Online Dictionary as integrated concepts and assertion about human life that constitutes a sociopolitical program. Beliefs, assumptions, and manner towards individuals and groups have already been established. An example of an ideology is the justification for the practice of female circumcision in Africa. People who practice this believe that a woman’s loss of her capacity for sexual pleasure will become a more loyal and faithful wife.

Both ideology and philosophy aim to provide a certain kind of worldview about society. However, while philosophy is a general understanding that aims to provide common or universal laws, ideology is the justification of society’s values, beliefs, and propositions. Philosophy’s attempts to understand sometimes end in its valuing a certain action or pushing people towards a certain direction. It can be said then that philosophy may end up as ideologies, but never the other way around. Philosophy is exploring and understanding all facets of the world, while ideology is making one’s mind up and choosing to believe and act on his or her beliefs.

Works Cited

“Ideology.” Merriam-Webster Online Dictionary. 2008. Merriam-Webster Online. 2 Dec. 2008. http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ideology

Jones, Roger. Moral Philosophy. 2008. Philosopher. 2 Dec. 2008. http://www.philosopher.org.uk/moral.htm

“Philosophy.” Merriam-Webster Online Dictionary. 2008. Merriam-Webster Online. 2 Dec. 2008. http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/philosophy

Ruggier, Tim. “What Philosophy Is.” Philosophical Society. Dec. 2008. 2 Dec. 2008. http://www.philosophicalsociety.com/What%20Philosophy%20Is.htm#ExcerptPhilosophy

 

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