Philosophy is a discipline that explores fundamental human questions, including the meaning of life, morality, free will, and the nature of knowledge. Unlike other pure disciplines such as mathematics or chemistry, philosophy focuses on the essential problems of human existence.

"Existence" is one of the most fundamental concepts in philosophy, encompassing our understanding of the world, our self-knowledge, and the exploration of the nature of the universe. Different philosophical traditions and schools have given "being" various meanings and interpretations.

In the vastness of the universe, we humans are but insignificant beings. However, our unique ability to think allows us to examine the meaning of our existence and try to understand the nature of the world.

Thinking and Being

Philosophy reflects on the relationship between humans and the world, with the most essential aspect being the relationship between thinking and being.

The question of the relationship between thinking and existence has two fundamental connotations:

- On the one hand, there is the question of ontology, which deals with the origin of the world and the primacy of mind versus being, or spirit versus matter. Was the real world created by the mind or spirit, or has it always existed independently? Is the essence and foundation of the world spiritual or material?

- On the other hand, there is the problem of epistemology, which concerns whether and how the human mind can know the real world. This involves questioning whether thinking and existence are identical. As Engels noted: "What is the relationship of our thoughts about the world around us to the world itself? Can our minds recognize the real world? Can we properly reflect reality in our representations and concepts about the real world?"

Philosophy of Questions

The essence of philosophy lies in the philosophy of questions. The most important aspect of studying philosophy is being adept at asking and answering questions. The original meaning of philosophy is the love of wisdom, but where is this wisdom found? It is embodied in asking questions and interpreting them.

Problems are extremely important to philosophy. To transcend, philosophy must investigate the various phenomena that exist in reality, uncover the reasons behind these phenomena, and explore the contradictions and conflicts that arise. It then transforms these inquiries into problems to be addressed.

From this perspective, philosophers in every era begin their academic careers by questioning and critiquing contemporary philosophers. They raise many questions to challenge existing ideas and concepts, propose their own philosophical concepts and propositions, and often build their own philosophical systems. These contributions become significant milestones in the field of philosophy.

Aristotle begins Metaphysics with the assertion: "Every human being is by nature inclined to seek knowledge." He uses this aphorism to highlight the origins of philosophy, explaining that humanity's natural quest for knowledge is a speculative activity aimed purely at understanding and wisdom. This pursuit is not driven by material interests or external goals, making it the freest form of learning.

Although philosophy may seem esoteric, it has a significant impact on our lives. It encourages us to push the boundaries of our thinking, explore our ideas and beliefs, and express our thoughts more clearly. By studying philosophy, we learn to analyze and apply logic, and we gain a clearer understanding of the world around us and our own situation.