Wilfrid Sellars: "The aim of philosophy is to understand how things in the broadest possible sense of the term hang together in the broadest possible sense of the term."

Wilfrid Sellars, a significant 20th-century philosopher, articulates a visionary goal for philosophy in his statement, "The aim of philosophy is to understand how things in the broadest possible sense of the term hang together in the broadest possible sense of the term." This statement captures a grand endeavor towards comprehensive understanding and coherence.

 

Quest for Understanding:

 

Sellars places the quest for understanding at the heart of philosophical endeavor. This quest extends beyond superficial explanations to a deeper, more profound understanding of the myriad elements that constitute reality.

 

Broadest Possible Sense:

 

The repetition of the phrase "broadest possible sense" underscores a commitment to expansiveness and inclusivity in philosophical inquiry. It suggests a holistic approach that seeks to encompass the vast array of phenomena within the scope of philosophical understanding.

 

Coherence and Integration:

 

The notion of things "hanging together" speaks to a desire for coherence and integration. Philosophy, according to Sellars, strives to discern the interconnections, relations, and underlying principles that bring about a sense of unity or coherence amidst the diversity of existence.

 

Conceptual Frameworks:

 

Sellars often explored the role of conceptual frameworks in human understanding. His statement reflects an aspiration to develop, refine, or critique the conceptual lenses through which we interpret and make sense of the world.

 

Interdisciplinary Engagement:

 

The broad scope implied in Sellars' statement also hints at an interdisciplinary engagement. By seeking to understand how things hang together in a broad sense, philosophy interfaces with other domains of inquiry, drawing insights from and contributing to a wider intellectual discourse.

 

Reflective Analysis:

 

Philosophy, as envisioned by Sellars, involves a reflective analysis of not only external phenomena but also of the very frameworks and assumptions that underlie human thought and understanding.

 

Normative Inquiry:

 

Besides explicative aims, Sellars’ broader philosophical project often engaged with normative inquiries, exploring how things ought to be. This dual engagement with explanatory and normative dimensions enriches the depth and relevance of philosophical analysis.

 

Evolving Understanding:

 

The statement also resonates with an acknowledgment of the evolving nature of understanding. As conceptual frameworks, scientific insights, and societal contexts evolve, so too does the philosophical endeavor to grasp the coherence of things.

 

In summation, Wilfrid Sellars’ articulation encapsulates a profound and ambitious vision for philosophy. It sets forth a grand aim of delving into the complexities of existence, seeking coherence, and striving for a broad, integrated understanding that transcends narrow disciplinary boundaries. Through this lens, philosophy emerges as a dynamic, reflective, and holistic endeavor, continually engaging with the unfolding tapestry of understanding, and striving to discern the intricate ways in which the myriad facets of reality hang together.