Philosophy gone stale?

[Specforces]

Do modern, contemporary philosophers tackle 'the big questions' of metaphysics and epistemology with the same verve, panache and inspiration of those who are no longer with us?

Is pioneering work in modern philosophy becoming indistinguishable from poineering work in mathematics and science?


The days of the 'multi-competent' philosophers are long since passed. A modern-day Aristotle will not and could not occur. Like our economy, our pioneering philosophies and philosophers have become specialised and therefore largely impenetrable to those without esoteric knowledge.

For me, this is something of a lamentable state of affairs.

Yes, the world is a better place for the developments within it.

But how can the modernday philosopher not yearn for the days of the Plato's, Aristotle's, Plotinus', Augustine's and even the Aquinas' where the societal value of the philosopher's omnicompetence or skills were significant and appreciated.

In today's philosophy, great philosophers of our century- Sartre, Moore, Russell, Wittgenstein and Heidegger among them- and their philosophies- a more a matter of private entertainment than public, societal relevance.


Reaction/ opposition to this view welcome.


Specforces