Philosophical Theory

A Philosophical Theory is a systematic theoretical framework that provides explanatory models for fundamental questions about reality, knowledge, values, and human existence.

• AKA: Philosophy-Based Theory, Philosophical Framework, Philosophical System.
• Context:
  • It can typically propose Fundamental Explanations for philosophical questions.
  • It can typically establish Conceptual Frameworks through philosophical reasoning.
  • It can typically employ Philosophical Methods including logical analysis.
  • It can typically address Universal Questions about human existence.
  • It can typically serve as Philosophical Concepts within philosophical discourse.
  • ...
  • It can often influence Worldview Formation through philosophical principles.
  • It can often shape Ethical Systems via philosophical foundations.
  • It can often inform Scientific Theorys through philosophical assumptions.
  • It can often exist as Conceptual Created Items in intellectual history.
  • ...
  • It can range from being a Descriptive Philosophical Theory to being a Normative Philosophical Theory, depending on its philosophical prescriptive stance.
  • It can range from being an Ancient Philosophical Theory to being a Contemporary Philosophical Theory, depending on its philosophical historical period.
  • It can range from being a Western Philosophical Theory to being an Eastern Philosophical Theory, depending on its philosophical cultural tradition.
  • ...
  • It can function as Created Items within philosophical traditions.
  • It can utilize Formal Logic for philosophical argument construction.
  • It can employ Thought Experiments in philosophical exploration.
  • It can engage Interdisciplinary Fields through philosophical foundations.
  • ...
• Example(s):
  • Metaphysical Philosophical Theories, such as:
    • Determinism Theory, asserting causal necessity in all events.
    • Physicalist Theory, reducing all entities to physical entities.
    • Dualism Theory, proposing mind-body distinctions.
    • Idealism Theory, asserting mental primacy over physical reality.
  • Ethical Philosophical Theories, such as:
    • Utilitarianism Theory, maximizing collective happiness.
    • Deontological Theory, emphasizing moral duty and categorical imperatives.
    • Virtue Ethics Theory, focusing on character development.
    • Consequentialism Theory, evaluating action outcomes.
  • Ancient Greek Philosophical Theories, such as:
    • Stoic Philosophy, advocating emotional resilience and virtue ethics.
    • Epicureanism Theory, pursuing refined pleasure and ataraxia.
    • Platonism Theory, proposing ideal forms beyond physical reality.
    • Aristotelianism Theory, emphasizing empirical observation and logic.
  • Epistemological Philosophical Theories, such as:
    • Empiricism Theory, grounding knowledge in sensory experience.
    • Rationalism Theory, emphasizing reason as knowledge source.
    • Skepticism Theory, questioning knowledge certainty.
    • Pragmatism Theory, linking truth to practical consequences.
  • Political Philosophical Theories, such as:
    • Social Contract Theory, explaining political authority through collective agreement.
    • Libertarianism Theory, maximizing individual freedom and minimal government.
    • Marxism Theory, analyzing class relations and historical materialism.
    • Anarchism Theory, rejecting hierarchical authority and state power.
  • ...
• Counter-Example(s):
  • Scientific Theory, which requires empirical testing rather than philosophical reasoning.
  • Religious Doctrine, which relies on divine revelation rather than philosophical argument.
  • Common Sense Belief, which lacks systematic frameworks of philosophical theory.
• See: Philosophical Concept, Philosophy Discipline, Theoretical Framework, Created Item.

---