On Philosophical Synthesis

Abstract

THE PROBLEM of philosophical synthesis may be considered in a general way or in a specific form. In the former case, one would like to put different philosophical views together and reconstruct a whole view, which would reconcile all partial views. This is a process which is difficult of accomplishment. It is open to question whether there can be any such thing as a whole or complete view which can accommodate all so-called partial views. It is quite possible that no formula or view, however comprehensive, can do justice to reality, and that ultimate metaphysical truth is above all views. A view naturally presupposes a standpoint; and a standpoint naturally excludes some other standpoint or standpoints. How can the process of synthesis be completed? We contend, therefore, that philosophical truth is no view at all. It is not any intellectual formulation. It coincides with reality and is reality. It alone is known; a formula is not literally known. A formula is only formulated. The distinction between the two is the distinction between knowledge and imagination. We therefore prefer to consider the problem of synthesis in a more specific form. There is such a thing as Western philosophy, and there is such a thing as Eastern, or, more particularly, Indian, philosophy. There are philosophers who are interested in bringing them together or reconciling their divergent standpoints and their divergent tendencies. They hope thereby to achieve a grand synthesis of Eastern and Western philosophies. This is an interesting adventure, even if we are unable to carry it to complete success. There are persons who are strong advocates of the East, and there are persons who are enamoured of the Western way of doing philosophy. We may not be able to reconcile these opposite viewpoints, but we may at least succeed in better understanding and in appreciating their respective claims and counterclaims; and that will be no small achievement in the world of philosophy. It is possible to argue that the whole problem as stated above is artificial and uncalled for. Indian philosophy is not a simple thing. It comprises all kinds of methods, attitudes, and views. The same is true about Western philosophy. Western philosophy is a product of several currents of thought, scientific, religious, socio-economic, etc. Different influences shape different systems of thought. How is it possible to make a fruitful comparison