Predictions

Continuing to read Marvin Farber's (1901-1980) book "Basic Issues of Philosophy: Experience, Reality, and Human Values" (Harper Torchbooks, 1968).

As New Years is a popular time for predictions about the future I couldn't help but pay attention to this paragraph in Farber's book:

"If we are modest and practical, we may define the goal of philosophy as the best possible explanation of the world of experience within existing human and cultural limitations. At the present time there is much philosophical ferment, with the issue of religion versus science gradually disappearing from prominence. The newer issues are predominantly scientific and logical. The older dualism of spirit and matter has become obsolete; and whatever motivation for dualistic views of the world remains is kept alive by social conflicts. It does not seem unreasonable to expect the elimination of all important social conflicts in the present century. In general, the solution of all practical social problems may be expected, on the ground that what is made by man may be controlled by man. Here, an objective philosophy of values will be an effective aid. Afterwards, the perennial problem will remain - the further understanding of reality, and its progressive mastery through science."

It is hard to imagine that a more naive statement could be made by a primary school student than this statement made by a published philosopher. Keep in mind that this statement was made in 1968. In a mere thirty years this man could picture the end of all important social conflicts. It shows the extent to which his faith in science had become a deeply rooted fundamentalist religious belief. Throughout the book it is clear that everything, including philosophy, is at the service of science, which is the only logic worth considering and encompasses all there is or can be of reality. The further statement that "whatever is made by man may be controlled by man" reflects a truly superficial anthropology. Superficiality is the intellectual fruit of philosophical naturalism.