Philosophy and Contemplation

Abstract

This paper explores the concept of contemplation in the tradition of philosophical thought. It seeks to answer the question whether there is a specifically philosophical concept of contemplation, i.e. whether it is possible to define a concept of contemplation that is distinct from contemplative religious practices. In answering this question in the affirmative, the analysis seeks to support three basic claims: (1) philosophical contemplation is a practice that is an integral part of philosophy without being directly aimed at generating theory; (2) philosophical contemplation is a specific form of thinking, which is for this very reason distinct from contemplative religious practices that define themselves in opposition to thinking; (3) although the principle and orientation of philosophical contemplation differ in antiquity and modern thought, philosophical contemplation remains identical in nature and practice. Because of this identity, it can be said to be an
integral part of the practice of philosophy today. In the course of the analysis, the paper discusses philosophical contemplation from two perspectives, that of ancient metaphysics and that of modern phenomenology, which allows us to reveal common features of this practice independent of the epochs.