ИСТИНА

Philosophy seems to be, apart from all values and achievements the humanity has acquired throughout the whole history of its existence, the most bright and unconditional heritage. Without diminishing the meaning of religion and science, not mentioning other values, in social life I would, nevertheless, position philosophy much higher taking into consideration its role in cultural and civilizational development of both separate peoples and world community as a whole. There are several reasons for it. Let me refrain from special consideration of the most important functions of philosophy (world outlook, epistemology, methodology, integration, axiology, communication, etc.) and to start from the main point. Philosophy better than any other sphere of human spiritual activity reflects our truly human essentiality, characterizing a human being as the one critically thinking, having doubts and, what is principally important – questioning. He/she addresses philosophical questions to him/herself and, basing on his/her own reason, experience, intuition, beliefs, convictions, tries to resolve problems of the highest significance with their help. Let us also mention that in case of religion a human being always has some higher authority and criterion of truth (be it God or a sacred text), which he/she inevitably applies to. Science also recognized unconditional authority of those who has already paved the way of knowledge by their discoveries while practice is a test for the truth of this knowledge. Philosophy has no such authorities and criteria.