Wisdom of Philosophy
Characteristics of a philosopher include radical thinking. Literally, radical thinking means going to the root. This means attempting to find the truth until it is understood that it is the essence of truth. Searching for its scientific logic, arguments and supporting bases, so that it is clear that it is the truth.
Another characteristic of philosophical thinking is being critical, i.e., responsive to emerging issues known or even incoming. Then, conceptual, rational, and reflective, are also the hallmarks of those who think philosophically. (Nurani Soyomukti, 2011, General Introduction to Philosophy).
Coherent and consistent (sequence) means the thinking process until it gives birth to products (truths) that are logical in accordance with scientific principles. Comprehensive, systematic, and methodical, is also a characteristic of a philosopher. A thought that is not partial, but comprehensive on various aspects of life.
Ahmad Hafidz, in an article, explained that there are some benefits to studying philosophy. First, a person can interpret the meaning of the essence of human life, both personally and socially.
Second, by studying philosophy, people are always trained and educated to think universally, multidimensional, comprehensive, and deep. Thus, it will make people intelligent, critical, systematic, and objective in viewing and solving various life problems, so that they can achieve quality, excellence, and happiness in life.
Third, achieving policy and value. Value is obtained by deep thinking. Values are important for organizing life. Fourth, reaching the truth. Philosophy is a way to reach the truth because the process of deep thinking is basically to explain what actually happens and how a reality can happen. If we don’t understand reality based on reality, it’s a mistake, and this usually happens when people are not philosophizing, or when people judge something arbitrarily.
Fifth, understanding oneself and one’s community: eliminating egoism, enhancing collective consciousness. Sixth, philosophy for changing life. In other words, with philosophy, people will be encouraged to change everything that has strayed far from the values of truth. In this case, it means that philosophy also cannot be separated from the work of changing life.
If the author notices from the wisdom of studying philosophy, it can be explained that it really is in accordance with the character of a santri. Where, santri always seeks the truth with scientific logic. Santri is also accustomed to being independent and performing all activities in accordance with syari rules. That means, since the beginning in the pesantren, the values of philosophy have been taught to become habits in thinking critically and logically.
Not just carrying out daily activities without using logic. But get used to being systematic according to scientific principles. Thus, from the beginning, santri did not separate from philosophical principles. Realized or not, philosophy has been intertwined around the pesantren environment. Wallahu A’lam!
Translated from here.