Prof. Awadhesh Kumar Shailaj (Pachamba, Begusarai, India)
Abstract
The present study attempts a comparative analysis of philosophical definitions given by renowned philosophers including Plato, Aristotle, Immanuel Kant, Shankaracharya, and Swami Vivekananda with the modern and integrative definition proposed by Prof. Awadhesh Kumar Shailaj. While classical definitions emphasize truth, beauty, self-realization, and metaphysical inquiry, Shailaj’s definition incorporates inventive, supernatural, ideal, positive, and scientific perspectives, thereby creating a bridge between traditional and modern interpretations of philosophy.
Introduction
Philosophy has historically been understood in diverse ways, ranging from metaphysical speculation to practical realization. Each thinker has defined philosophy according to their cultural and intellectual context. This paper compares the established definitions with the comprehensive view of Prof. Awadhesh Kumar Shailaj.
Definitions and Comparative Analysis
Plato
Philosophy is 'the highest music,' highlighting beauty, harmony, and the pursuit of ideal forms.
Aristotle
Philosophy is 'the knowledge of truth,' focusing on causation, knowledge, and metaphysical essence.
Immanuel Kant
Philosophy is 'the science of the relation of all knowledge to the essential ends of human reason,' emphasizing rationality and morality.
Shankaracharya
'Brahman is truth, the world is illusion, the self is none other than Brahman,' stressing metaphysical unity and spiritual liberation.
Swami Vivekananda
Philosophy is not for discussion but realization, giving a practical orientation to Vedanta.
Prof. Awadhesh Kumar Shailaj
Philosophy is an inventive, supernatural, thought-oriented, pure, ideal, positive, and scientific study of the visible/invisible world, including origin, situation, methodology, causation, effect, and regenerative nature.
Discussion
Traditional definitions (Plato, Aristotle, Shankaracharya, Vivekananda) stress either metaphysics or experiential truth. Modern (Kant) emphasizes rationality and ethics. Shailaj provides a holistic view: combining scientific inquiry, spirituality, creativity, and positivity, extending philosophy to both the visible and invisible realms, and integrating the regenerative nature of existence.
Conclusion
Prof. Shailaj’s definition represents a synthesis of ancient and modern approaches, making philosophy simultaneously metaphysical, scientific, ethical, and regenerative. It redefines philosophy not only as a search for truth or realization but as an inventive and constructive force of life and nature.
References
Plato, Republic.
Aristotle, Metaphysics.
Kant, I. (1781). Critique of Pure Reason.
Shankaracharya, Advaita Vedanta Sutras.
Vivekananda, S. (1896). Jnana Yoga.
Shailaj, A.K. (2025). Definition of Philosophy. Pachamba, Begusarai.
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