It is said that there is progress in sciences. Better theories replace the old ones. More efficient technologies supersede the lesser ones. However, philosophy is an odd case. No philosophical ideas has been replaced. People still read Aristotle while no physics student is required to read Newton. So is there progress inphilosophy?

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Ask a Philosopher · Accepted Answer

It is indeed a curious phenomenon that while the sciences seem to be constantly progressing and evolving, with new theories emerging and old ones being discarded in favor of superior models, philosophy appears to be at a standstill. Despite the passing centuries, the ideas of ancient thinkers such as Aristotle continue to hold sway in philosophical discourse, with no clear successor rising to supersede their teachings. The question then arises: is there truly progress in philosophy, or are we simply rehashing and reinterpreting the same ideas over and over again? Perhaps the answer lies in the nature of philosophy itself. Unlike the sciences, which rely on empirical evidence and experimentation to test and refine their theories, philosophy deals with abstract concepts and ideas that are not easily quantifiable or subject to empirical testing. As such, philosophical truths may be seen as timeless and immutable, transcending the boundaries of time and space. In this sense, the lack of progress in philosophy can be seen not as a failure, but as a testament to the enduring power and universality of philosophical ideas. While the sciences may advance and change with the times, philosophy remains a constant, offering insights and wisdom that are as relevant today as they were thousands of years ago. So perhaps the lack of progress in philosophy is not a flaw, but a feature, a reminder of the eternal truths that underlie the human experience.