Carnap on the method of philosophy

Abstract

This thesis examines Carnap’s view on the method of philosophy. More specifically, it examines his gradual inclusion of non-formal elements to an initially formal method of philosophy. In his early period, Carnap proposes merely a formal method of philosophy to which he calls rational reconstruction, logical analysis and logical syntax. However, in his late period with the addition of some non-formal features such as semantics and pragmatics Carnap’s method becomes less and less formal. The decrease in the formal aspects of Carnap’s method of philosophy indicates the inadequacy of formal methods on their own and the need for the non-formal features in the method of philosophy. It is argued that the non-formal aspect of philosophy is essential and philosophy and its method cannot be merely formal.