The Soul of Inquiry: Reclaiming the Philosophical Foundations of Research

Description

Page: 1455-1458

Hemlata Krishnani (Department of Philosophy, Mata Sundri College for Women, University of Delhi, Delhi)

The present time academic environment lays great stress on methods of research, publication and organizational performance often at the expense of the soul of research itself. This shift can detract from the meaning and significance that research should embody. In this paper, an attempt is made to uncover the research spirit-a mindset which is driven by relentless pursuit of truth, a mindset which is philosophical, ethical, rooted in inquisitiveness, curiosity, critical thinking, perseverance, and integrity. Such a mindset is the bedrock of any meaningful enquiry. Drawing from the thinkers such as Socrates, Bacon, Popper, Kuhn, and Indian philosophical traditions, the paper presents the argument that method is an integral part of research but what truly matters is the willingness to keep learning and exploring even when there are uncertainties, no clear answers, failures and complications. The purpose of this paper is dual- first, to advocate renewal of mindset in research, one that values inquisitiveness, academic dare, ethical uprightness, and the pursuit of truth over mere procedural accuracy or output metrics- and second, it raises concern over erosion of the fundamental mindset within modern academic culture. By exploring philosophical foundations, historical exemplars, and present-day challenges, this paper argues that restoring the authentic research spirit is essential for the vitality and ethical integrity of scientific inquiry. It suggests introducing coursework in the philosophical basis of research.