Analytic Philosophy: Guiding Method and Adding Precision to Occupational Therapy

Analytic philosophy (AP) is a method-driven philosophy that uses mathematics, language, and symbolic logic as analytic tools to gain knowledge through analysis of problems, concepts, issues, and arguments (Schwartz, 2012). The search for truth underpins all philosophical traditions; however, it is the approach to seeking knowledge that sets AP apart from other branches of philosophy (Koetting & Malisa, 2004). AP is based upon the idea that absolute truth can be achieved using a logical process that requires key concepts to be reduced to their most basic elements. Many well­ known thinkers have contributed to the AP tradition (Schwartz, 2012), leading to its evolution throughout the 20th century as new information is discovered in response to changes in the sociopolitical climate. The analysis of concepts using logic is the key component of AP, which is why some scholars describe AP as “doing philosophy” (Koetting & Malisa, 2004). Students who have taken an undergraduate philosophy course in logic may be familiar with the conceptual framework of AP. AP has also been described as a philosophical perspective, delineating it from the normative and descriptive perspectives of philosophy (Koetting & Malisa, 2004).