Abstract

The traditional metaphysical debate (e.g., materialism vs. idealism) faces theoretical and practical stagnation. This paper proposes a meta-philosophical shift: philosophy’s value lies not in discovering absolute truth, but in providing a functional toolkit for fundamental cognitive tasks. We systematically introduce the Functional Architecture Theory of Philosophical Tools (FAT-PT). Based on complexity and functional principles, FAT-PT first delineates cognitive domains—separating factual judgments ("what is") from value/meaning judgments ("what ought")—then assigns philosophical traditions (e.g., materialism to facts, idealism to values) to their optimal domains via a principle of functional suitability, transforming competition into collaboration. Using conceptual analysis and case studies, we demonstrate how FAT-PT serves as a metacognitive framework that enhances internal coherence and decision-making efficacy. This approach resolves perennial disputes and signals philosophy’s transition from doctrinal conflict to a practical science of tools, reaffirming its relevance for the 21st century.