What's philosophy good for?

Xander · 11-21-2007, 11:22 AM

Okay so it looks like we have a few people here who could name drop a fair number of philosophers and equally quote some theories at least in title if not in full. It seems a relevant place to ask the question, what's the point?

Realistically does the finer points of philosophy actually have any relevance any more or is it purely an exercise for the mind. Yes I understand the relevance of existentialism and so on but is there any development or is it best to just read Socrates and other's works and then leave it there. Recorded examples of brilliant thinking which alters your perceptions of what is.

The reason I ask is because it seems like philosophy has just gotten to the school yard stage and all anyone ever does with it is try to beat others over the head with their own much more impressive philosophy.

Surely a field such as philosophy is not about who is right but about getting closer to understanding everything. That seems lost on 90% of the philosophy I've seen and in which case what on earth is the point to it all?

The_Liquid_Laser · 11-21-2007, 04:55 PM

I sometimes wonder if Socrates was the last great philosopher. Enlightened thinking should lead to enlightened doing. Mostly what I see out of philosophers is thinking that just leads to more thinking and talking and not a lot of doing. If a philosopher discovers what wisdom is, but does not apply it in any way then has he really discovered wisdom?

OctaviaCaesar · 11-21-2007, 05:04 PM

I agree completely with Laser. Life is for living, and we do things to make our living better, and we should think things that make our living better. To bridge the gap, we have to do something about our thoughts. The philosophy of language is perhaps "serious mental play," but in general philosophy, like Plato's, should become deeds, not words.

Athenian200 · 11-21-2007, 05:21 PM

I think that exercise of the mind is just as important as anything tangible. It can help you think about things in a new way, and encourages creativity/intelligence.

I usually try to find philosophies and ideas that bring me closer to understanding things, but it is interesting and meaningful for me to just examine philosophies.

Kiddo · 11-21-2007, 07:00 PM

I love using philosophy to illustrate a point I am trying to make. It can be a great clarifier if somebody doesn't understand the topic we are discussing or its relative importance.

Maverick · 11-21-2007, 07:51 PM

The main use of philosophy, as I see it, is to deconstruct existing false beliefs that cloud our understanding of things. However, I don't expect it to give us any suitable answers.

Night · 11-21-2007, 08:00 PM

I think it provides a basis from which we can learn to better adapt our thinking so as to discourage bias.

To this end, I think philosophy should be a pervasive undergarment for most academic curriculums, beginning in youth.

Night · 11-21-2007, 08:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Maverick

However, I don't expect it to give us any suitable answers.

I think, to rely on philosophy as an exacting instrument to deliver suitable answers, is to miss the point of philosophy altogether.

PinkPiranha · 11-21-2007, 08:02 PM

Philosophy is one of the forces that guides the laws and technology of the land.

Seneca was the last such person to turn my head to any great degree.

Maverick · 11-21-2007, 08:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Night

I think, to rely on philosophy as an exacting instrument to deliver suitable answers, is to miss the point of philosophy altogether.

Yes I agree.

11-21-2007, 11:22 AM	#1 (permalink)
Xander Pretty Vacant Join Date: Apr 2007 Type: INTP Location: Coventry, England Posts: 3,331	What's philosophy good for? Okay so it looks like we have a few people here who could name drop a fair number of philosophers and equally quote some theories at least in title if not in full. It seems a relevant place to ask the question, what's the point? Realistically does the finer points of philosophy actually have any relevance any more or is it purely an exercise for the mind. Yes I understand the relevance of existentialism and so on but is there any development or is it best to just read Socrates and other's works and then leave it there. Recorded examples of brilliant thinking which alters your perceptions of what is. The reason I ask is because it seems like philosophy has just gotten to the school yard stage and all anyone ever does with it is try to beat others over the head with their own much more impressive philosophy. Surely a field such as philosophy is not about who is right but about getting closer to understanding everything. That seems lost on 90% of the philosophy I've seen and in which case what on earth is the point to it all? __________________ INTP 9. A new breed of hero. Every man is like every other man, like some other men, like no other men. Mary McCaulley A diplomat... is a person who can tell you to go to hell in such a way that you actually look forward to the trip. - Caskie Stinnett All is denial, projection and avoidance.

11-21-2007, 04:55 PM	#2 (permalink)
The_Liquid_Laser Incoherent Radiance Join Date: Jul 2007 Type: ENTP Posts: 2,126	I sometimes wonder if Socrates was the last great philosopher. Enlightened thinking should lead to enlightened doing. Mostly what I see out of philosophers is thinking that just leads to more thinking and talking and not a lot of doing. If a philosopher discovers what wisdom is, but does not apply it in any way then has he really discovered wisdom? __________________

11-21-2007, 05:21 PM	#4 (permalink)
Athenian200 Fragmented Being Join Date: Jul 2007 Type: InfJ Location: C:\ Posts: 5,791	I think that exercise of the mind is just as important as anything tangible. It can help you think about things in a new way, and encourages creativity/intelligence. I usually try to find philosophies and ideas that bring me closer to understanding things, but it is interesting and meaningful for me to just examine philosophies. __________________ "I'm not much more than an interpreter, and not very good at telling stories. Well, not at making them interesting, anyways." --C3-P0, Star Wars IV: A New Hope

11-21-2007, 08:02 PM	#9 (permalink)
PinkPiranha Fe Lightning Waltz Join Date: Nov 2007 Type: eNFJ Location: shooting at the walls of heartache, bang bang! Posts: 8,793	Philosophy is one of the forces that guides the laws and technology of the land. Seneca was the last such person to turn my head to any great degree. __________________ They shall know the difference now that I am back. - Achilles, returning to battle the Trojans (Iliad)

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11-21-2007, 05:04 PM	#3 (permalink)
OctaviaCaesar Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Type: INFJ Location: Middle Tennessee State University Posts: 211	I agree completely with Laser. Life is for living, and we do things to make our living better, and we should think things that make our living better. To bridge the gap, we have to do something about our thoughts. The philosophy of language is perhaps "serious mental play," but in general philosophy, like Plato's, should become deeds, not words.

11-21-2007, 07:00 PM	#5 (permalink)
Kiddo Furry Critter with Claws Join Date: Sep 2007 Type: OMNi Posts: 2,800	I love using philosophy to illustrate a point I am trying to make. It can be a great clarifier if somebody doesn't understand the topic we are discussing or its relative importance.

11-21-2007, 07:51 PM	#6 (permalink)
Maverick Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2007 Type: ENTJ Posts: 887	The main use of philosophy, as I see it, is to deconstruct existing false beliefs that cloud our understanding of things. However, I don't expect it to give us any suitable answers.

11-21-2007, 08:00 PM	#7 (permalink)
Night Focused Join Date: Nov 2007 Type: INTJ Posts: 3,099	I think it provides a basis from which we can learn to better adapt our thinking so as to discourage bias. To this end, I think philosophy should be a pervasive undergarment for most academic curriculums, beginning in youth.

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