Philosophy and It's Value by Phillip Vo
So the philosophers are supposed to govern the city.
The idea that the philosophers are lovers of a knowledge that possesses an something eternal fascinated me. In my experience, I have viewed philosophy as an examination of reality, constant question asking and a crazy, tired, old guy. Here however, philosophers are lovers of truth, seekers of wisdom and knowledge, generous and possess a good memory. Yet, the thought arises, “when he looks at the facts, he sees that who turn to philosophy… the majority become cranks, not to say completely debased. And for even the best among them, the studies you yourself prescribe finally render them useless to society.”
I find myself guilty of being a part of the crowd that looks at philosophy as a profession and study as a waste, when the truth is as I have delved more into philosophy I realize that the questions that come from seeking truth are just as exciting as arriving at it. As an over-thinker, I feel like I would make a great philosopher (haha).
I commented on Eliza's and Hannah's
I love you're posts! I love reading philosophy as a pastime, but I agree that it is relatively useless in many ways. The reason I say this is that once a philosopher finds a viable answer and other professions (scientists) use the idea to create something, it is no longer philosophy, but science. Philosophy asks the questions, science does the rest. Now I do believe philosophizing is an honorable pursuit. However, it only goes as far as the mind is willing or able to go.
ReplyDeleteGuilty, many of us do see philosophy as a waste of time. While I believe the seeking of knowledge is important, so is actually doing something about the problem and not sitting around just thinking. Plato says a good ruler must be a philosopher and he knows the negative stigma around himself and other philosophers.
ReplyDeleteI simpathize with your realization that you philosophize more than you think. In fact, that's why I go to bed late some nights, my brothers and I just talk about things.
ReplyDelete