Philosophy is One of the Greatest Disciplines to Learn

[ForgedinHell]

Although I am not a trained philosopher, when people ask me why I study philosophy, I tell them because it matters in life. There are some questions in life, where the solution is found in a scientific experiment or in a mathematical proof. But, we face numerous questions that do not fall into either of those categories. In fact, most questions we face are of those kind. So, we argue throughout our lives. We can't live without arguing. Its part of being human. We argue with our spouses, our children, our co-workers, our bosses. We need to evaluate arguments to decide whom to vote for, or whether we will even vote at all. The alternative to arguing is to fist fight, which doesn't seem very productive.

Philosophy helps us in our daily lives, and to become better human beings, because it assists us in forming arguments. It helps us in seeing the errors in another's argument. It raises the quality of our lives as it improves our ability to argue.

And, there are times when philosophy does provide answers. Some arguments are so compelling, that it is hard to imagine they haven't provided us with answers. Especially those that have stood the test of time.

So, does anyone disagree and believes that philosophy is a waste of time to study?

[Resha Caner]

I wouldn't say it's a waste of time, but neither is it necessary ... unless one takes the position that everyone has a philosophy. But if some guy's philosophy is, "Love God and be kind to others," and for him that's the beginning and the end of it ... shrug ... let it be.

[ForgedinHell]

I wouldn't say it's a waste of time, but neither is it necessary ... unless one takes the position that everyone has a philosophy. But if some guy's philosophy is, "Love God and be kind to others," and for him that's the beginning and the end of it ... shrug ... let it be.

But perhaps if I educated the person, and explained why a belief in a supernatural god was irrational, and how the person's life could be improved by walking away from such nonsense, then why shouldn't I stick my nose where it is uninvited?

[Resha Caner]

But perhaps if I educated the person, and explained why a belief in a supernatural god was irrational, and how the person's life could be improved by walking away from such nonsense, then why shouldn't I stick my nose where it is uninvited?

So you are the judge of what constitutes the proper life?

[ForgedinHell]

But perhaps if I educated the person, and explained why a belief in a supernatural god was irrational, and how the person's life could be improved by walking away from such nonsense, then why shouldn't I stick my nose where it is uninvited?

So you are the judge of what constitutes the proper life?

You bet. I have to make that judgment with respect to my own life, and I know my own life would be better off without a bunch of people believing in superstition in it.

I believe the truth does matter. I guess you don't. I never learned the "touchy feely" thing about living a lie, and being happy about it.

[Veritas Aequitas]

Related to, 'Is Philosophy Useless?'
viewtopic.php?f=5&t=9340

As mentioned in the above thread, to give justice to 'philosophy' one needs to define it in its widest possible sense with the greatest utlility to the well being of humanity. This utility is already reflected in its etymological roots, i.e. 'the love of wisdom'.

To establish competency in wisdom, one needs all available resources, and one amongst the many of the necessary tools is critical thinking with effective arguments.

It is unfortunate that many philosophers in Western Philosophy has bastardized and confined 'philosophy' to merely some specialist fields such as 'the mainstay of philosophy is argument', logic, ethics, metaphysics, and the likes.

However, when 'philosophy' is viewed from its original intuited and intended meaning in the widest sense for the well being of the individual and therefrom humanity, then, philosophy is one of the greatest (mother of..) discipline to learn.

[Resha Caner]

You bet. I have to make that judgment with respect to my own life, and I know my own life would be better off without a bunch of people believing in superstition in it.

That's not the way I meant it, and I think you know that. But, just to be clear, I'll amend my question.

Are you the judge of what constitutes the proper life for other people?

I believe the truth does matter. I guess you don't. I never learned the "touchy feely" thing about living a lie, and being happy about it.

In what part of my example did the simple & content man know he was living a lie and consign himself to that? If you knew that denying God was a lie, would you change?

[ForgedinHell]

You bet. I have to make that judgment with respect to my own life, and I know my own life would be better off without a bunch of people believing in superstition in it.

That's not the way I meant it, and I think you know that. But, just to be clear, I'll amend my question.

Are you the judge of what constitutes the proper life for other people?

I believe the truth does matter. I guess you don't. I never learned the "touchy feely" thing about living a lie, and being happy about it.

In what part of my example did the simple & content man know he was living a lie and consign himself to that? If you knew that denying God was a lie, would you change?

I cannot live a free life without requiring others to live a certain way, i.e., free along with me. So, the Marxist who wants to enslave me, the nazi who wants to murder me, and the liberal democrat who wants to tax me out of existence, need to be confronted by me, told how living a free life is superior to the crap they want, or else, I cannot live a free life.

[Thundril]

I cannot live a free life without requiring others to live a certain way, i.e., free along with me. So, the Marxist who wants to enslave me, the nazi who wants to murder me, and the liberal democrat who wants to tax me out of existence, need to be confronted by me, told how living a free life is superior to the crap they want, or else, I cannot live a free life.

It is true that we are social animals. We depend on each other to construct 'desirable' social structures. You value your freedom above other considerations. Fine. Other people may prioritize differently.
Many of us wish to join in the discussion about what kind of society we want to live in.. These discussions may be conducted under the general headings of politics, economics, ethics and/or law.
Although a rigorous training in clarity of thought might help facilitate such a discussion, there is some risk that those who love wrangling abstractly might impede the process of reaching some temporary, imperfect but serviceable agreements.
I suppose I am one of the sporting wranglers myself, and therefore a 'philosopher' of sorts.

[Resha Caner]

ForgedinHell, you make a valid point, and Thundril's reply is a good one, so I don't need to add much.

All I will say is that you have not established that philosophy needs to be part of this process. My example was not about Hitler. It was a simple & content man, and I still don't see how his view impinges on your freedom or requires philosophy as a solution.

[ForgedinHell]

ForgedinHell, you make a valid point, and Thundril's reply is a good one, so I don't need to add much.

All I will say is that you have not established that philosophy needs to be part of this process. My example was not about Hitler. It was a simple & content man, and I still don't see how his view impinges on your freedom or requires philosophy as a solution.

Put it this way, if the idiot tries to take away my freedom, I'm running him over. Philosophy, however, would allow me a peaceful method for getting him out of my way, so I can live my life freely.

[Resha Caner]

Put it this way, if the idiot tries to take away my freedom, I'm running him over. Philosophy, however, would allow me a peaceful method for getting him out of my way, so I can live my life freely.

So you're willing to kill to get what you want? Do you have any responsibility for obeying the laws of the community in which you live? Even if it might inconvenience you a bit?

[ForgedinHell]

Put it this way, if the idiot tries to take away my freedom, I'm running him over. Philosophy, however, would allow me a peaceful method for getting him out of my way, so I can live my life freely.

So you're willing to kill to get what you want? Do you have any responsibility for obeying the laws of the community in which you live? Even if it might inconvenience you a bit?

No, but I am willing to write "jokes" about what I want.

Look, it really is no one's business if I want to smoke pot, snort coke, and have sex with three adult prostitutes, in the privacy of my own home. I can't even understand my neighbors getting upset when I target practice from my roof in sniper gear, provided no richochets hit anyone, what's the problem? I even use a silencer so as not to wake my neighbors.

[Resha Caner]

Never mind. I withdraw the question. It was too much like baiting.

[ForgedinHell]

Never mind. I withdraw the question. It was too much like baiting.

Laughter is good for you, loosen up.