Philosophy Now Forum

David Hume:

...then I ask, If any other philosophy can afford a remedy; or if it be possible, by any system, to render all mankind virtuous, however perverse may be their natural frame of mind? Experience will soon convince us of the contrary; and I will venture to affirm, that, perhaps, the chief benefit, which results from philosophy, arises in an indirect manner, and proceeds more from its secret, insensible influence, than from its immediate application.

[my emphasis]

http://www.econlib.org/library/LFBooks/ ... MPL18.html
Part 1, Essay THE SCEPTIC 18.29

Re previous comments on the subconscious, acting 'indirectly' on analytical thought.
Is this what Hume means by 'secret, insensible influence' ?

Or perhaps that 'philosophy' is not usually seen as an active agent ( in society); it is more of a 007 ?

Or simply that people learn more from 'shown' examples of 'good' behaviour rather than the 'telling' of what it is to be virtuous ?

Any thoughts, Miss Moneypenny, Q...?

When was the last time you made a 'philosophical enquiry', and what was it?
Did it change your perspective, or beliefs, in any way?