Political Crossfire Forums

[Jason.Spade]

A student asked me the other day, "Why is philosophy important?"

I thought for a long time about that question before answering. However, I would like to pose the same question now.

I wrote: Why is philosophy important? Why does it matter? Are those who study philosophy better than those who don't?

[wormwood]

Is quantum physics important? Only to those that can use it I suppose.
Philosophy teaches how to think "correctly" , that is to say, how to form arguments about uncertain events without using flawed logic to reach one's conclusion. It is important only as long as thought itself is important, taken out of it's element, it's concepts are wasted on simple people. So in the matter of being correct, yes philosophy can make one person "better" than another, but there has to be at least one other person who appreciates logic for anyone to notice. 8:)

[$orideals]

Philosophy exercises the mind and entertains a broad spectrum of ideas. Open mindedness is key.

[Jason.Spade]

$orideals wrote: Philosophy exercises the mind and entertains a broad spectrum of ideas. Open mindedness is key.

And yet every philosopher does not entertain the spectrum, but refutes, acknowledges, and ultimately puts forth their own ideas. While it is true that to study philosophy creates a grand spectrum of ideas, is not there a reason to study other than to simply widen one's mind? Why would someone want to widen one's mind if the only ordeal one has to go through is the reiteration of others' words?

Along the same lines, art also opens one's mind, yet one does not look at art to open one's mind. In fact, as most artists will tell you, the greatness about art is not the ability to look at it, but the emotions invoked by either comprehending it or, much more specific and perhaps poignant, by creating it.

[Roy L]

I wrote: Why is philosophy important? Why does it matter? Are those who study philosophy better than those who don't? Science used to be called "natural philosophy," so one could as well ask "Why is science important?"
The answer is that while animals can function successfully on the basis of instinct and learned behaviors, people need to make decisions -- and reasoned and informed decisions tend to be better than ill-considered and uninformed ones. Philosophy is an attempt to improve the quality of our decisions by clarifying our understanding of ourselves, our fellow human beings, and the non-human universe (including God if you are so inclined), and the interrelationships among these three. Philosophy is what the physical, life, behavioral and formal sciences have sprung from. It also informs their pursuit via the branch of philosophy known as epistemology, and informs the use that is made of them via the branch known as ethics.

[clarity]

Philosophy is so important cus it allows us to view every aspect of our world and ourselfs

[Borommakot]

Philosophy is no more important than classic literature or learning an ancient language. It's like art, it doesn't improve the human race but then nether did the Mona Lesa people just appreciate it. I don't know if I'm saying this clearly but its philosophy for philosophy's sake if that even means anything. :lol:

[jawsome]

philosophy is important because it can, will, and should guide almost every single action and thought we partake in.

[Roy L]

Borommakot wrote: Philosophy is no more important than classic literature or learning an ancient language. It's like art, it doesn't improve the human race but then nether did the Mona Lesa people just appreciate it. I don't know if I'm saying this clearly but its philosophy for philosophy's sake if that even means anything. :lol: Hard to imagine this guy intends to be taken seriously...

[goblue]

>>Why is philosophy important?<< Because when you wake up and go about your day, sooner rather than later there will be a pile of crap in front of you. Subconsciously, a person will walk into it many times. If they have the integrity, they might be able to work through the crap. A better way would be to walk around the crap. If done adroitly, it can be done.

[ieatfood]

Cause it's fun. Same reason why people major in english literature or art history. SUrely, its not because they plan on finding a job. :lol:

[ieatfood]

Roy L wrote: [Science used to be called "natural philosophy," so one could as well ask "Why is science important?"
The answer is that while animals can function successfully on the basis of instinct and learned behaviors, people need to make decisions -- and reasoned and informed decisions tend to be better than ill-considered and uninformed ones. Philosophy is an attempt to improve the quality of our decisions by clarifying our understanding of ourselves, our fellow human beings, and the non-human universe (including God if you are so inclined), and the interrelationships among these three. Philosophy is what the physical, life, behavioral and formal sciences have sprung from. It also informs their pursuit via the branch of philosophy known as epistemology, and informs the use that is made of them via the branch known as ethics.

Science is important because you use it to make sh*t. Name one thing you can make by studying philosophy. Go ahead. Name one. Can you make a pizza using philosophy? No. But you can using science. MMMMMMmmmmm. Pizzzza.

I don't see philosophers making that great decisions anyhow. Many ppl who majored in philosophy in college are now working at McDonalds. Welcome to McDonalds, can I take your order?

[XxMorningStarxX]

Ultimately one's own priorities and views on what's "important" are totally individual. I will say though, that philosophy is important, and should be important to each and every individual because it makes us question things, analyze ideas and generate new ideas. Philosophy = the idealistic transcendence of humankind. Philosphy is everything. What kind of human being would you be if you did not have the ability to judge and question?

In a sense, philosophy is more important than all else, because you can still be a individual without science, math, and all that other stuff- but our own personal philosophies are what enable us to exist as individuals.

[greeneye]

Jason.Spade wrote: A student asked me the other day, "Why is philosophy important?"

It gives us the opportunity for inner reflection wherein many things can sometimes be understood that would otherwise be misunderstood.

[NeedsREALfreedom]

It teaches you to think. You must consider many factors and views when forming philosophy. Someone who cares nothing for philosophy truly cannot think for themselves.

[Ellron]

To help us look outside of the box, to organize life, to organize priorities, to ponder a situation which has not occured yet, and to force foolish idea's on others...............Well mb not the last one.

[Jason.Spade]

It's funny, though, that we are supposed to look outside the box despite the tendency of humanity to live in them. From cribs to sandboxes, they form life itself. Even houses and buildings. Irony at its finest.

[anselfir]

Eh, not really.

As for philosophy, roughly it is an attempt at understanding stuff. i dunno why that's important though, much like i dunno why the world itself is important or relevant.

[HomoUniversalis]

jawsome wrote: philosophy is important because it can, will, and should guide almost every single action and thought we partake in.

Verily! Life is deterministic, and thus the gift of man is to understand the choices that happen beyond his control. He can understand the why. Our ability lies in the capacity to understand the why behind our choices. Philosophy is one method to obtain that. Those who do not seek the why will never obtain power over themselves, let alone the world.

Mr U

[THEXRATED]

It does help when formulating arguments and ideas as well as with problem solving.