What is philosophy?

[pmaniati <pmaniati@bigpond.net.au>]

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What is philosophy?
 
The etymological meaning of the word philosophy is a particular love for
wisdom. And wisdom is the highest form of understanding.
So the prerequisite to the study of philosophy is ³love² for wisdom
 
The follow-up question is what is wisdom?
 
It is about connectedness and understanding. In the hierarchy of
understanding ­ understanding relations, patterns and principles ­ wisdom is
the highest form of understanding the data we receive from all sources
throughout our lives.
 
A non-philosopher would ask, what is the use of this kind of understanding?
 
In this forum, it has been suggested, that we study philosophy for its own
sake and nothing more ­ science takes care of all human life needs.
 
My view is that philosophy is not only enjoyable ­ the pleasure one feels in
a moment of a new understanding ­ but useful as well. For there is no use in
philosophizing if the effort in doing so does not bring benefit to one¹s
self and consequently to the human community in general
 
It seems to me that all effort and all human endeavor is directed towards a
better life. A life that consists of some wealth (at least some material
necessities of shelter and nourishment), some honor, (at least to be honored
by friends) and most of all peace of mind, that is to be in harmony with
one¹s own self and with the world in general.

Now, increasing material wealth is the work of science. It is through
science that billions more people are nourished and sheltered in comparison
to thirty and fifty years ago. Peace of mind and peace and harmony of self
and the other or the world in general, on the other hand, is the work of
philosophy. 
 
One can live without philosophy, but one can live well with philosophy.
 
So Paul your dad is right, philosophy is not about trivial matters, but
about the most important matters of human life. It is about the Good Life.
 
Good Luck with your studies
 
Peter
 




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