[Bups-dis] Sophie and Philosophy

[Ronald King]

'Evening Sophie,
I deduce from your letter that you want to know if philosophy should be used to answer everyday problems?

How would a philosopher answer your question?
First of all she would have to define what philosophy is.
Say philosophy is an attempt to increase human understanding by the use of reason alone.

So far so good, but can we use reason alone to answer an everyday problem.
Should I buy my son Johnny a new pair of shoes?
First let's define shoe. A shoe is a device intended to protect the feet when walking.
Johnny's shoes are too small, they damage the feet rather than protect them. Therefore these shoes are no longer fulfilling their function. The shoes need replacing.

Yes we can use philosophy to answer everyday problems.
Now will Johnny go to heaven when he dies?
This may take a little longer.

Happy Thinking,
Ron king