The Importance of Philosophy (a simple theory)

When it comes to philosophy, the reasons why philosophy is so important, vary. One of the reasons is Interest. Philosophy is the Love of Wisdom. To pursue philosophy on an intellectual level, allows you to discuss it's importance to the world. As your true conception grows, it allows you to find your moral discipline and opens the doors to an investigation into anything and everything. Whether that includes nature, causes/effects, or principles of reality. 

Philosophy challenges what we already know and what we have yet to find out. Knowledge is power, but a power that triumphs a systematically challenged value, based on logical reasoning rather than empirical methods. We can only inquire so much, without wanting to learn more about what we have inquired about. There is much more to an analysis of fundamental assumptions and standard beliefs. Philosophy disciplines us and makes us "wake up" to faux conspiracy and propaganda. It allows us to realize we can't control everything in our life, but we can make the best of the life we have. You can create theories upon theories based on ideas, beliefs, and activities; and most likely, you will not have the universally correct answer. 

Philosophy extends beyond abstract concepts and can encompass an individual's ordinary thought processes, encompassing their beliefs, opinions, attitudes, and the standards they uphold for themselves and others. This introspective analysis of thoughts contributes to personal growth and is essential for self-awareness. While some may dismiss philosophy, it is important to recognize that this dismissal itself reflects their own philosophy. True wisdom lies in the pursuit of knowledge, while intelligence alone may lead to seeking knowledge for specific purposes or ends. Philosophy is a pursuit for those who are both intelligent and wise, seeking knowledge not just for its own sake but for a deeper understanding of truth.

While academic prowess can be advantageous and hold value, it does not equate to supreme intelligence. True wisdom and intelligence lie in the pursuit of knowledge in relation to truth. Those who engage in this pursuit and demonstrate deep understanding deserve recognition as philosophers. However, it is important to acknowledge that philosophy encompasses various schools of thought, resulting in different types of philosophers. Each individual possesses a unique perception and way of expressing their thoughts through speech or writing, reflecting the diversity of human thinking.

The concept of rights raises questions about their origin and permanence. Are rights bestowed by free will or are they inherently inviolable? Does the existence of one right negate another? Should a right be undermined if it aligns with what is morally right? Furthermore, does an individual's perception of reality stem from their historical, cultural, and attitudinal influences? Are preconceived notions learned behaviors rather than personal experiences?

Does philosophy solely serve as a means to navigate from unhappiness to happiness? Is our entire existence and knowledge shaped by philosophical principles? If each person embraced their own unique philosophy, would the world as we know it exist in the same way?

Personally, I take philosophy very seriously. I do not like to treat the matters in trivial form as it entails the beliefs of others and not just our own self. You can speak for yourself, as you should; but allow others to understand your remote way of thinking. Convey your thoughts accordingly. Philosophy is an analysis of the concepts that we take for granted, an analysis of the concepts that we use to understand our relation to the world, and our relations with each other. "Love of wisdom" really is passe, at least since Descartes. 

Modern philosophy has shifted its focus from seeking "absolute truth" and constructing comprehensive systems to accurately describing the realities that surround us. The post-modern era, influenced by thinkers like Nietzsche, Deleuze, and Derrida, acknowledges that philosophy can only interpret and offers fragmented glimpses into the complex nature of the world, beyond full human comprehension. It appears that the Heraclitean notion of difference has triumphed over Parmenidean monism. Perhaps, if we could utilize more than 30% of our brain capacity, we might gain a clearer understanding of truth, but ultimately, it remains elusive.

Contemporary philosophy is essentially Heraclitean. We use philosophy to question our native beliefs, to free ourselves from narrow ways of thinking. It teaches us to analyze critically, rather than to calculate and tabulate and in often instances--speculate. While some branches of philosophy are in danger of collapsing into psychology, there is much more to philosophy than trying to figure out what happens in our brain or in the brains of our enemies. There is moral philosophy, political philosophy, social philosophy, and many "philosophy of's" such as the philosophies of religion, art, technology, music, etc. Granted, each of these different branches of philosophy may or may not deal with psychology in their own respects, but once again they are not exhausted by it. Unless these skills are useless, philosophy will always have a place in the world, regardless of whether it spends its time coming up with new ideas or just studying the words of dead Europeans to make sense of how their words apply to us today. Science may be the way of the future, but philosophy is the guide of the future.

Regardless of your educational background or current circumstances, every individual has value and can contribute to the world in their own unique way. Your perspective and viewpoint, no matter how different, are important and can make a difference. The world needs the diversity of thoughts and experiences that each person brings. So, whether you are a doctorate degree philosophy major from MIT or just a homeless bum using the public library remember one thing—the world needs you all. 

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