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Why Bother With Philosophy?
To claim that one has no philosophy is to be mistaken, for nature abhors a vacuum, and the mind is no exception. Those who lack a developed worldview will inevitably absorb the ideas and biases of the world around them. Their minds become a repository for the messages of newspapers, television, schoolrooms and the pulpit, dutifully echoing the interests and morality of those in power. In essence, their thoughts become a mirror of the society and environment in which they live. Without a conscious effort to explore and question their beliefs, they risk being swept along by the currents of prevailing ideology, never questioning the status quo or considering alternative perspectives. We may adopt beliefs and assumptions without ever questioning their validity, simply because they are in vogue or because they align with our preconceived notions.
This is where philosophy proper comes in. It’s not just an abstract and esoteric pursuit for a select few—it’s a fundamental aspect of human existence. As the great philosopher Friedrich Nietzsche once said, “There is no such thing as a non-philosopher. Everyone is a philosopher, whether they know it or not.”
Philosophy is our shield for protecting us against herd mentality, which is the tendency to blindly conform to the opinions and behaviours of the group, rather than thinking for oneself. This sheep-like mentality can be particularly dangerous in times of crisis, when fear and uncertainty can hijack our rational faculties making us follow the crowd without questioning whether it is the right course of action.
Throughout the ages philosophers have taken pride in being the non-conformist types because they tend to question accepted beliefs and challenge prevailing assumptions. They are often critical of authority and established dogma, and are not afraid to propose new and controversial ideas. In the famous “Apology” dialogue written by Plato, Socrates describes himself as a gadfly sent by the gods to stir up the complacent Athenians, who he believed were too concerned with material wealth and status to pay attention to the more important matters of the soul and moral virtue.
Socrates roamed the streets of ancient Athens, engaging in thought-provoking discussions with anyone who would listen. It was his unique approach to questioning the beliefs and assumptions of his fellow citizens, unmasking the contradictions and inconsistencies in their thinking that made him famous. He challenged his fellow Athenians to examine their own beliefs and to seek knowledge and wisdom, rather than blindly accepting the opinions of others and this is what made him a non-conformist which he paid for with his life. From this, we can see why Socrates should be seen as an exemplar of non-conformity in philosophy and in life, valuing truth and integrity.
Fast forward and we come to the manifold concerns of modernity, like worrying about the bills, currying favours, deciding what’s best for the children, securing promotions and saving relationships. Homo economicus goes about his life performing the necessary labours to win his material comforts. Philosophy is more than just pondering the meaning of life and what is true knowledge (epistemology), it’s concerned with the art of living well. The things that we do in daily life are the activities we believe will make us happy. Most people plod along through their lives, until some great disturbance comes their way. The everyday expectations of an established routine are disrupted and there arises a need to rethink one’s attitude towards life.
Philosophy offers a way out of this cycle of naked consumerism and discontent, by helping us to refocus our attention on what truly matters in life. Through philosophical inquiry, we can explore the nature of happiness, the meaning of success, and the values that are most important to us as individuals. By examining our beliefs and assumptions about these fundamental questions, we can develop a deeper understanding of ourselves and our place in the world.
Philosophy helps us to critically examine our beliefs about what makes us happy and live a good life. It challenges us to reflect on our values, desires, and goals, and to consider whether they are truly our own or whether they have been imposed upon us by society or external influences. By doing so, philosophy can help us to live more authentically and meaningfully.
Moreover, philosophy can help us to cultivate important intellectual virtues, such as open-mindedness, curiosity, and critical thinking. By engaging with complex and challenging ideas, we can learn to approach the world with a more nuanced and reflective mindset. This can help us to avoid the pitfalls of simplistic thinking and knee-jerk reactions, and to develop a more nuanced and sophisticated understanding of the world.
The idea that one can have no philosophy and just be some drone is misguided, as the absence of a developed worldview leaves us vulnerable to the ideas and biases of those in power or prey for those groups with strong convictions in ideas. Philosophy is our bulwark against the dangers of herd mentality and the complacency that can result from blindly accepting prevailing beliefs and assumptions. By questioning our own beliefs and reflecting on our values, desires, and goals, philosophy helps us to live more authentically and meaningfully. It provides us with a framework for ethical decision-making and cultivates important intellectual virtues such as open-mindedness, curiosity, and critical thinking. Just as Socrates challenged his fellow Athenians to seek knowledge and wisdom, philosophy encourages us to do the same, to question authority, and to strive for truth and integrity.
