Meditation 51: The Good of Philosophy

What earthly good is philosophy? Born of idleness and speculation, it adds nothing but hot air to an already overheated verbal environment. Its questions are either so big as to be vacuous, or so vacuous as to be pointless. What is the point of discussing the possible answers to questions without definite answers, or at least no definite answers to which everyone can agree? Metaphysics, in particular, is the most inconclusive of all subjects. Reason can prove nothing in metaphysics, and therefore should shut up about it.

Has philosophy ever turned a wheel, lit a city, or blown people up in wars? No. Like an elaborate Rube Goldberg machine, symbolizing the greatest effort with the least results, philosophy gives every appearance of doing something while doing nothing at all.  How are you going to retire on philosophy? What do you do for a living? Yes, there is undoubtedly much conversation that philosophers think is just great. But, to us, who happen to catch a glimpse of these generally secretive creatures, it seems to be talk about things that do not matter in the 'real' world, where people do not sit around all day arguing conceptual distinctions, but, rather, hustle for a living.

Enough! What is this but ignorance speaking? Since when has life been nothing more than making a living? Still, philosophy ought to be able to give some reasons why it is a good thing to do. For a start, being good at philosophy is compatible with practical wisdom, fiscal prudence, or business acumen. Intelligence belongs to these different sorts of endeavors. However, the home of philosophy is not in those things. The world of thought transcends business, paid employment and all practical concerns. In philosophy you can freely speculate about ideas and theories, try to think deeply and consistently about things that matter to human beings, like the existence of God, the nature of the universe, the extent of human knowledge, and how we can best live, both as individuals and in societies.

So what are the goods of philosophy, since I believe there is more than one? One important good is developing an independent mind.  Such a mind is capable of logical analysis, critical thinking, self-movement and direction.  The direction is toward wisdom and truth; however grand these may sound, and how far away they seem.  The search takes the new philosopher on a ride through the cosmos of thought and conceptual possibilities. One begins to live in a larger context, which is a good thing that thinking philosophically brings about. Why feel cramped by the fact that your body can only be in one place at a time, when the whole of time and space is open to your mind, and your mind does not care in the slightest about the restrictions of the body.  Mental freedom may not be more important than freedom under law, but it is important not to restrict it by the operation of unexamined prejudices and unconscious ideological elements. Finally, and significantly, philosophizing is another wonderful enjoyment in life, and enjoyment, as Aristotle says, is a good in itself. It is a kick to explore the world of unfettered speculation, and even more fun to enter into spirited discussion with other philosophers, and by them, I mean people who like to question and discuss ideas, not just the academically trained.