Thinking about philosophy

It is nearly november. I haven't written anything exciting in quite a while. I suppose i'm too busy with classes and studying and GREats. I have been writing for the school newspaper. i'm supposed to write a philosophy/world issues column and it hasn't been fantastic, but i'm working on it. I decided that i would post my articles, pre-edited versions, here.


Thinking about Thinking

The desire for knowledge seems to be a significant part of our human nature. Children are never satisfied with answers like, “I’ll tell you when you’re older”. They don’t accept, “Because that’s just how it is.” The search for knowledge is driven by a curious desire to understand the world we inhabit. Like inquisitive nine year olds with a hammer and the family stereo, we are all pounding away at the world, taking it apart, and occasionally learning something.

Students in every discipline pick apart the complex structure of the universe in their own manner to learn how it functions and why it came to be. The term philosophy stems from the Greek word philosophia, meaning friend or lover of wisdom. If it is accepted that a desire for knowledge is part of our human nature, then in many ways we are all philosophers.

It is a misconception to think that philosophy is a theoretical study of abstract ideas with no application to practical life. I will soon graduate with a degree in philosophy and my grandfather still slyly hints that he would be getting into the health profession himself.

Ethical concerns such as euthanasia, abortion and even justifications for war are all founded in philosophical problems. I think most scientists would agree that the debate between evolution and creation is not so much a scientific debate as it is a philosophical debate about the nature of the scientific method. This misunderstanding has caused passionate, but basically unwarranted, controversy in high school biology classes across America.

In Chinese Philosophy, a course offered at Juniata, students learn that the foundation for ancient Chinese government was very often linked to the philosophical discussion of human nature. The same thought can be applied to government in the United States today. Considering human nature, to what extent should the government be involved in our personal lives?

If human nature is inherently malicious, then it seems that the government should have more control to keep society in balance. In fact, maybe the general public should not be consulted at all and strict laws need to be enforced for the general good. On the other hand, if human nature is inherently positive and good, then we could conclude that there is no need for the government’s hand in personal matters. The public would be able to make the right choices on an individual level. Excessive control would be unnecessary and hence a waste of time and money. What does current government in the United States say about human nature? And more importantly, is it right?

The notion of ‘analytic thinking’ has almost become a cliché catchphrase for any respectable liberal arts education. However, this is not to say there is nothing behind the idea. Analytic thinking involves breaking down ideas and arguments to understand each piece and how they contribute to the whole. Philosophy is largely analytical in that it advances forward by assessing an argument, finding weaknesses and constructing a new argument with fresh ideas.

Aristotle, a famous ancient Greek philosopher wrote, “It is the mark of an educated mind to be able to entertain a thought without accepting it.” The study of philosophy requires the ability to entertain ideas that are drastically different from your own. The student is forced to view the world from a different perspective.

Thinking analytically is not only applicable to philosophy or philosophical issues, but is well suited to prepare the student for any endeavor they may undertake. One example is the Graduate Record Examination (GRE). This is a test often required for students applying to graduate school. It includes an analytic writing section where the student is asked to analyze the reasoning behind one argument and present his/her perspective on a given issue.

Philosophy utilizes an analytic mode of inquiry to undermine the foundations of all that we know. It also builds new foundations for that which we do not yet understand. Of course many other disciplines also promote analytic thinking. Philosophy is simply thinking about thinking. An education involving philosophy can lead to a fulfilling life and has many practical applications. Most importantly though, it will prepare the student to think for themselves.