Why We Need Philosophy

Summary

The speaker passionately advocates for the importance of philosophy, emphasizing its role in critical thinking and questioning ingrained beliefs. They argue that our evolutionary tendency to accept what we're told as children can lead to the acceptance of false beliefs and discourages questioning. Philosophy, they suggest, is essential for examining non-empirical concepts like morality and truth, and for challenging oppressive ideologies. The speaker also highlights the unfortunate reality where some are discouraged or even forbidden from engaging in philosophical thought, as seen in the banning of philosophy in schools by certain extremist groups.

Takeaways

• 🧠 Philosophy is presented as a critical activity for questioning and understanding the world and our beliefs.
• 🤔 The human tendency to accept beliefs without questioning can be traced back to evolutionary benefits for survival.
• 👶 Children are often told things that may not be true, such as myths and superstitions, which they accept without question.
• 💡 The script emphasizes the importance of critical thinking and questioning even the things we take for granted.
• 🌐 It discusses the non-empirical aspects of life, such as morality and beauty, that philosophy helps us to critically examine.
• 🚫 The script points out that some people are actively discouraged from practicing philosophy, which can be a form of oppression.
• 🏞️ An example is given of a group in Iraq that banned the teaching of philosophy, highlighting the fear some have of critical thinking.
• 🔍 The importance of challenging traditional ideas and beliefs is underscored, especially in the context of ethical reasoning.
• 🌍 The speaker acknowledges their own privilege in being able to engage in philosophical inquiry without fear.
• 💬 The script invites viewers to consider the value of philosophy and to share their thoughts in the comments.
• 📚 It encourages viewers to subscribe for more philosophical content, indicating a series or channel dedicated to such discussions.

Q & A

Why does the speaker believe philosophy is a worthwhile and important activity?

The speaker believes philosophy is important because it encourages critical thinking and questioning of beliefs that are often accepted without question, which can lead to a deeper understanding of truth and reason.

What evolutionary advantage does the speaker mention for not questioning beliefs as children?

The speaker suggests that not questioning beliefs as children, such as warnings against dangerous actions, would have been an evolutionary advantage for survival, as it ensured that children would follow their parents' guidance for safety.

Why is it problematic that children are often told things that aren't true?

It's problematic because it encourages a habit of accepting things without question, which can lead to the perpetuation of false beliefs and poor reasoning into adulthood.

What are some examples of false beliefs the speaker mentions that are told to children?

Examples include Santa giving presents to good children, sitting too close to the TV making your eyes square, and tornadoes carrying people to heaven.

What does the speaker mean by 'non-empirical stuff' that people often take for granted?

The 'non-empirical stuff' refers to abstract concepts such as time, morality, modality, beauty, logic, mind, and God, which are not subject to empirical investigation but are still important to critically examine.

Why does the speaker mention the banning of philosophy in schools by a group trying to establish an Islamic state in Iraq?

The speaker uses this example to illustrate the suppression of critical thinking and the potential fear of questioning established beliefs or worldviews, which can be indicative of insecurity in one's own beliefs.

How does poor reasoning, particularly ethical reasoning, contribute to oppression according to the speaker?

Poor reasoning and reluctance to challenge traditional ideas can lead to the perpetuation of harmful beliefs such as sexism, homophobia, and religious oppression, keeping people in a state of oppression.

What does the speaker consider themselves lucky for being able to do?

The speaker considers themselves lucky for being in a position where they can critically question beliefs and engage in philosophical thought without fear of violence or suppression.

What does the speaker encourage viewers to do in the comments section?

The speaker encourages viewers to share their thoughts on whether they believe philosophy is valuable or not.

What is the speaker's final call to action for viewers interested in more philosophical content?

The speaker invites viewers to subscribe for more philosophical videos.