How Philosophy Can Save Your Life | Scott Samuelson | TEDxBismarck

Summary

In this talk, the speaker argues that philosophy, particularly the ancient Greek pursuit of wisdom, can truly save one's life by transforming it into something precious. Through stories of Socrates and his wisdom of knowing nothing, and of individuals like Jillian and Kimberly who applied philosophical inquiry to their professions and life challenges, the speaker illustrates how philosophy can guide us to live meaningfully and authentically, even in the face of death.

Takeaways

• 🔍 Philosophy is presented as a tool for saving one's life by transforming it into something precious, rather than just postponing death.
• 🤔 The speaker challenges the audience to consider philosophy as more than an academic pursuit, but as a personal journey towards wisdom and understanding.
• 🏛 The story of Socrates highlights the value of recognizing one's own lack of knowledge as a form of wisdom, which sets the stage for philosophical inquiry.
• 👩‍⚕️ The narrative of Jillian, a nurse's aide, illustrates how philosophy can be applied to professional life, leading to a deeper understanding of one's purpose and role.
• 🏥 Jillian's exploration of the purpose of a hospital questions the conventional answers and suggests that the true purpose is to provide care and be present for people in their times of need.
• 🧠 The speaker emphasizes the importance of questioning and examining one's life, drawing on Socrates' famous assertion that 'The unexamined life is not worth living.'
• 🌟 The concept of 'eudaimonia' is introduced as a philosophical goal, which translates to living a flourishing life and achieving one's full human potential.
• 🛑 The speaker critiques the common 'bucket list' approach to life, suggesting it represents an unexamined and superficial understanding of happiness.
• 🚴‍♀️ Kimberly's story demonstrates how engaging with philosophy can lead to a meaningful and examined life, even in the face of terminal illness.
• 📚 The speaker encourages the audience to take up philosophy as a personal quest for wisdom and to use the works of great philosophers as guides on this journey.

Q & A

What is the main argument of the speaker in the transcript?

The main argument is that philosophy, particularly in the ancient Greek sense of the love of wisdom, can save one's life by helping to transform it into something precious and meaningful, rather than just prolonging physical existence.

How does the speaker relate medical treatments like CPR and chemotherapy to the concept of saving life?

The speaker suggests that medical treatments like CPR and chemotherapy do not truly save life but merely postpone death, emphasizing the need for a deeper philosophical understanding of what it means to save one's life.

What is the significance of Socrates' response to his death sentence according to the speaker?

Socrates' response signifies the idea that life and death are inevitable, and what we can control is how we live our lives. His wisdom lay in recognizing his own lack of knowledge, which the speaker suggests is a form of wisdom itself.

Why does the speaker believe that philosophy is accessible and necessary for everyone?

The speaker believes that philosophy is accessible because it begins with the natural human curiosity about what is true and valuable. It is necessary for everyone as it can help individuals to live a more examined and meaningful life.

What did Socrates discover about wisdom when he interviewed various people in Athens?

Socrates discovered that he was considered the wisest not because he had great wisdom, but because he was aware of his own ignorance. Others claimed to have knowledge they did not possess, which paradoxically made Socrates the wisest among them.

How did Jillian, the nurse's aide, apply philosophical inquiry to her understanding of a hospital's purpose?

Jillian questioned various hospital staff to understand the purpose of a hospital beyond just fixing physical ailments. She concluded that the true purpose was to provide care and be present for people in their times of sickness, dying, and mourning.

What lesson did the speaker learn from Jillian's story about the purpose of a hospital?

The speaker learned that philosophy can help professionals like nurses and doctors to deeply understand and fulfill their vocational purpose, which is to provide care and be there for people in their times of need.

What is the concept of 'eudaimonia' as discussed in the transcript?

'Eudaimonia' is an ancient Greek term that translates to 'happiness' but more accurately means 'flourishing over the course of your whole life' or 'living up to the full potential of being human.' It is a central concept in the pursuit of a good life in philosophy.

How did Kimberly's approach to her terminal diagnosis reflect philosophical thinking?

Kimberly's approach reflected philosophical thinking by engaging in deep contemplation about what true happiness is and how to live it. She chose to savor life's pleasures, pursue knowledge, and live according to her values, even in the face of a terminal diagnosis.

What advice does the speaker give regarding how to live in light of the inevitability of death?

The speaker advises embracing philosophy in the ancient sense, to deeply examine one's life, values, and actions to ensure they align with what is truly meaningful and valuable, thus 'saving one's life' in a philosophical sense.

What is the final message the speaker conveys about the role of philosophy in our lives?

The final message is that philosophy has the power to help individuals cut through superficial or misguided notions, enabling them to live a life that is truly meaningful, aligned with their deepest values, and in pursuit of eudaimonia.