1.2. INTROPHIL - Philosophy: Difficult, Important and Everywhere

Summary

This script explores philosophy as the pursuit of the best way to think about things, with questions arising in any domain. It likens philosophers to children continuously asking 'why', demanding justifications. Philosophy is deemed fundamental as it challenges assumptions we often take for granted, though not necessarily making it an easy or always important endeavor. It emphasizes the importance of questioning and reflecting on our beliefs and practices to avoid past societal errors and to potentially shape a better future.

Takeaways

• 🧠 Philosophy is the activity of figuring out the right way to think about things.
• 🌐 Philosophical questions can arise in any domain where thinking is involved.
• 👶 Philosophers are like children who continuously ask 'why', seeking deeper justifications.
• 🤔 Philosophy is often described as fundamental because it can question any presupposition.
• 👨‍⚕️ Not all professions require a philosophical approach to excel, like brain surgery or bomb disposal.
• 🤷‍♂️ Philosophy can be difficult because it challenges assumptions we usually take for granted.
• 🔍 Philosophical questioning is important as it can lead to significant societal improvements.
• 📚 Historically, philosophical reflection has been crucial in rejecting harmful practices like genocide or slavery.
• 🌱 Reflecting on current practices, like animal farming or environmental responsibility, is important for future generations.
• 🌟 Philosophy's importance lies in its ability to scrutinize and potentially change our fundamental beliefs and actions.

Q & A

What does the speaker suggest is the primary activity of philosophy?

The speaker suggests that the primary activity of philosophy is working out the right way to think about things.

How does the speaker relate philosophy to other subjects?

The speaker relates philosophy to other subjects by stating that philosophical questions can arise in any domain where thinking about things occurs.

What is the comparison the speaker makes between a philosopher and a child?

The speaker compares a philosopher to a child who continuously asks 'why', always demanding more reasons and justifications.

Why does the speaker think philosophy is often described as a fundamental subject?

The speaker thinks philosophy is described as fundamental because philosophical questions can arise from any area of thought or action.

What examples does the speaker give to illustrate that philosophy is not always fundamental?

The speaker gives the examples of a brain surgeon and a bomb disposal technician, whose jobs do not require them to step back and think philosophically to be effective.

What does the speaker mean when they say philosophy can be very difficult?

The speaker means that philosophy can be very difficult because it often involves questioning and justifying the assumptions and presuppositions we usually take for granted.

Why does the speaker believe philosophical questioning is important?

The speaker believes philosophical questioning is important because it challenges the ways of thinking and acting we usually take for granted, potentially leading to societal improvements.

What historical examples does the speaker provide to show the importance of philosophical reflection?

The speaker provides examples such as medieval medicine, genocide, slavery, and discrimination based on race or sex to show the importance of philosophical reflection.

What does the speaker suggest about the future perception of our current practices?

The speaker suggests that future generations might view some of our current practices, such as farming animals for food or our attitudes towards the planet, as crazy and indefensible.

How does the speaker conclude the importance of philosophy?

The speaker concludes that philosophy is important because it allows us to step back and scrutinize our beliefs and practices, potentially preventing future generations from viewing them as crazy.