why do philosophers think they are so unique and that they are the only ones that think ??

Answer 1

Excess Ego......which makes one too big for their britches......

Answer 2

I would say this is the same thing as asking, why do doctors think they are so unique and that they are the only ones who can cure people?

A real, respected, published, teaching philosopher today has earned the right be called a professional thinker, and they do not think they are right, they only provide another point of view. They have their PhD (literally) and have chosen a field of thought to devote their lives to and they really do have a qualified opinion on their field of study.

Answer 3

Well, I think in a lot of cases it's a pretty reasonable point of view. Certainly, philosophers (I'll say "we" if you're including modern, non-professional philosophers *grins*) are like the mushroom - everyone thinks, but they're the only ones you really see. There is certainly a little philosophy in everyone, but it is fair to say that there is a large difference between someone who might vaguely ponder the deeper questions one or twice in their lifetime and someone who spends their entire existence pondering some unknowable concept.

It's the same with science, really; a lot of people might wonder why we don't go hurtling off the face of the earth into space, but a relatively few people actually put serious thought into it and figured out the answer.

Answer 4

In general, people who call themselves philosophers have spent a lot more time thinking about the "deep questions." It doesn't mean they have all the answers, but it does tend to mean that they've come to more REAL deductive logical conclusions than the rest of us. That being said, there are very few conclusions of truth that can be made in philosophy, it's mostly just conclusions of absence of truth within any given arguement. If we consider deductive logic a skill, then philosophers are simply those with more training. It doesn't mean they always "win" but it does mean they're more likely to "win." Of course, being "right" in an arguement is largely subjective, so it's by and large irrelevant.

Answer 5

Please point out to me these charlatans of reason to whom you are referring so that I may expose their fallacy and thereby release them from their precipitous perchs.

Philosophers vary in the depths of their pursuits. Nevertheless, anyone that has raised a question for which they are sincerely seeking an honest answer is, however humbly, by definition, a philosopher.

Philosophy is the love of wisdom. Wisdom is acquired through experience with applying the knowledge derived from thinking about and learning to understanding our selves and our relationship to each other and the world around us in which we all live. It is an appreciation for the value derived from the application of wisdom to living ones life that drives the never ending pursuit for greater wisdom.

Ones thoughts and the philosophy which binds them in a coherent and orderly manner are inextricably linked and the successful development of one depends entirely on the quality of the other. Whether a person has taken the time to examine and evaluate their philosophy, that fact that they have one and that it guides any further thoughts that proceed from it is inescapable.

Ultimately it is an individual’s philosophy that determines their choices and subsequent actions and thereby establishes their unique qualities and identity. Even ones physical form and appearance are shaped by and a reflection of the philosophy they live by.

Any philosopher who believes they have a monopoly on thinking needs to be reminded that thought is the means through which they have formulated their philosophy. Only after an appreciation of the value of wisdom and an understanding that thought is the prerequisite child from which wisdom grows and develops into a state of maturity can one rightfully aspire to claim the title of philosopher.

Answer 6

We're certainly not the only one's that think. But we certainly unique. We are all just the same as one another-all people in our uniqueness and myriad ways. But philosophers just have a wide spectrum sometimes (or at least a more unique one).

Answer 7

Why do you assume "they" do?

I mean, chances are they DO think way more about details, problems, limit-cases, best-representative cases, logic and everyday life than most people. They are paid to. But there aren't philosophers who write books: "Why all literature, art, science does not constitute thinking." You made this up.

To think that a guy off the street is capable of analyzing a heated philosphical issue in 15 different ways in 15 minutes is not possible. Does that mean the everyday guy is stupid? no. He might have a respectable answer to a question. But that doesn't mean his acuity can compare to someone who literally dedicates their life to it.

Answer 8

All people observe life. Some understand much of what they see and experience. Some never try.

Having a higher education by no means makes you a better observer of life or gives you the right to share these observations as if your experiences and observations are all-knowing.

Some very profound observers and commitors on life have been perceived as typical 'everymen', people like Will Rogers and Mark Twain.

What education gives you is a slightly better tool, a slightly more eloquent way, for expressing your thoughts

Answer 9

honesly, i always thought to be an intelligent philosopher would mean you would NOT be able to be narrow minded and would see the possible truths in all points of view. but so many famous philosophers were dead certain they were the only person correct in their thinking, i'm not sure how they could be that intelligent and that stupid. it's strange, for sure.;

Answer 10

do they think they're unique? Maybe because they spend a loootttt of time thinking and get stressed over thinking and feels like they did ALL the thinking...

to make people think...that's why they say they are the only ones that think... so people would get insinuated and start to think...

Answer 11

It's the best they can do. They "think". Thinkers generally feel they're smart, intelligent etc. but sadly they're a depressive lot too. Because they think too much and may not enjoy life as much as normal people who also think but not so much. So it kind of even out for all of us, don't you think?