I know that Plato, Aristotle, Kant, and the rest of the worlds greatest philosophers were very intelligent, but as I read their works I cant help but think whoa you people didnt have anything better to do than compare humans to animals, and other different objects. What is philosophy but a fantasy world that will never exist so why are the works of these philosophers considered to be so great? its actually very boring. sitting around thinking all day everyday will not get the bills paid. Does anyone else feel this way, or am I the only one?
2006-10-16 12:19:20 · 5 answers · asked by E-con 1 in Education & Reference ➔ Higher Education (University +)
To be honest, if you read their works but only came to that conclusion, then you missed the point. Philosophy has nothing to do with the amount of 'time' on ones hands. They explored the questions that occupies man's deepest thoughts, like who am I?, why do we exist instead of nothing?, etc. Also, if u read their works carefully you will see the stream of thought that has influenced the very culture in which you live, even your own utilitarian view of having to work to pay the bills. Whole economic, social, and political structures are built off these philosophers. The laws you abide did not come out of thin air. The values you hold are prolly not as non-philosophical as you think. So I hate to tear down your fantasy world, but you are living the consequences of philosophy. And as far as not having to 'pay the bills', taxes have been levied even in Plato's day. Oh these people worked all right, and paid their dues, and influenced modern culture. Not bad for a philosopher.
2006-10-16 13:19:57 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Thinking like reading has gone out of fashion. Contemplation was once considered as much fun and as captivating as video games are now. People didn't feel that all the answers had been found. And, there were virtually no bills to pay as everyone had to provide all the necessities through their own labors. That made thinking an important pass time as it often resulted in some sort of labor saving device.
2006-10-16 12:33:27 · answer #2 · answered by Nora Explora 6 · 2⤊ 0⤋
We're sitting here doing Yahoo Answers so who are we to talk.<<<<<<< ( I can't put a question mark where it belongs or it might short out a yahoo circuit breaker).
2006-10-16 12:30:45 · answer #3 · answered by TalkingDonkey 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Actually, you're being a little philosophical here.
2006-10-16 12:34:56 · answer #4 · answered by ggraves1724 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Lots of time.
And WAYYYYYYYYYYY too much opium...
2006-10-16 12:26:50 · answer #5 · answered by Nikki 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋