Can someone help me with this question on philosophy?

Question

I want to start thinking about philosophy and thinking critically and I was wonderin is it possible to learn philosophy by just finding out the major questions in philosophy, and thinking and writing about them from my own perspective and having conversations with others about them and finding out their opinion of things, or would it be better to buy a book on philosophy. It seems like to me just finding out the questions of philosophy and thinking and talking about them with other people is alot better than buying a book because conversation is what philosophy seems to be all about, but I wanted some other opinions. Thanks in advance.

Answer 1

You're on the right track, that is the best way to do philosophy, talking with others about certain arguments and issues, ie: is there life after death? does a god exist? what is the purpose of life? by talking with other people you gain further retrospect into your own thoughts. However, if you do want a more formal education and real understanding of philosophy and its history you should definitely pick up a few philosophy books, i reccomend a book called "philosophy, the quest for truth" by pojman. Philosophy doesn't seem like it but it is highly technical and very mathematical, look into propositional logic and you'll see what i mean. If you want a solid understanding of philosophy you should learn some basic logic, like inductive and deductive reasoning techniques. The main thing with philosophy is just enjoying it, it is amazing what the power of thought and inquiry can accomplish and how it can bring meaning to ones life. But like I said you should for sure check out some books!! goodluck!!

Answer 2

There's much to be said for your statement. The biggest difference between philosophy and every other discipline in life is that one is supposed to specialized in other disciplines.

You must be a student of physics to be a physicist, a student of chemistry to be a chemist, etc. But philosophy mean "The Love of Wisdom (Philos: Love/ Sophos: Wisdom). And the original meaning of the word clearly implies that whatever else we accomplish in life, we should all be lovers of wisdom.

The Socratics, of course, believed absolutely that philosophy was best done by friends gathered around posing questions to one another. That's why so many of Plato's dialogues are set at dinner parties and other social gatherings. So in general, I'm in complete agreement with your position.

The only difficulty is that often, a few people discussing things (as it were) in a vacuum can lead to completely erroneous conclusions. Moreover, if you accept as a given that "There is no new thing under the sun," it follows that the questions you would raise have already been raised once or twice (or several times) by individuals over the centuries whose insights you might find extremely helpful.

Thus, I think you should find the "middle way." If philosophy is to be a living vital process, it requires you to think and discuss and argue with your firends. This is a must. And you should also be aware of the major ideas of those whose ideas have come down through the centuries as learned and wise to aid you in your quest.

I say a little of both is necessary. Superior question. Cheers, mate.

Answer 3

Firstly, beware. Philosophy can screw you up.

It's too late for me but you should still be given the chance to save youself by running away screaming. If you are not careful, it's like pulling a loose thread on a sweater. All you want to do is tidy things up a bit, but before you know what's happening, it just gets worse and everything unravels.

But if you must... conversation, yes, thinking and making notes, yes. But a good book will be very useful. Like a map, it will show you the well-trodden paths and save you having to break trail for yourself the whole time. Most ideas you could have will have already occured somewhere in human history, and been considered by others. Having those down in some sort of order will help a lot. And like walking, with or without a map, you don't HAVE to stick to the recognised paths (though often there's a good reason to!)

For a light start, consider "Sophie's World". It's not a kid's book. (even the computer game version is quite a substantial introduction to philosophy)

Answer 4

Thats what i do...but then again i used to come up with stuff randomly...u know at wierd times of the day without really trying....so either start reading books or start thinking on your own without worrying about 'philosophical questions'...just observe and analyse...if u cant make much progress in an year, switch to books.

the reason im suggesting this is because the 'knowledge graph',if there is any such thing, will be completely different for someone who reads who reads philosophy...i KNOW that it distorts my perspective on things...so im still trying to do my own thing...anyway, for someone who studies philosophy, the graph(knowledge and time graph) will be more or less a straight line...but for someone who does everything on his own, itll be a deep curve..this means there will be a point where youll find that your knowledge increases sharply...n thats what im waiting for...if this doesnt happen in a few months, im definitely gonna read all the books i can lay my hands on.

Answer 5

Ah. A fellow fancier of the phylosophical realm. I mis-spelled that on purpose.
What skills have I to teach if the pupil does not know what philosophy consists of?
Begin with a science you are familiar with and practice its theory to your hearts content. Math, Social Studies, Chemistry, Art, Writing, anthropology, Paleontology, Archaeology, what ever you choose.
To begin to understand the philosopher is to understand how many trades you are proficient at. Then, whether or not you could teach others those traits.

I have heard it said, that, "A philosopher is sometimes the person who cannot seem to make a living at any one stable job, for long, and finds they have learned many for, short order cooking of, their minds leads them to wonder, what if, when they already know how to flip a burger. Tossing it over the shoulder at an inopportune time hitting the boss, or worse the bosses wife, right between the eyes."

An old line is, "If you can't work, Teach." If you can't keep your audiences attention while teaching you better go back to flipping burgers for a living.

If you are still determined, start with the works of Plato: First read his writing called, "Apology" Then follow up by reading his words in, Crito.

Answer 6

Russell has a competent quote in this: We could word one strange characteristic of philosophy. If somebody asks the question what's arithmetic, we are able to grant him a dictionary definition, enable us to declare the technological understanding of variety, for the sake of argument. so far because it is going it quite is an uncontroversial fact... Definitions could acquire in this form of any field the place a physique of specific know-how exists. yet philosophy can't be so defined. Any definition is debatable and already embodies a philosophic physique of techniques. the only thank you to make certain what philosophy is, is to do philosophy. —Bertrand Russell, The expertise of the West

Answer 7

I think you're right on. Discussing ideas with others is what it's all about! Books are good, but communication is where you (and I) will really grow and benefit.
There's no such thing as a "wrong" opinion. Let's all share ours with each other. How cool would that be??

Answer 8

"Philosophy is a process. Although the questions don't lead to answers and the answers don't need questioning; philosophy is necessary." - Raurke, 1674

Excuse me for intruding; but, although I am hardly as experienced as any of you, I would recommend you discuss the books. The content contains vital ingredients for discussing questions that will broaden your mind and extend your mental capabilities.

Answer 9

Get the book(s). A little formal training teaches you to think and gives you authority. You need to understand what went before and then you can speak intelligently about it.

Answer 10

talking with others, thinking, and reading. buying a book allows you to learn from ancient philosophers.