Modern day philosopher ? What type of person would this be ? Their profession ?

Question

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We read of Plato, Socrates, et al. Who do you consider to be or what type of ' everyday ' person or person you know to be a ' modern day philosopher ?

What, in your opinion, are some traits of a modern day philosopher ?
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Wow . . . I'm liking these answers ! ! Thanks for what you are sharing and well expressed answers.
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Answer 1

Someone who keeps an open mind; is not swayed by religious or political rhetoric; speaks well and makes sense; does not get angry when questioned; is open to any and/or all subjects.
This person could be anyone, no matter what profession. Some very humble people are great philosophers.

Answer 2

There are alot of philosopher's out there,if they'd just stop and take some time to think about God, the World, the Stars, Planets, Universe, man kind ,music art everything . Why are we here? What's our purpose in life? What can we do towards helping our fellow man and our planet and all creatures on it? Back in Plato and Socrates time they had all the time in the world they weren't in a hurry, they were expected to think,think and think some more. I would have loved to have been there and listen in Just talking about it now has stirred up emotions that make me want to call up some of my old College friends. We use to sit around and Philosophize all the time. There's alot to talk about. We're all blessed.
Life is so awesome and everything around us. I feel the breeze, I smell the flowers, and hear the birds singing. I LOVE IT. Thank You God. And speaking of God, that's a subject that would be never ending. Thank you for bringing up this topic.

Answer 3

We tend to think in pragmatic terms these days, excluding the realm of ideas in a way that would sadden the likes of Plato or Socrates. Some philosophical minds that I might point out, however, would be Billy Graham for religion, Howard Zinn for politics, and numerous recording artists who regularly comment on the conditions of our time.

I think our society lacks a generally high view of philosophy. We mettle in materialism and instant gratification. We'd rather suck down a drink from Starbucks and rush off to our next appointment rather than think hard about the world around us and what it means to live a full life.

There are probably thousands of philosophers among us, but many do not take the time to publicize their theories. Part of what made the ancient philosophers successful was that they had an audience. In our world, people are apathetic to higher thinking unless it is a means to more money and more "stuff."

Answer 4

A modern day philosopher is likely to be a skillfully trained public celebrity figure with numerous books and a large following behind him.
He will have publicists, media advisors, television coverage, and resources to which he will merge his personality and terminology and reiterate the voice of past philosophers so that the people think they are hearing something old and wise for the first time.
He will have the gift of mastery of words.
He will be made famous by a single great quote and rise in power through administration and his name will be known by the people before he dies.
History will remember him as we do Plato etc.

If he is the real deal he will likely be a quiet wise person who will fade into obscurity much like those who most inspired Socrates and Plato.

Answer 5

today we do not encourage anyone to become a modern philosopher. the u.s. education system encourages students to MEMORIZE and REGURGITATE but not THINK!

A little child asks the question "why is the sky blue?" or "what is God?" (nothwithstanding all the technical or religious explanations) we don't seem to appreciate the basic human instinct to inquire about the world. Soceity discourages the expression of ideas and the asking of questions.

questions spur creativity; new inventions. what about encouraging children to formulate their own original riddles (in a classroom each child is the "arbiter" of the riddle/jokes originality), doing such requires observing unique relationships between objects. i'm sure businesses would find this ability useful in marketing strategy/campaigns and solving corporate problems.

Answer 6

Most philosophers today can be found in the academy: they are professors. But I have read psychologists or economists who make pretty good philosophers. Good philosophers are clear-headed and logical. They make sound and valid arguments or explore the depths of existence. From another perspective, good philosophers also analyze sentential locutions in hopes of discerning meaning or disambiguating amphibolous structures.

Answer 7

phylosophy mean findin the reall meaning of word and things.
like "truth" we cud say "reality"
it is god gifted no every one tries to know the actuallity behind the things and word.
and any one could thing keeping any profession. any one cud be a phylosopher liek doctor, engineer, carpenter and any labour , wisdom some by thinkin and thinkin, it is out of profession but to survive e could attemp any profession.
like socrat , plato were not only phylosopher but they were teacher aswell and use to teach wisdom of things, words and world.
hope u cud carry on to be phylosopher with ur professional study or profession.

Answer 8

Nelson Mandela, should be one
He gave meaning to man's existence, justified what a free world is all about, and talked about the essence of the universe through some of his creative writings.

Answer 9

Priests, Ministers, Rabbies, and other religious people.

Hopefully scientists like to play with philosophy --- to find wisdom in their creations vs profits.

Writers. Using the media (Books, Articals, Cartoonists, TV shows, Movies, Internet) to create wonderful stories for wisdom & entertainment.

Answer 10

To me, two great examples are Dr. Wayne Dyer and Deepak Chopera. Excellent speakers with wonderful thoughts.