2007-03-28 03:01:46 · 19 answers · asked by Peter E 2 in Arts & Humanities ➔ Philosophy
no, it's opinion
2007-03-28 03:04:39 · answer #1 · answered by Good Egg 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No, philosophy is not prevarication. Nowadays, we consider philosophy as a hobby, something idle minds do to while away time. Nothing could be further from the truth.
Philosophy is the rational pursuit of truths, which we see as answers to questions about nature and man's place within the world. If you think your life is not affected by philosophy consider this:
1. Natural Philosophy
The science of physics is the offshoot of a branch of philosophy that was called natural philosophy. Its aim was to explain the natural world in which we live, i.e. falling objects, motion etc.
The natural philosophers (after the works of Sir Isaac Newton, Galileo Galilee, Tycho Brahe etc in the 17th century) were so successful in explaining natural phenomena that the field ceased to be a philosophical. With its success came the industrial revolution in the West and the rest is, as they say, history.
2. Ethics
This branch of philosophy is the historical study of the good life. What does it mean to be good? How do societies organise themselves to achieve the good?
Ethics is the mother of the modern field of political science and sociology. Again, the philosophers in this were so successful in tackling the problems of political organisation (see the works of Thomas Hobbes, John Locke, Thomas Paine, Voltaire) that it birthed a new discipline, which we don't really think of as philosophy.
And if you still think philosophy is prevarication, try reading the American Declaration of Independence. It is an Enlightenment document, heavily influenced by the thinkers I have just mentioned.
3. Psychology : The Study of the Soul
Most Westerners assume that the human self divides cleanly into a body and a soul (mind). But where does this duality come from?
It comes from Plato (2500 years ago). He was the first philosopher to outline the duality, with consequences for how we see ourselves today. This study of the inner self has morphed into today's fields of psychology and psycho analysis.
Philosophy is alive and well. It may not be apparent to us in the modern industrial age but it shapes how we see ourselves and our place in the world.
2007-03-28 11:25:00 · answer #2 · answered by Taharqa 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋
philosophy is not prevarication because its just speculation. in philosophy there is no right or wrong, so what could make it a lie?
2007-03-28 11:08:55 · answer #3 · answered by audiofreedom 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Philosophy is the continuation of a thought to as far as it can be possibly understood; and based on this information, either a belief is created, or a question is posed.
2007-03-28 10:31:15 · answer #4 · answered by Timeless 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Philosophy is a search for the truth,using logic and objectivity.
Denial in any part negates the quest for understanding.
2007-03-28 11:10:43 · answer #5 · answered by Billy Butthead 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Philosophy is, what makes us different from other life forms like animals, politicians and war mongers. There is no Democracy without Philosophy.
2007-03-28 10:19:39 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Certainly not. It is a tool to measure your ideas against other peoples ideas and ultimately sharpen your thinking. The search for knowledge and wisdom starts with philosophy. By the way you've just asked a philosophical question. Welcome to the club.
2007-03-28 10:23:19 · answer #7 · answered by Helios100 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
No Don't think so its just leaving the Questions open for latter input . Do you agree with me that no philosophical question can be answered . there are always new angles and some are old wine in new bottles . that's what makes philosophy to my mind DELICIOUS!!!!!!!!
2007-03-28 10:10:38 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Philosophy is NOT a lie, on the contrary, it's the sophisticated unveiling of the truth.
2007-03-28 10:06:39 · answer #9 · answered by markos m 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Yes, along wiht being fact, thought, inspiration, and the intricate workings of the human condition.
2007-03-28 11:01:30 · answer #10 · answered by kissaled 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No, unless its intended to decieve an Philosophy doesn't decieve, the user or the miss user of it does.
2007-03-28 10:08:39 · answer #11 · answered by Ferris 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋