Do you consider asking philosophical questions for people without a professional background a waste of time?

Question

thanx for your answers :)

Answer 1

Hi,
No, listening to anyone's philosphy is not a waste of time if you're interested. Everyone, no matter what their status, standing in life, culture has experience and it is experience that builds their philosophy. Those who don't have a professional background could have deep insight into life and the human experience. Of course not every person without a professional/educational background will be inclined to think philosophically just as not every person who is a professional or well educated will have a lot to offer in philosophical thought as they could be more likely to be narrow-minded. For that reason, everyone who wants to contribute, should be given a chance.
Polly

Answer 2

Hi ANGEL.

I definitely do NOT think it is a waste of time.

I have a professional background. However, for many years before I had that profession, I still had a mind that was constantly working, searching, asking questions.

And I responded by doing research, forming opinions, talking to other people, learning what was out there in the world & beyond. I have always been a seeker of knowledge & wisdom. I remember being that way even when I was a young child.

When we are young, our minds can wonder about things, about life, after life, what does it all mean, etc. We may not yet have all the education that others have; and many of us may never obtain formal higher education. But that does not preclude learning.

There are many ways to learn about philosophy — books, the internet, religious teachers, other people who are knowledgeable in the various schools of thought.

I would sometimes rather discuss philosophy with a non-professional younger person who has an open mind than a well-educated, professional who is so completely set in their thinking that there is no more room for "wondering."

Many people have not had the opportunity to become a professional, and some people are still young. However, their minds can still be filled with intelligent ideas, & I can learn much from them.

It would be a loss if we did not ask philosophical questions of people without professional backgrounds. We should never silence anyone's "voice."

Peace.

Answer 3

A strange question, considering you are doing the very thing you're asking about. Do you really consider that the people who answer the questions on here are going to say that they are wasting their time answering?

Personally, I have no professional training in philosophy although I am trained in psychology. I answer the questions on here because they either help me to think about what my views actually are on a given topic or because they introduce a new topic to me that I had not previously thought about.
For me, this is one of the best forms of brain training available, and it's free! If I can learn something new about how I think or what I think every day from being on here then my time is not wasted.

Answer 4

I don't necessarily feel that you have to have a "professional background" to voice your opinion on life. Being philisophical is apart of who you are, not what you become. People are more familiar and look up to someone with a degree or some sort of education on certain matters, but it would be a self-righteous act if you felt otherwise. Not everyone has the same goals in life, but they do have a "mind" and with this day and age, alot of people have just been "lazy" Doesn't mean they don't share the same thoughts. Its good to know that people care enough to voice their opinions once in a while. Take care and goodluck! <3 Tab

Answer 5

Philosophical Question can arise to any one and any body. No professional qualification is needed. And those who have professional background may have seldom time or enegry to offer philosophical questions

If questions are backed with professional background ,it is "A Jewel In the Crown"

Answer 6

you will be surprised what answers you get from someone who doesnt have any professional background. But then again its a small percentage. Not many people like to think this day and age. Very few do, and well those people tend to want a professional background.
its really a big chain. steps to a certain point.

I myself am studying to be a psychologist. I have no job at the moment and usually spend my free time taking care of a family of 6 or reading novel after novel. but ask me anything and ill give you my best answer.

=D

Answer 7

No idon't believ it is a waste of time. I consider every answer a valued time. His extra effort in reading such question and draing an answer is enough. We must respect their identity whatever their background is. We are not in control of this site. If he thinks that is his best answer on such a question So be it. Anyway what is important is we have contributed in our own litlle way the esence of a philosophical question. Since this is a philosophy section each individual is entitled to his own opinion. That for me is the true essence of philosophy.

Have agood day my friend!

Answer 8

Academic elitism is a social issue. Classism is also furthered by disallowing the opportunity for others who cannot necessarily afford an opportunity for higher education. And sometimes, those who are not formally trained in philosophy are more emotionally stable and have some interesting insights and aren't mired down in some antiquated theories that have persisted for more than 2000 years. (Just my opinion)

My issue is the excessive attempts to be clever or quippy in the wording of the questions.

Answer 9

To me, out of the many people without professional backgrounds, only an estimated 15% can tell you things that's related to philosophy as some of them have the talents, but not the wealth to go for further enhancement though.

Cheers and have a nice week ahead :)

http://sg.answers.yahoo.com/question/index;_ylt=AmsPfZmRR_0twKI23lj.L8D44gt.;_ylv=3?qid=20070906114606AAgm5wk

Answer 10

I can remember one of my Philosophy Profs. in first year saying everyone is a philosopher. You might get some strange or unusual answers sometimes but some areas of Philosophy seem pretty pointless to me. It's all about questioning stuff really.