Everyone today has become a philosopher ?

Question

This is a common satirical saying and what I really understand by this is true. Means here on yahoo answers too, I see too many philosophers roaming around (including myself) to prove themselves great and thus would keep teaching the asker rather than soothing his wound or say hitting his point. Is'nt this more important for these philosophers to unite themselves and thus improve this way of theirs and as such really solving people's problem? People really need love rather than pure logic.

e.g. if the question is "should stronger be allowed to exploit the weaker?", some of the philosophers would talk about the losers responsibility, some of them would ephasize on the definitions of stronger and weaker and some others would even get into blaming socialism.

I feel glad to know about Michael S. and respect his view so much.

But including him, most of the people have done the same thing that I opposed in the question.

Answer 1

Hi I am sorry if I butt in, I am no philosopher (my only knowledge of the subject is from courses from the teaching company and booksI have read) and maybe it's a bit cheeky of me to try to answer questions here. But I have only just found this thing called Y/Q&A which I have been using for my selfish purse of getting feed back in order to A, Know a little more about the thinking of people in the USA and B, test out crazy ideas as well as learn how philosophy work in a debating arena.
After that intro would just like to say, I think that anuragsrawat has a point concerning working together in order to better your art and the comment of love rather than pure logic should in my view be joined as one entity as the way the word philosophy itself seems to suggest both love and reasoned logic.
sorry these are just the ramblings of a man who knows nothing and who has not slept for more than 24hrs.

Answer 2

I treasure the discussion and debate here. I love the variety of viewpoints and I learn from the wonderful people, but no, everyone is not a philosopher.

I was at a party one night where a number of men were out on the balcony. They started asking each other, "What do you do?" as a way of getting to know each other. One said he was a doctor. One said he was a plumber. One said he was an engineer. I said I was a philosopher and they all laughed and said, "Well, everybody is a philosopher!"

The doctor has studied for years to reach his knowledge and skill level. So had the plumber and the engineer. What they didn't even stop to consider is that I had done so. too.

I studied philosophy in college for seven years, and have devoted the rest of my life to it. I also studied music and became a classical pianist.

Just because someone has fingers it doesn't mean they know how to play the piano. Just because someone has opinions doesn't mean they are a philosopher. Everyone has an opinion on just about everything, but philosophy is like any other discipline. It takes time, effort and skill to become any good at it.

Answer 3

Dirty Harry said it best (He is my favorite home-grown-philosopher)
"Opinions are like a$$holes, everybody has got one."

But you are right. Many don't read a question and seem to answer a completely beside the point question.

On the strong v. weak:
What do you mean 'allow'? Would it not be exploiting a weak one if you were able and actually did prevent him/her to do so? Imposing your view on the world because you are 'the strongest' is probably the most occurring exploitation.

Why get into that if that is not the question?

There is no real strong or weak person in Yahooanswers. At least not in the way you can enforce anything on them. We can, and do, say just about anything. Most of us are already happy if we make some kind of sense. We are pretty much all the same here.
*Puppy points at the orange bar next to the avatar*
But some of us are more equal.

But that is just my opinion.

Answer 4

You are correct. But most of the "philosophers" here have no idea what constitutes epistemology, let alone metaphysics. They have not read the opinions of the ancients, opinions which are still the basis for 99% of what we believe, if only in epistemology if not in substance.
But sometimes the question begs for the answers it gets. Questions must be so direct that the essence is black and white; many questions are so vague to people who look for essences that they must pick and choose what it may be the questioner is getting at. Or, they must set the metaphysics or the epistemology or the ethics "straight" by putting the question on the right track.
Sometimes, pointing out the propositional mistake in a question, by answering it differently, is the only way to show where the mistake lies, and philosophy is all about correcting mistakes of metaphysics and epistemology.

Answer 5

Everybody has a philosophical side to them, whether they call it that or not...

And yes, you are right, people do need love, rather than logic... But sometimes, logic helps people to find the truth, which is as good as finding love by themselves... Truth is the ultimate goal, wouldn't you say? It makes me euphoric like no other thing. I try to give people what I perceive as the truth, and I try to sympathise with them and their predicament... And also, I think there is no such thing as pure logic in people's philosophy... It is always based on deeply etched thoughts and feelings... At least, mine is.

Answer 6

Opinions are the basis of philosophy. Perspective is key to accepting the wisdom of an opinion. Some philo's have succumbed to the trappings of pride in trying to relate the insights of their wisdom, myself included. Perfection is not the goal of philosophy nor is truth. But many will attempt to pose their views as 'Truth' because they have faith in their assumptions and assume others should also.

[To 'Honey' and 'Beach'] I understand what you are saying, and I agree. Everyone has a philosophical content in their being. However that does not make one a philosopher. I know how to drive a car, that does not make me a mechanic. I know how to use this computer, that does not make me an electrical engineer.

Answer 7

Every body has right to react on the question according to his/her knowledge and perception to help you on your question. You should accept the answer which appeal you best. Kindly take it positively and respect the efforts done by the person without charging any consultancy.

Answer 8

i beilve philosphy is not easy at all ..... u need to b pure from inside ..i like phisolphy bt i dont do it...people who study good books have some nice knowelege..its all sharing ur knowelge with some1. i too agree with micheal .s

byeee

Answer 9

dear we are not philosopher as you said we are on yahoo answers just distributing our experiences,to help some one thats it.............
Really i dont wanna call as a philosopher because i am not....
and what do you mean by love dear i think when somebody cares me ,he helps me or shows me a truth of life it is love for me...........
as my parents usually share some of their unfortunities that helps me so i can say they love me....
offcoarse i am also doing the same on yahoo answers isnt it ........
think over it you may be you get your answer........

Answer 10

"it's easier said than done"
for advising any1 is indeed very easy task 4 me but putting it in action myself turns tables on me..............
i completely agree with u as advice r free of cost u get a lot.....
after all "A weareR onlY knowS wherE thE shoE pincheS"