Introduction
Philosophy is a field of study that has been around for centuries and encompasses a wide range of subjects. Derived from the Greek words “Philo”, meaning love, and “Sophia”, meaning wisdom, philosophy is the love of wisdom. It is not just about personal beliefs and opinions but rather a systematic and critical examination of the fundamental questions and issues in life. This includes the nature of existence, knowledge, ethics, logic, and many more. In a beginning course in philosophy, students learn to distinguish between the casual phrase “My philosophy about that is…” and the meaning of philosophy as an academic discipline.
The phrase “My philosophy about that is…” is often used casually in everyday conversations to express a person’s beliefs or opinions on a certain topic. However, when discussing “philosophy” in an academic context, it refers to a far more complex and nuanced field of study (Aristotle, 2018). Philosophy is not just a collection of personal beliefs and opinions but rather a systematic and critical examination of the fundamental questions and issues in life. In the first two weeks of a beginning course in philosophy, one would learn that philosophy is not only about what people believe but also about how they arrive at their beliefs. Philosophers use critical thinking, reasoning, and argumentation to arrive at a conclusion. They consider different perspectives and evaluate the evidence before making a judgment. It’s not enough to simply hold an opinion, but rather it is necessary to justify it with logical reasoning and evidence.
Furthermore, philosophy is not a static field, but rather it is a constantly evolving one. Philosophers have been debating and examining these fundamental questions for centuries, and their insights and arguments have been passed down to subsequent generations. As such, contemporary philosophers build upon the works of their predecessors and engage in ongoing debates and discussions. This continuity of thought across centuries and cultures is one of the unique characteristics of Philosophy (Descartes, 2021). Through the understanding of various philosophers, the students can have a glimpse of the history of human thought and try to understand how the ideas and understanding evolved over time.
In contrast, the phrase “My philosophy about that is…” tends to imply that the speaker’s belief or opinion is final and unchallenged. It suggests that there is no need for further examination or justification of the belief and that there is no room for other perspectives or counterarguments (Sartre, 2022). This is a common misconception that philosophy is a mere collection of personal beliefs, but it’s far from it. Through philosophy, one can learn to question and critically evaluate their own beliefs and ideas and also consider alternative perspectives.
Moreover, Philosophy is not only an intellectual exercise, but it has practical application in the real world as well (Kant, 2019). It helps to develop critical thinking skills and analytical abilities that are essential in everyday life, as well as in any profession or discipline. Philosophy equips individuals with the tools and skills to question the status quo and challenge assumptions, whether they are societal, political or personal.
Conclusion
In conclusion, while the phrase “My philosophy about that is…” implies a person’s personal belief or opinion, philosophy as a field of study refers to the love of wisdom and the systematic examination of fundamental questions and issues in life. It requires critical thinking, reasoning, and argumentation, and it is an ongoing and evolving field. As students of philosophy, it is important to remember that our beliefs and opinions are not the end goal, but rather they are just the starting point for a deeper examination and understanding of the world around us. Philosophy not only expands our intellectual horizons but also prepares us for the challenges of the real world.
References
Aristotle. (2018). Nicomachean Ethics. Routledge.
Descartes, R. (2021). Meditations on First Philosophy. Cambridge University Press.
Kant, I. (2019). Critique of Pure Reason. Cambridge University Press.
Nietzsche, F. (2018). Beyond Good and Evil: Prelude to a Philosophy of the Future. Oxford University Press.
Sartre, J.-P. (2022). Being and Nothingness: An Essay on Phenomenological Ontology. Routledge.
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