What is Philosophy?

“I am interested in philosophy”. Whenever I hesitantly tell someone this, to my dismay, they are quick to ask what it means. For the longest time, my answer has always been “the love of wisdom” as it directly translates the word “philosophy”. I preferred this cop-out because the meaning of philosophy is a deceptively simple question that people continue to debate even after a millennium. However, I have realized that I am doing an injustice to myself by not having an answer of my own.   

To me, philosophy is not about finding answers but asking questions. The goal is to get a more nuanced understanding of a certain aspect of human existence as there is no objective answer in philosophy. There are always more or less justifiable arguments for each side of the coin. Philosophy is all about realizing this and being able to respect other people’s opinions about a certain problem provided that their reasoning is logical. 

The Power of Philosophy

Those interested in philosophy often develop a respect for diverse viewpoints. This comes from practicing nuanced thinking and considering problems from multiple angles. They tend to avoid extreme positions and try to understand the complexities of different arguments. By studying fundamental concepts related to various issues, they can approach problems in everyday life with more confidence and understanding.

In this way philosophy not only teaches us to be more knowledgeable and conscious about our own existence but also more accepting of other people’s opinions whether we agree with them or not.

Why I Believe It's Important

Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it." I sincerely believe this idea can help us address some of the large problems we're facing today. The ancient Greek philosophers were exploring questions about life and society that are still relevant today. Those like Socrates and Zeno had some really valuable insights on things like happiness and morality that can still guide us.

In my view, studying these philosophers can genuinely help us improve our lives and understand the world better. But, I know their writings can be challenging to get into. The texts are often really dense and complex, which can be intimidating, especially for young readers like me. Still, I think it's worth the effort to engage with these ideas, even if it takes some time to wrap your head around them.

Book Recommendations

 For those just starting their interest in philosophy I would recommend my first philosophical read, Sophie's World. This book is a perfect gateway into philosophy especially for a fiction reader as brief philosophical teachings are interwoven into the story in such a way that it's not too overwhelming. From the book, the part about the ancient cynics and stoics has truly altered my perception of morality, virtue, and justice. This book has made me aware of the power of philosophy and the incredible insights of the Greek philosophers.

For non-fiction readers, I would suggest The History of Western Philosophy which, as the name suggests, is a brief history of Western philosophy covering everything from the Greek philosophers to the modern philosophers. This is a more detailed analysis of the philosophic teachings of the brightest minds throughout history. If this seems like your cup of tea, then please check it out.

Is It a Waste of Time?

It's kind of surprising to me how many people brush off philosophy as just a waste of time. Is reflecting on human struggles and experiences truly pointless? Are we wasting our time by trying to understand the complex ideas of justice, morality, and death that shape our lives? If you have begun to think about these questions then you, my friend, have already taken a step into philosophical thinking.