Thursday, January 24, 2013

Some Common Objections to Studying Philosophy

Comments Due: 11:59PM Monday, January 28.

In class we're considering what philosophy is and why we should bother with it (assuming that we should). I've had you discuss the objection that philosophy is dangerous, and so we should set it aside here. Now I'd like you to consider some other objections one might raise. For example:

Study philosophy? I'd rather watch this guy.
(1) It's useless. It doesn't help us accomplish our ends/goals.
(2) It's trivial. Nothing important is discussed.
(3) It's a waste of time. There are better, more important things we could be doing with our time.
(4) It's a waste of time. We never get anywhere. We never make any progress. There are no answers to these questions anyway.

Discuss those objections. Do they have any merit? How might one respond to these objections in defense of studying philosophy? How would you respond to these objections? Would you respond with a hearty "amen!" or do you think that there's something plausible to say in response?

Perhaps you think that there are other objections to studying philosophy worth considering. In fact, you've already written on this. So, if there are other objections, what are they? Are they good objections? Why or why not?

Be sure to interact with each other. And be sure to do so with grace and humility.