What is Philosophy for

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Trevecca Nazarene University *

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Philosophy

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Jan 9, 2024

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What is Philosophy for? The answer to the question ‘what is philosophy?’ is already given in the word philosophy. In ancient Greek, Philo means love, and phia means wisdom meaning that Philosophers were people devoted to knowledge. Therefore, by studying philosophy, people are promised insight that can eventually help them find their place in the world. Philosophy is a guide on how to survive. It does this by enlightening people on how to treat and relieve all suffering and live a life without fear. Gaining wisdom through philosophical ways enables people to be cured of false beliefs, irrational fears, and empty desires as philosophy are viewed as medicine. (Sherefkin, 2017). Additionally, philosophy also promises to teach how to survive by “helping us to ‘save’ ourselves, to conquer our fears, not though an Other, a God, but through our strength and the use of our reason.” (Ferry, n.d.). The example given by Hannah Arendt is worrying about death is pointless as everyone dies and it the cycle of nature. But, by having children (that will continue a legacy), humans assure their continuity by immersing themselves in the process that is eternal where things can never die. Hannah Arendt also warns that reproduction will not ensure the survival of the person’s seed, but it will ensure the species’ survival. (Ferry, n.d.). Philosophy helps people adjust to the cosmos. Cosmos being the ordained structure of the universe in its entirety. (Ferry, n.d.). It does this by ushering people on how to practice dis- attachment. According to Epictetus, this can be done by remembering that what people love is mortal and not your own. It is given to you, not but not forever. (Ferry, n.d.). 1 John 2: 15 - 17

says, “do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world—the desires of the flesh and the desires of the eyes and pride in possessions—is not from the Father but is from the world. And the world is passing away along with its desires, but whoever does the will of God abides forever.” (English Standard Version Bible, 2001, 1 John 2:15 - 17). The above\ draws attention to the point made by Epictetus that the things on earth are not forever and can be taken away, and practicing not attaching to material things can save people from things like heartbreak and depression. Gaining wisdom that everything passes and changes and nothing in this world is stable can be the first step to that. Another way philosophy helps adjust to the cosmos is by teaching how to be content with the present, love the present to the point of desiring nothing else, and regretting nothing. It guides us to live in accordance with the harmony of the cosmos. (Ferry, n.d.). According to the Stoics, the two things that prevent people from achieving fulfillment are nostalgia and hope. This prevents people from living life to the fullest. Philosophy lastly helps people find their place by teaching how to learn how to live a just life. It does this by teaching that nature will render justice. People are encouraged to adjust themselves to the harmonious and natural order of things. Gaining wisdom on how to do that can be an aid to live a life free of artificial social conventions. It will help teach people how to ignore the opinions of others and instead be able to focus on living in harmony with the cosmic order. Cicero believes nature is the ‘best of all governments’; therefore, he encourages the majority to elect a representative or make laws. (Ferry, n.d.).

To further argue the above point, humans are not made to decide between good or evil and just and unjust. For Christians, God is seen as the only judge. The one who made the Bible’s laws for his people to follow and the one who has the final say. For philosophers, the criteria of right or wrong came from the natural order, which was not created by men and was superior to them. The good was in accord with the cosmic order and the bad against it. Philosophers were to act situation-by-situation, moment-by-moment, in accordance with the harmonious order of things. (Ferry, n.d.). Therefore, the purpose of philosophy being defined as “the love of wisdom” and having the ability to show people their place in the world, as observed in this paper, has important lessons in an academic discipline. It is the study of the fundamental nature of knowledge, reality, and existence. This is an essential component of philosophy to undermine as a way of concluding the paper. Applying philosophy to daily life should help people to live a better life. It gives a person an opportunity to improve how they can analyze and evaluate a situation or idea they are struggling with. In this context, It will enhance one’s reasoning and critical skills, such as critical thinking, problem-solving, proper judgment, and decision making. It also widens people’s perspectives and standpoints on essential life issues and gives the person an opportunity to think more deeply, fairly, and honestly before entangling themselves. Whether one is a Christian or not, they will find that their daily life experiences are full of events that involve philosophical questions that need critical thinking, evaluation, and analysis. Thus, they demand that they use intellectual tools of thinking and problem-solving skills.

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Finally, it must be observed that if they are business people, philosophy allows them to question themselves before making a final decision. In this case, philosophy will advance critical philosophical theories that will cause them to check if their thoughts and actions are ethical. In the medical field, epistemology, logic, and rational thinking will also help a medical student on issues of ethics and morality. These can help the student to be successful In their decision- making. Ethics will give them the ability to decide what is right and wrong and provide them with the framework for evaluating human actions. Ethics, reasoning, and conscience will, for instance, tell the student that they cannot beat a rude patient but instead, seeing it help to deal with such a challenge as such logic will apply in dressing a wide range of situations, such as divorce, substance abuse violence, etc. It helps people informing their decisions, thoughts, and actions based on morality. Philosophy, therefore, adds much value to the human person.

Citation: Ferry, L. (n.d.). A Brief History of Thought: A Philosophical Guide to Living . Retrieved from https://platform.virdocs.com/r/s/0/doc/123833/sp/181752823/mi/577163906?cfi= %2F4%2F2%5Bch02%5D%2F16%2C%2F1%3A0%2C%2F1%3A0 Sherefkin, J. (2017, September 28). Philosophy as a way of life . The New York Public Library. Retrieved September 25, 2021, from https://www.nypl.org/blog/2017/09/13/philosophy- way-life. English Standard Version Bible . (2001). ESV Online. https://esv.literalword.com/

What is Philosophy for

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