Today is the fourteenth annual World Philosophy Day, established by UNESCO.
“In establishing World Philosophy Day in 2005, the General Conference highlighted the importance of this discipline, especially for young people, underlining that ‘philosophy is a discipline that encourages critical and independent thought and is capable of working towards a better understanding of the world and promoting tolerance and peace.’”
UNESCO website
Philosophy is not simply the study of the thoughts of long-dead men. Philosophy acts as a record of the human experience. It considers what is common to people across distance, time, and age; it gets to the heart of mankind. In studying the collective thoughts of people who have gone before us – or those currently living – we become more empowered and enabled to make wise decisions about the future. Philosophy matters to everyone because it affects everyone. Below, I’ve gathered my thoughts on how philosophy can improve each of our lives.
Philosophy shows us that we are not alone nor special, specifically when it comes to ethics and morality. The same questions which haunt us today about right, wrong, and gray areas have been around for centuries. Indeed, since the time of the Ancient Greeks, we’ve asked ourselves what is the best way for humans to live together? What is fair in a social context? How should I treat my enemies?
It makes you a clearer thinker.
Philosophy is walking through the logical consequences of a line of proposition.
As you follow ordered thoughts and writing, your thoughts begin to reflect the ordered quality of those influences. The habit of following ordered thinking results in your thoughts becoming more ordered.
You begin to think through the logical implications and consequences of thoughts you encounter outside of your studies, becoming a more critical thinker in your daily life. This leads you to make better, wiser decisions.
This begins to affect not only your reading and writing decisions, but the choices about your time and energy begin to improve.
Philosophy is thinking. It is simply the presentation of ideas about morality, the purpose of existence, the nature of truth, and everything in between.
It makes you consider your own thoughts, beliefs, and actions.
Ideas have consequences. The implications of one set of beliefs influences subsequent decisions. Philosophy is the collection of a thinker’s thoughts on a particular subject, written out to address how the system works, why it works, answering objections, and describing how that system then affects ethics and daily quandaries of life. We can experience an entirely different perspective of existence, provided we are open to the experience. Slipping on another person’s view of the human experience can only enrich our own. Seeing how another person views morality, love, grief, and the events in between presents new ideas or ways of thinking about the commonalities between us.
Philosophy exposes you to different ideas and perspectives, developing empathy and improving your ability to reason.
This is the biggest reason I enjoy philosophy and psychology; I love learning about how people think. Understanding why people do what they do, or how they come to their conclusions is endlessly fascinating to me. Views on existence and ethics can vary widely, and I think our understanding of these areas should reflect that. We should expose our minds to unfamiliar perspectives and thought; how else can we hope to learn more than what we already know?
While philosophy is a formal discipline, each of us operates from our own personal, informal philosophy, though we may not call it that. We all have beliefs which guide our actions, and we all place some degree of value on morality and harmony. These beliefs and guidance are philosophy. By exposing ourselves to outside or unfamiliar thoughts and ideas, we reduce the friction between cultures and choose to embrace the humanity in each perspective.
Philosophy provides a place to practice independent and critical thought. It helps to develop empathy and build connections between people. Our world becomes increasingly smaller with the power of the internet, and while this is a unique blessing, it also presents a unique opportunity to connect with new and exciting cultures and peoples. Our responsibility is to diligently educate ourselves in order to work towards a better, more cooperative global society.
It is for these reasons I celebrate World Philosophy Day with you. May we all continue to esteem and celebrate critical thinking, ethical actions, and the pursuit of truth.
