Paul Graham just
described
his view of philosophy. He essentially said it’s the attempt to find
increasingly general truths that have useful applications.
I mostly agree with this, but I’d like to offer my own definition. I see
philosophy as
the attempt to reveal the nature of reality through thought, logic and
discussion as opposed to through the use of the scientific method.
Obviously I’m all for the application bit that he mentions, but I think any
revelation that gets us closer to understanding “reality” will end up being
applicable in some way regardless of whether or not that’s our goal.
In other words, if we’re starting with problems that face us here in this
world, and we’re using philosophy to try and learn the truths behind these
problems, those truths — once revealed — will automatically have an
application.
This is what I try to do. I try and find patterns and truths in reality and
then describe them. I am attempting to find the courage to do this without
fear, while simultaneously being precise with my language and careful with
my research.
My attempts are usually rather sloppy and feeble, but I am improving this
with time. As I think Graham’s essay points out, there isn’t really all that
much to learn in order to be able to proceed with good footing.
grep understanding knowledge.
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