Philosophy: What it is and should be

Question 1

Why philosophy is valuable

Answer 1

• It releases us from the prejudices of common sense and habitual beliefs
• Enlarges our thoughts of freeing them from the tyranny of custom
• Shows us how “even the most everyday things lead to problems to which only very incomplete answers can be given”
• It “keeps alive our sense of wonder by showing familiar things in an unfamiliar aspect”

Question 2

Two reasons the discipline of philosophy is unfriendly to diverse people

Answer 2

1. Philosophy as Critique

2, Limited Professional Possibilities

Question 3

Why philosophy should be more diverse

Answer 3

• Philosophy influences society
• Why should professional philosophers try to diversify their ranks?
• Why should diverse people commit to careers in academic philosophy

Question 4

Philosophy influences society

Answer 4

• What students are taught is restricted by who is teaching them, and how they are trained
• New research influences real world issues, and is restricited

Question 5

Why should professional philosophers try to diversify their ranks?

Answer 5

• Diverse philosophers are important because they contribute new ideas and methods to philosophical investigation
• Philosophy cannot survive as a discipline without new ideas

Question 6

Why should diverse people commit to careers in academic philosophy

Answer 6

• harder question, with no universal answer, only personal ones
• suspicious that professional philosophy cannot sustain those who commit to a career in it
• a diverse practitioner of philosophy is like a concrete flower

Question 7

A diverse practitioner of philosophy is like a concrete flower

Answer 7

• seems strong, but is sapped of nutrients needed to flourish