A philosopher is someone who sees deep questions where others find things straightforward. This I call ‘problematizing’, or, as Plato called it, ‘the search for the essence’. In any case, it instills a sense of mystery, awe and wonder. Now, there are numerous ways of problematizing and dealing with it; but rest assured, the consequences it has on the problematized are definite and enduring.
Where better to look for examples of the impact of philosophy on life than three fathers of Greek thought: Socrates, Diogenes, and Pyrrho? They had widely different, highly eccentric personalities (the price of authenticity, perhaps?). Although they differed in their philosophical approaches, they are all excellent examples of the impact philosophy has, for better or worse.
The last words of Socrates (470-399 BC) were “Crito, we owe a rooster to Asclepius. Please, don’t forget to pay the debt.” Ironic, given that Asclepius was the god of medicine and Socrates had just drunk hemlock. Was he implying that the poison was the cure for life? Or was he just displaying humour and insouciance, even at the brink of death?
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The Two Dennises
Hannah Mortimer observes a close encounter of the same kind.
Heraclitus (c.500 BC)
Harry Keith lets flow a stream of ideas about permanence and change.
Does the Cosmos Have a Purpose?
Raymond Tallis argues intently against universal intention.
Is Driving Fossil-Fuelled Cars Immoral?
Rufus Duits asks when we can justify driving our carbon contributors.
Abelard & Carneades Yes & No
Frank Breslin says 'yes and no' to presenting both sides of an argument.
Frankl & Sartre in Search of Meaning
Georgia Arkell compares logotherapy and atheistic existentialism.
Luce Irigaray
Luce Irigaray, now ninety-two years old, was, among many other things, one of the most impactful feminists of the 1970s liberation movements - before she was marginalised, then ostracised, from the francophone intellectual sphere.
Significance
Ruben David Azevedo tells us why, in a limitless universe, we’re not insignificant.
The Present Is Not All There Is To Happiness
Rob Glacier says don’t just live in the now.
Philosophers Exploring The Good Life
Jim Mepham quests with philosophers to discover what makes a life good.