What is the meaning of philosophy?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the meaning and value of philosophy, exploring concepts such as wisdom, information, and the nature of philosophical inquiry. Participants engage in a conceptual examination of what constitutes wisdom and the role of philosophy in understanding life and knowledge.

Discussion Character

  • Conceptual clarification, Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants question the existence of wisdom, while others assert that it does exist and seek to define it.
  • One viewpoint suggests that wisdom involves understanding that enhances life or goals, emphasizing the importance of asking questions rather than avoiding them.
  • A participant references Bertrand Russell's perspective on the value of philosophy, noting skepticism about its practical utility compared to science.
  • Another claim posits that philosophy often complicates simple ideas to the point of paradox, which may deter discussion.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on the definition or value of philosophy, with multiple competing views and ongoing debate about the nature of wisdom and philosophical inquiry.

Contextual Notes

There are unresolved assumptions regarding the definitions of wisdom and philosophy, as well as differing perspectives on their practical implications.

Hippasos
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To love wisdom?

What is wisdom?

To know when to keep your mouth shut? Not to ask stupid questions?
 
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Does wisdom exist?
 
Wisdom exists for sure. The question is - what is information?
 
Hippasos said:
What is wisdom?
Understanding that enhances life or goals.
To know when to keep your mouth shut? Not to ask stupid questions?
Actually just the opposite. Ask questions, and keep asking.

Nothing wrong with asking questions, it's those who pretend to know the answers who end up looking really stupid.
 
Bertrand Russell has a good chapter about the value of philosophy: http://www.ditext.com/russell/rus15.html

HAVING now come to the end of our brief and very incomplete review of the problems of philosophy, it will be well to consider, in conclusion, what is the value of philosophy and why it ought to be studied. It is the more necessary to consider this question, in view of the fact that many men, under the influence of science or of practical affairs, are inclined to doubt whether philosophy is anything better than innocent but useless trifling, hair-splitting distinctions, and controversies on matters concerning which knowledge is impossible.​
 
The meaning of philosophy is to take something so simple, no one wants to talk about it, and make it so paradoxical, that no one wants to talk about it.
 

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