sup /lit/ first time here. I have a question regarding philosophy.

There really isn't a practical use for philosophy to someone who has no natural inclination to understand himself and the rest of the world.

Start with the greeks, its in the sticky.

>>8979293
>There really isn't a practical use for philosophy

Nonsense!

Philosophy is the means by which we intrepret the world around us. The code by while we base our decisions and live our lives.

Without philosophy we would be braindead, or robots.

The reason so many people are walking shit-sacks is because they don't believe they have any use for philosophy. The fact that so many people live most of their lives without introspection or thoughtfulness ... man. It really grinds my gears!

Philsophy is what seperates man from beats. When we can sit around and discuss why we do things, and if we ought to do them differently? These are important questions that should not be answered by men of the past. Philosophy needs to be on top of everyones minds today!

What are the ethics of coloing or genetic engineering? Is it acceptable to contonute to allow people to get older and older, draining all of the resources for the younger generations, and dragging behind society like a weight - fighting for antiquated policies. What place should religion have in modern society?

Philosophy has been too long neglected and mystified. It needs to be served with every meal.
Thanks for a great first post, anon!

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>>8979253

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>>8979595
Sorry, I know it's a little tough to read.

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>>8979595
If anyone wants the rest of the essay, I'll post.... but I'd just recommend the book. This was the first essay, but the book is called: Philosophy, Who Needs It?

>>8979253
This practical use for philosophy comes up occasionally on this board:

Read Nietzsche when you're depressed and he will give you a stirring sense of your own powers again. It's worked for me.

>>8979558
>>8979604

thanks anons. I would check it out. Should I follow that info graphic that says "START WITH THE GREEKS" or is it a inside joke/meme or something?

>>8979616

cool, thanks anon. I would. is he the guy who said that good and bad is a matter of perspective?

>>8979618
It's important, sure.
Just don't let it stop there. And don't get discouraged if it's hard to digest. Philosophy is a lot more than reading Plato.

>>8979627

Thanks. Can I ask you something? in your personal opinion, how does philosophy improved your life/work/interaction with others?

>>8979637

Without question. It's improved me as an individual, and nothing is more important in your life, than improving yourself.

As far as helping me in relationships with other humans? /sigh Maybe? I tend to expect the people around me to also care about these important things - truth, integrity, intention, ... it is difficult for me to accept that most people just don't care.

So, in some ways, no. It has given me ammunition, however, in my fight against intentional ignorance and state- sanctioned stupidity.

what do you think about this introductory books from reddit?

>inb4 reddit

Bertrand Russell. The Problems of Philosophy (1912).
Simon Blackburn. Think (1999).
Timothy Williamson. Tetralogue (2015)

>>8979665

so, it enrich your life and make it worth?

can you use that knowledge to guide other people and improve their life too? or do they must want to improve?

>>8979685
>can you use that knowledge to guide other people and improve their life too? or do they must want to improve?

I imagine both are possible, though when people are receptive, it makes it easier. Example, anons asking and answering questions online like this. It's great!

Much more difficult to wax philosophical with someone who has no interest, or no vocabulary or critical thinking skills. Instead of starting with the Greeks, you have to start with the f-ing alphabet.

Admittedly, I'm not much of a teacher, though.

>>8979707

sound advice, thanks.

I read Sophie's World and thought it was a pretty good intro to the broad concepts of Western philosophy.

I forget most of it, though. Seems like that's the problem with glancing surveys; nothing sticks.

>>8979253
Josef Pieper - The Philosophical Act

This is a relatively short essay that answers this question.

The answer is no. Philosophy, by its nature, cannot serve other ends.