Why Philosophy? Massimo Pigliucci
Why a Philosophical Stance Is Crucial to Leading a Meaningful Life
What is philosophy to you?
At this point in my life, it is two things: on the one hand, my chosen profession; on the other hand, and far more importantly, a way of life I strive to follow. Professionally, I am a philosopher of science, which means someone who wants to understand the nature of science from the point of view of its internal logic, epistemic warrants, and so forth. As a consequence, I draw on my experience as a biologist, I read a lot of science and philosophy papers, and I publish the sort of technical, academic articles that are read by a few dozen people on a good day.
But I have also embraced Stoicism, and more broadly Greco-Roman-inspired virtue ethics, as a way of life. And that has had far broader consequences for myself, my family, my friends, my students, and a lot of others who read the sort of public articles and books that these days make up the bulk of what I do.
How were you first introduced to philosophy?
In high school, back in Italy in the late ‘70s. I had to take three years of philosophy, and my teacher was a woman named Enrica Chiaromonte. Her enthusiasm for philosophy was a marvel to behold, and she had that rare ability to transmit such enthusiasm to (most of) her students. Even though at that point I had already decided to pursue biological sciences at university, philosophy stuck with me for the rest of my life.
In the following years, I kept picking up volumes on philosophy at the bookstore. Bertrand Russell and David Hume were early influences. Close to twenty years later I met a philosopher of science, Jonathan Kaplan, and decided to study with him to get my PhD in philosophy, which eventually led me to switch careers. I never looked back.
How do you practice philosophy today?
In the dual way that I sketched above. During my day job at the City College of New York, part of the CUNY system, I teach classes on general philosophy, philosophy of science, philosophy of sci-fi, and ancient Greco-Roman philosophy. I go to technical conferences, and I present papers on the philosophy of science, specifically philosophy of evolutionary biology and philosophy of pseudoscience (another long-term interest of mine).
At all other times, I try to practice Stoic principles, which means striving to act rationally and prosocially, thinking of all human beings as a large family (cosmopolitanism), and behaving according to the cardinal virtues of wisdom, courage, justice, and temperance. I often fail, but I get up and try again…
Why is philosophy important to you?
Philosophy, as you know, literally means love of wisdom. To embrace philosophy means to adopt a way of thinking about everything that attempts to wade through the bullshit and to live a meaningful life based on reason and compassion. Since the philosophical stance applies to everything, it is hard for me to imagine something more important.
Even, or perhaps especially, when it comes to personal relationships—with my daughter, my wife, my siblings, my friends, and so forth—it is because of my understanding of philosophy that I keep trying to be a better human being, or the best version of it that I am capable of.
What books, podcasts, or other media would you recommend to anyone interested in philosophy?
Oh, there is so much out there, fortunately! One of the first things that come to mind is Peter Adamson’s podcast, A History of Philosophy Without Any Gaps, which he is also systematically turning into a series of books published by Oxford University Press.
Also, the Princeton Press ongoing series “Ancient Wisdom for Modern Readers,” edited by Rob Tempio. It features modern translations of the classics, rendered in a language that is accessible to the contemporary reader, as well as a selection of topics that are very much germane to life in the 21st century.
Massimo Pigliucci is an author, blogger, podcaster, as well as the K.D. Irani Professor of Philosophy at the City College of New York. His academic work is in evolutionary biology, philosophy of science, the nature of pseudoscience, and practical philosophy. Massimo publishes regular columns in Skeptical Inquirer and in Philosophy Now. His books include How to Be a Stoic: Using Ancient Philosophy to Live a Modern Life (Basic Books) and Nonsense on Stilts: How to Tell Science from Bunk (University of Chicago Press). Massimo’s latest book is The Quest for Character: What the Story of Socrates and Alcibiades Teaches Us about Our Search for Good Leaders (Basic Books). More by Massimo at https://newstoicism.org. Website:
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Really enjoying this thread on Massimo Pigliucci's terrific contribution to "Why Philosophy?" Keep the comments going!
It’s funny I first learned of you from a debate you did with William Lane Craig when I was in high school (well, at least that’s when I saw it!). I was a conservative Christian at the time, so I disagreed with you, but I remember liking your reasoning and philosophical demeanor. Years later once I had abandoned that outlook on the world and was searching for something new, I stumbled upon your How To Be a Stoic at a bookstore.
I was hooked! I’ve enjoyed my journey into Stoicism ever since, reading many ancient and contemporary Stoics. It’s definitely been life-changing. Thanks for all you do, and keep up the great work! I’ve always found your perspectives as both a philosopher and a scientist interesting. 😊