This is wonderful, Massimo. I have been following you since your early days on Bloggingheads.TV. I have always been a fan.
I am coming to end of a philosophy degree which I started late in life and am currently contemplating a PhD. But I have recently started to struggle with the question: What are philosophers for?
I make a distinction between philosophy and philosophers. As you say in your interview, philosophy itself is clearly useful and I read and depend on it daily. But it is not at all clear to me what the value of becoming a philosopher might be. It feels to me like a fascinating hobby.
The first sentence was probably the most important: "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."
DDD, ah, there is a lot to be said there! The basic idea is to use sci-fi stories as thought experiments to introduce students to a variety of topics in ethics, philosophy of mind, metaphysics, epistemology, aesthetics, and so forth.
Every time I offer the course I do it differently. One of my favorite editions was dedicated entirely to Philip K. Dick, for instance. Another just to Star Trek.
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. 😊
This is wonderful, Massimo. I have been following you since your early days on Bloggingheads.TV. I have always been a fan.
I am coming to end of a philosophy degree which I started late in life and am currently contemplating a PhD. But I have recently started to struggle with the question: What are philosophers for?
I make a distinction between philosophy and philosophers. As you say in your interview, philosophy itself is clearly useful and I read and depend on it daily. But it is not at all clear to me what the value of becoming a philosopher might be. It feels to me like a fascinating hobby.
I wrote about it here:
https://raggedclown.substack.com/p/what-are-philosophers-for
Well, would you say that becoming a historian, or a scientist, is like engaging in a hobby?
I would say that scientists contribute something to the world. History is more of a hobby.
Nothing wrong with hobbies! I'm enjoying philosophy.
Most scientists contribute nothing practical to society. Historians and philosophers contribute a better understanding of the human condition.
The first sentence was probably the most important: "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."
The ancients would have it no other way.
Sam, indeed! And if I have to be honest, the philosophy-as-life aspect is becoming more important than the philosophy-as-profession one.
Really enjoying this thread on Massimo Pigliucci's terrific contribution to "Why Philosophy?" Keep the comments going!
How do I practice philosophy? Imperfectly. N as to your writings/readers, It’s more than a few dozen, I would hope.
One can hope...
Who wouldn't love wisdom? Or Massimo Pigliucci, for that matter?
😆
Fascinating! But can you say a bit more about Philosophy of Sci-Fi?
DDD, ah, there is a lot to be said there! The basic idea is to use sci-fi stories as thought experiments to introduce students to a variety of topics in ethics, philosophy of mind, metaphysics, epistemology, aesthetics, and so forth.
Every time I offer the course I do it differently. One of my favorite editions was dedicated entirely to Philip K. Dick, for instance. Another just to Star Trek.
maybe some text on this subject on figs in winter? i am curious
Eliza, of course, I'll think about a potential posts or two!
That is so very very cool! 🖖🏼
🖖
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. 😊
Oh wow! That brings up memories! And thanks for the very kind words, they made my day, truly!