Philosophy

AU24K · Nov 22, 2011

I believe that philosophy is important. Not so much to persue a college degree of Philosophy. :tongue3:

I've yet to see a "Help Wanted" ad for Philosophers. Yep. That's pretty much a wasted Major... :laughing7:

And I was thinkin' that....well...ummm....I wish there were jobs for philosophers!
What benefit to society can you think of for philosophers? What jobs would they be best suited for? There was once a time that philosophers were worth more than their weight in gold.
Have you any philosophical musings?

{popcorn in the microwave, anticipating an enlightening thread...}

Best Wishes,
Scott

Michigan Badger · Nov 22, 2011

Popcorn? I'd recommend strong, black, coffee.

"Socrates tells the story of Thales, who was by some accounts the first philosopher. He was looking so intently at the stars that he fell into a well."

We're all philosophers in one way or another.

It's like the teacher who asked little Johnny to define philosophy. Agitated...Johnny shouted..."I don't know and I don't care!" "Correct!," said the teacher.

But a degree in it? Nah.

cheese · Nov 22, 2011

Presidential advisers... it wouldn't hurt if they knew how to use their noggin. Well informed and rational thoughts of explanation, reason, and approaches to solving the problems we have would be quite welcome IMO.

Frankn · Nov 24, 2011

Decartes nailed it. "I think, Therefor I am."
Think about it ! How many people voted for a word " change " Without even wondering what it referred to. Frank

Zephyr · Nov 24, 2011

If some people know Shakespeare so well, how come he doesn't help them get a job? :icon_scratch:

rginn · Nov 25, 2011

People greeter at wallyworld. That would be a trip. 'Do you need a cart, or would you just like a cart, because pushing a cart labels you as a consumer, one with big purchases in mind, that necessitate the use of a cart to hold them, saying to the world, behold, I am successful, and have enough money that I need a cart, perhaps two, to hold purchases I intend to and am fully able to make.' But be careful how long you look into the cart, or you may become the cart. It would be too cool.

spartacus53 · Nov 25, 2011

I doubt, therefore I might be. :tongue3:

packerbacker · Nov 25, 2011

A math teacher. "If you think that the answer to the question of "What's 2 plus 2 is 9, then 2+2=9. You are entitled to your opinion and I, mine. There are no facts, only theories."

worldtalker · Nov 25, 2011

packerbacker said:
A math teacher. "If you think that the answer to the question of "What's 2 plus 2 is 9, then 2+2=9. You are entitled to your opinion and I, mine. There are no facts, only theories."

That's the problem with Public school, Dumb them down!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!God Bless HH Chris

thrillathahunt · Nov 25, 2011

Look at it this way, a degree in philosophy may not get you a high paying job, but at least you will be interesting at parties!

packerbacker · Nov 25, 2011

Since Confucius there just ain't nothin' left to ponder. He about covered everything.

AU24K · Nov 26, 2011

So, boiled down to the gist, "It is what it is and it ain't what it ain't" covers it well I suppose... :icon_scratch:

The Beep Goes On · Nov 26, 2011

As a dynamic collection of thoughts and associations, capable of ascertaining our place in the universe and of introspection, it would seem to be great for conversation, but there is little practical about the intangible except for the individual's own purpose. Thinking about those things can lead to the questioning of one's own existence and all that mental heavy-lifting can make us feel uncomfortable, so we keep it at a safe distance.

Pure philosophy, in this world of pervasive entertainment, is not on most people's list. An historian-philosopher would be an excellent advisor, imo. Seems like it is one of those careers that exists in and of itself; teaching being the only way to make it pay.

AU24K · Nov 26, 2011

The Beep Goes On said:
As a dynamic collection of thoughts and associations, capable of ascertaining our place in the universe and of introspection, it would seem to be great for conversation, but there is little practical about the intangible except for the individual's own purpose. Thinking about those things can lead to the questioning of one's own existence and all that mental heavy-lifting can make us feel uncomfortable, so we keep it at a safe distance.

Pure philosophy, in this world of pervasive entertainment, is not on most people's list. An historian-philosopher would be an excellent advisor, imo. Seems like it is one of those careers that exists in and of itself; teaching being the only way to make it pay.

Very well stated! :thumbsup:

Best,
Scott

The Beep Goes On · Nov 26, 2011

Thank you Scott

Thinking about this a bit more, a psychologist or psychiatrist could benefit greatly, or their patients could, if the doctors could effectively convey the philosophical counterpart to the patients behavioral problem. Much of what goes on in our mind is 'archetypical', or representative, according to Jung and others, and philosophy might present a method of access unavailable elsewhere. Philosophy may present a path to growth without any strings attached, unlike other means of enlightenment.