Plato

According to Plato, “He who has a taste for every sort of knowledge and who is curious to learn and is never satisfied may be justly termed a philosopher.” The term philosophy derives from the Greek word “philosophia,” meaning “love of wisdom.” In Plato's view, philosophy represents a basic human instinct, akin to the need for food and companionship.

Hobbes

Hobbes remarked, “Leisure is the mother of Philosophy; and Commonwealth, the mother of Peace.” He suggests that philosophy is a luxury, one that may not be strictly necessary. Cities can thrive without philosophical inquiry; perhaps philosophy serves to articulate the principles behind their successes.

Kant

Kant defined philosophy as “the science and criticism of cognition.” This description may seem rather dry, yet it resonates with contemporary psychological thought. I admire how philosophy can maintain scientific rigor while promoting clear thinking.

Schopenhauer

Schopenhauer claimed, “Everyone is conscious of all philosophical truths, but philosophers bring them to conceptual awareness.” This perspective emphasizes that while we may hold deep beliefs about the world, philosophers help us articulate and examine them, granting us greater clarity and choice.

Hegel

Hegel stated, “Philosophy is its own time comprehended in thought.” While his definition may seem vague, it suggests that philosophy seeks to understand the essence of our contemporary experiences.

The second video, What is Philosophy?, explores various philosophical concepts and their relevance in everyday life.

Marx/Engels

Marx and Engels posited, “Philosophy is no more than abstractions concerning observations of human historical development.” I find it reductive to limit philosophy solely to historical abstraction, especially considering areas like mathematical philosophy, which can exist independently of historical context.

Aldous Huxley

Huxley noted, “Men live in accordance with their Philosophy of life.” Though not a philosopher in the strictest sense, his definition captures the practical nature of philosophy, encompassing the beliefs and values that guide our lives.

Ludwig Wittgenstein

Wittgenstein argued, “The object of philosophy is the logical clarification of thoughts.” He emphasized that philosophy is an active process aimed at clarifying our thoughts rather than merely presenting abstract propositions.

Bertrand Russell

Russell stated, “Philosophy verifies that our hierarchy of instinctive beliefs is harmonious and consistent.” This aligns with the ideas of Schopenhauer and Huxley, suggesting that philosophy helps confirm the validity of our instinctive beliefs.

Albert Camus

Camus provocatively claimed, “Suicide — whether life is worth living — is the one serious philosophical problem.” While this appears bleak, it underscores the importance of philosophy in examining the value of life, potentially empowering us to affirm its worth.

Michel Foucault

Foucault suggested, “Critical philosophy is what questions domination at every level.” This idea prompts reflections on the role of philosophy in challenging power dynamics, though its practical application can be debated.

William James

James humorously concluded, “There is only one thing a philosopher can be relied upon to do, and that is to contradict other philosophers.” As a Pragmatist, he believed that philosophy should focus on practical usefulness rather than abstract debate.

In summary, engaging with these diverse philosophical perspectives offers insights into the essence and value of philosophy in our lives. It encourages us to think critically and examine our beliefs, thereby enriching our understanding of the world around us.