I ask this question to get the ball rolling. How has philosophy shapee our history as human kind? One can argue that it had no signifiganct impact. Yet another could claim just as truthfully the exact opposite. So I present you with the question and leave you to find the answers.
Philosophy has inspired many thinkers and writers, who have in turn inspired the masses. Rousseau and Locke's writings could be said to have influenced Marx, who in turn influenced Lenin and Stalin and the Mensheviks, who in turn inspired the Revolution. So, philosophy has a great but indirect effect.
Philosophy is what makes us human. Every human is a moral being, which means we each have a philosophy.
That means that every choice made by every person has been affected by philosophy- a pretty big influence, if you ask me.
"Ladies and Gentlemen Of The Jury", if you will pardon the expression, I think the jury is stil out on this one!
Philosophy shapes EVERYTHING that we do in life. From the time we get up in the morning, until we go to bed - Everything1
Why do we eat the foods we eat - actually, why do we eat at all (well, actually because we must eat to survive), but there you go, that is an answer to a philosophical question. It almost seems silly, but in reality, it isn't.
Why do we get dressed (because it is necessary!), Why do we go to work (to provide necessities), the list goes on.
My point is, that our entire life is really shaped by philosophy - Question, followed by the answer (of course!)
The more weighty issues, of world peace, hunger in third-world countires, how do we assume peace in our own country, how do we shape our own destinies, well those issues are also philosophical, and take more time (and patience) to answer.
Just a few flowing thoughts, as the river of life flows on by . . . Rosalie
Your points are well proven, but what of "hardcore philosophy?" Such as what is the souns of one hand clapping? There truly is no answer, yet these could shape history just as well as a any other question. What of that? If I may ask?
Sir,
what is the souns of one hand clapping?
That is not philosphy. Philosophy is the study of how we make decisions. The more "hard core", the better.
Regards,
HM Alexander of Hanover
Your Majesty,
I do believe thatwe have differing ideas on what exactly philosophy is. I have had it defined to me as an exploration of how the world works.
"One hand clapping" isn't philosophy, its a Taoist excersize used to prepare the mind for asking and answering the "big questions." If you want to talk taoism, think of the unmarked (I think that's the word) block.
I've been reading the Philosophy of Ayn Rand, who starts it out with this:
A is A.
What is is.
That's a good place to start with a philosophical discussion.