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Of Philosophy
A layman's definition of Philosophy would be it's etymological meaning: the love for wisdom.
Philosophy has been a subject associated with ancient Greeks and Romans. Often, it is thought of as a field that engages in extremely complex thoughts and abstract ideas, which perhaps is only partially true.
As we shall see, philosophy could as well be a way of life based on particular values.
Based on this, how useful is philosophy today?
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Do We Need Philosophy Today?
We see that philosophy dates back to ancient Greeks. Later on, the Romans also laid hands on the subject and practiced a great deal of philosophy.
The nature of philosophy itself, a venture of asking questions about the universe we live in, the life we live and nearly everything conceivable to human mind, makes one ask the question: In an era where information is at the tap of buttons, do we need philosophy?
It may seem quite reasonable that in the ancient Greek and Roman era, philosophy was important in generating information and acquiring knowledge.
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Philosophy In Information-Saturated Era
Google a simple question, and you will get a billion hits. Open an app on your phone and you will be welcomed to a sea of ideas and information. Why would we need to think deeply about anything right now?
Well, I think philosophy is as important now as it was in the ancient Greek times. One needs to think clearly amidst suffocating information load. It is necessary to cut through this information load with a critical mind.
The basic questions of philosophy on what is true and what is not, what is real and what is not may be very much applicable now to dissect information now
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Using Philosophy To Combat Misinformation
Misinformation is now rampant. Anyone can wake up and write whatever they think without any grain of truth or with plain falsity and it would be shared widely in an easy manner.
So, today, we perhaps need philosophy to cut through such loads of misinformation by subjecting that misinformation to the critical eye of philosophy.
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Philosophy As A Way Of Life In A Fast-paced World
Perhaps another need for philosophy now is that the world with its easily accessible information has become challenging to cope with. We are bombarded with information that challenges the reality and meaning of our own existence.
A person who thinks is not making enough of his or her life might question that life seeing how others post of their achievements and how much their lives are a success.
One who applies philosophy might, in this scenario, ask the basic question "What is it I have in my life that is success?" Perhaps, that very existence is itself a success.
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Last Words
Philosophy may not necessarily mean engaging in complex metaphysical ideas or abstract thoughts. In a modern world, it may actually be a particular way of life that maximises the application of current realities to live this life.
And we perhaps need not be another Plato or Aristotle nor do we need to be any of their Eastern counterparts. A way that takes you through this life on well thought-of ideas that promote civility and common good may be enough.
For it is not important that we leave behind a huge public impression. It is, however, enough that we live a life we well thought of.
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IDEAS CURATED BY
I am a Malawian, an ardent fan of Stoicism and similar philosophies of life. I love reading personal development books.
CURATOR'S NOTE
The world is now complex with so much information at our hands. Too much stimulation that may leave us questioning our own lives. How can philosophy help us in this era? I find that practical philosophy is important to live through this life now.
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