What is the Value of Philosophy?

1. What is the Value of Philosophy? Does Philosophy Bake Bread? (if so, what kind?)

2. 1.  Where, according to Russell, is the value of philosophy to be found?

3. 1.  Where, according to Russell, is the value of philosophy to be found? The value of philosophy is indirect, found through its effects upon the lives of those who study it.   Russell argues that philosophy does not have direct value; it is not useful in any ordinary sense.  Philosophical activity is for the sake of the questions themselves.  Pursuing these questions enlarges our conception of what is possible, enriches our intellectual imagination, diminishes dogmatic assurance which closes the mind against speculation, and renders the mind capable of union with the universe.

4. 2.  Why does Russell maintain that the “uncertainty of philosophy is more apparent than real?”

5. 2.  Why does Russell maintain that the “uncertainty of philosophy is more apparent than real?” • Russell claims that as soon as definite knowledge concerning any subject becomes possible, it ceases to be philosophy and becomes a separate science.  Only those questions to which, at present, no definite answer can be given, remain as the “residue which is called philosophy.”

6. 3.  What does Russell mean when he asserts that the value of philosophy is to be sought in its “very uncertainty?”

7. 3.  What does Russell mean when he asserts that the value of philosophy is to be sought in its “very uncertainty?”  • Russell believes that speculative interest in the universe is apt to be killed by definite knowledge.  The uncertainty of philosophy can free our thoughts from the tyranny of custom and dogmatism.  The pursuit of philosophical (indefinite) questions can expand the mind beyond everyday concerns, providing a sense of calm and freedom.

8. 4.  According to Russell, what may be the chief value of philosophy? 

9. 4.  According to Russell, what may be the chief value of philosophy?  • The chief value of philosophy lies in the greatness of the objects which it contemplates, and the freedom from narrow and personal aims resulting from this contemplation.

10. 5.  What do you think Russell means when characterizes “true philosophical contemplation” as finding satisfaction in the “enlargement of the not-Self?”

11. 5.  What do you think Russell means when characterizes “true philosophical contemplation” as finding satisfaction in the “enlargement of the not-Self?” • This one was up to you. What is the not-Self? What does it mean to enlarge it? To me, this brings connotations of an attempt to be in harmony with the world and others rather than achieve a dominion over it.