Question

In 1-2 paragraphs, begin a discussion thread that responds to the question, "what is the value of Philosophy?" In other words, how does Russell suggest that Philosophy can help us rationally and constructively question our beliefs and assumptions about ourselves, society, and the world in which we live?

Answer 1

In 1-2 paragraphs, begin a discussion thread that responds to the question, "what is the value of Philosophy?" In other words, how does Russell suggest that Philosophy can help us rationally and constructively question our beliefs and assumptions about ourselves, society, and the world in which we live?

Ans-

Bertrand Russell in the chapter titled "The Value of Philosophy" in his book “The Problems of Philosophy” detailed out about the value that philosophy holds for both individuals and society as a whole. To explain his view at both these levels- individual and society- Russell described the "practical man", “ the goals of Philosophy”, “central value of philosophical inquiry’ and “role of philosophy in living and acting well.”

Russell was of the view that value of philosophy lies in its very uncertainty as philosophizing even mundane things lead to problems to which there exist very incomplete answers. The process of philosophizing involves questioning about anything and seeking answers which may vary from one to another. Philosophizing things which apparently seems to be simple and driven by common sense, removes the arrogant dogmatism related to those things by allowing to constructively question beliefs and assumptions shaped by the social conditioning about ourselves, society, and the world in which we live. Therefore philosophy is valuable at both individual and societal level as it helps in a significant way to open the blindfolds of people who have been blinded by the rituals and habitual beliefs prescribed by the society as norms for ages and thereby allowing them to probe deeper. This leads to the formation of new perspectives by showing familiar things in an unfamiliar aspect.