As part of my studies I'm required to take a course on holding presentations. It is a small group of people where we hold presentations for each other every week. I'm supposed to hold a presentation where I defend the study of philosophy. With the group of people I am in this is going to be a challenge. I got two students of economy, one veterinary, one paleontologist, one computer scientist and somebody that does something related to viruses. Their opinions of philosophy starts with "a colossal waste of time and resources" and goes downhill from there.

Do you guys have any good ideas about what I might say to get through to this close-minded bunch of, um, people.

This book is available online for a review. "The Joy of Philosophy: Thinking Thin Versus the Passionate Life" by Robert C. Solomon. Click on preview here. Chapter 2 might give you some direction.

Otherwise, begin with this: "Once upon a time....
and end with: "The End. Wake UP!"

In the end, isn't Philosophy simply man or woman expressing their opinion and what they've learned - part of what makes us what we are, our quest for knowledge?

While I find it strange that a defence of philosophy is even thought worthy of thought, I might suggest the following for consideration.

Aristotle writes that Philosophy begins with wonder.......Wittgenstein writes that the goal of philosophy is to show the fly the way out of the fly-bottle. Both are partly correct, it seems to me.

It is philosophy that provides the ground for any science in that it provides and validates the "rules" and procedures for using it. Hence all the "philosophies of......" courses in higher education.

The study of logic and argumentation provide ways to avoid incorrect conclusions, and philosophy can help everyman to think rationally, and to avoid silly mistakes. In this sense, philosophy continually makes corrections.

A study of various possible philosophies shows us new and different ways to consider the world around us, and in a very practical sense expand our thinking experience beyond ourselves and beyond the commonplace of our situation. It was Kant, a philosopher, that suggested that the goal of men should be Enlightenment, or the liberation of oneself from the tutelage of others. Philosophy is one of the more important processes towards that goal.


Z

I. Philosophical Systems
II. Philosophical Grounding of other branches of knowledge
III. Practical Philosophy

OR:
Defending philosophy is akin to defending great art, great poetry, great music. Each take us beyond daily existence and tell us something important about being human even though there is no great utility in these. Why bother reading Shakespeare or why attend a performance of Beethoven and Orff? What is it in these that seems to call to us in a compelling way?
Z

I find philosophy to be a great aid in developing and fleshing out a moral belief system. They can also aid in how you live your life. For example, I am a great believer in stoicism. I began developing it when i was a little kid of 8 or so. I had no idea what stoicism was then, but I began to teach myself to just accept things as they are and to control my emotions. This is something which I believe can better everyone's life as too many people worry about things they can't control and getting angry when it will solve nothing.

Hopefully by telling your colleagues how philosophy can help one to live a happy life will help change their mind.

The Greek translation of PBK, or the words represented by phi beta kappa, is "philosophy (the) guide of life." One has only to read the Greeks and Romans to understand how such a concept was possible. Epictetus at once comes to mind.
Z

Sorry if this sounds stupid,(honestly) but wasn't the point of the debate to prove and increasing ability in debating? To show that the student can gather information and argue for or against any topic, whatever there actual belief? The subject matter would therefore be irrelevant.



Just realised Mr Alpha may be studying philosophy. If so my comment does not hold that well, though may in other peoples situations.


This post has been edited by KingOfIdiocy: Jul 28 2008, 11:58 AM