Adrian Christian N.

Lee

BSCE 3A
March 17, 2015
Philo 103 Term Paper
What is Philosophy?
In the world of today, many people are easily blinded by pride and greed. Each one of them wants
things to be on his/her advantage, to have more than what others have, regardless if its power, fame, or
wealth; each one have self-biased ideals that they want to stand above others. As a result, conflicts and
wars arise, affecting many that are innocent. People forget what is essential, what is important. This
essential I think can be better understood through Philosophy. I believe that Philosophy is the discipline
of seeking for truth and knowledge, with the desire for wisdom, trust in ones own capabilities, and love,
and a mission to be fulfilled leading to a deeper understanding of humankind.
As a discipline of seeking for truth, I believe that Philosophy is something that can be learned and
nurtured. First, it is because we already have the tool needed for it, the faculty of wonder. As Jostein
Gaarder have explained, we already had this faculty since we were still babies. However, as we grow up,
the faculty of wonder seems to diminish. As Jostein said, they crawl deep into the rabbits fur, snuggle
down comfortably, and stay there for the rest of their lives. But if this faculty was once there, if we were
able to crawl deep into the rabbits fur, there must also be a way of restoring it back. Second, to be able
to philosophize, one need not be an expert. For example, Viktor Frankl, author of Mans Search for
Meaning, was once like many of us. He was not Aristotle or Socrates or any established philosophers at
his time. His tremendous experience at those concentration camps during Hitlers era have moved him
and made him realize a deep purpose in his life. Lastly, to seek for truth is a choice. For instance, in the
Allegory of the Cave, it is a choice that the escaped prisoner has made when he walked out of the cave
and learn what is true; it is also a choice for the others that they have decided to stay where they are.
Therefore, philosophy is not something that is exclusive, it is something that everyone can enter to; but,
first, one has to have that realization of why he/she need such.
Also, in embracing Philosophy, one has to have a reason to keep going on, and a passion to do so.
Primarily, one cannot do something unless he/she understands it, or, at least, the point of doing so. In this
context, we see that one would just be able to see the value of Philosophy once he/she has also see that
wisdom, core of Philosophy, is vital to his/her existence. Like in an empty talk, from Fr. Moga, people are
fond of discussing matters such as the latest fashion trends and celebrities issues; but they wouldnt be
able to realize the need of lessening such talks unless they realize that those talks are empty.
Furthermore, it does not take a good speaker to be a good philosopher, in contrast to the common
impression of many people with regards to Philosophy. As it was clearly distinguished in Platos record of
the Defense of Socrates, there is a great difference between Sophists, and those who speak of true
wisdom. While the former is more concerned with the art of persuasion, the latter has more emphasis to
the truth of his/her claims; one just have to be able to ask the right questions, and be able to believe in
his/her capabilities that he/she possess.
On the other hand, I believe that love is important in Philosophy. The work of Philosophy is a
humanitarian act. It opens the eye of the people and free them from the chains that bound them to grow
spiritually. With Scott Pecks claim, love is the driving force behind human spiritual evolution. I think that
love for the people would also explain why Socrates has been very firm during his defense with his
principles. That would say that in entering Philosophy, one should also be ready in accepting the mission
of educating those who are blind of the truth. As Socrates said in his Defense, philosophers may often be
viewed as gadflies; nonetheless, that is the challenge to it, to strive in liberating the prisoners in our
society.
To view Philosophy in just a single picture is like looking at the world from just one angle; it is
diverse; it may exist wherever, even, and especially, in the darkest corners of the world. I have pointed
out earlier that Philosophy may be the key in understanding what this world is and needs. That
understanding, I think, is the greatest form of knowledge one can achieved. All in all, I would say that
Philosophy is a form of power, from wisdom, and for the mankind.