One can use intuition as the basis for their arguments. However, the problem with this is that it runs into the problem of subjectivity either through culture or otherwise. Intuition is without firm grounds to stand on. If it runs into the problem of subjectivity, it would mean the truth is only contextually true. This is a constrained truth.
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P&S Moderators: JackARoe | Cheshire_Kat
What is the best way to DO philosophy?
- Thread starter In Dubio
- Start date
MyDoorsAreOpen
Bluelight Crew
- Joined
- Aug 20, 2003
- Messages
- 8,549
First off, I think this is an excellently phrased question. If the aim of philosophy is the cultivation of wisdom, then philosophy truly is something to be done actively, not just observed from the sidelines. I like the cut of your jib. 
I think the most important thing is to be a good listener. Have lots of conversations with lots of people, including people very much unlike yourself in background and temperment. Some of the greatest philosophical conversations I've had have been impromptu and informal, and have typically started by me asking someone their opinion about something that clearly matters to both me and them, but isn't a simple or clear-cut issue. When the person stops talking, I ask follow up questions and in so doing invite them to delve more into where they stand. All the while I try to give off a nonjudgmental and validating vibe -- I may not agree with you, but that doesn't mean I don't enjoy conversing and connecting with you. Unless I know the person well, I don't tend to comment or offer my opinion, never mind argue against them, unless the person explicitly asks me to. The question I always keep in mind is, What sort of life experiences would lead a person to see this issue this way? And with this in mind, it's easy for my validation (nay, compassion), even for an opinion quite unlike my own, to be genuine. I seldom ever go into a philosophical conversation with an "in it to win it" attitude. It's not a zero sum game, a pissing contest, or a chance for me to show that my idea is right and yours wrong. Rather, it's a reminder that life is complicated, there are no easy answers, and that the best any of us can do is to settle on the viewpoints that best square with our experiences and goals in life, while being at peace with the fact that fellow travelers on the road of life will see things differently.
Keep in mind that my approach to philosophy is decidedly more populist, and less of a masculine combat sport, than it is to many people who'll tell you that they do philosophy. Like I said, it's what's worked for me and fit with my general approach to life.
I think the most important thing is to be a good listener. Have lots of conversations with lots of people, including people very much unlike yourself in background and temperment. Some of the greatest philosophical conversations I've had have been impromptu and informal, and have typically started by me asking someone their opinion about something that clearly matters to both me and them, but isn't a simple or clear-cut issue. When the person stops talking, I ask follow up questions and in so doing invite them to delve more into where they stand. All the while I try to give off a nonjudgmental and validating vibe -- I may not agree with you, but that doesn't mean I don't enjoy conversing and connecting with you. Unless I know the person well, I don't tend to comment or offer my opinion, never mind argue against them, unless the person explicitly asks me to. The question I always keep in mind is, What sort of life experiences would lead a person to see this issue this way? And with this in mind, it's easy for my validation (nay, compassion), even for an opinion quite unlike my own, to be genuine. I seldom ever go into a philosophical conversation with an "in it to win it" attitude. It's not a zero sum game, a pissing contest, or a chance for me to show that my idea is right and yours wrong. Rather, it's a reminder that life is complicated, there are no easy answers, and that the best any of us can do is to settle on the viewpoints that best square with our experiences and goals in life, while being at peace with the fact that fellow travelers on the road of life will see things differently.
Keep in mind that my approach to philosophy is decidedly more populist, and less of a masculine combat sport, than it is to many people who'll tell you that they do philosophy. Like I said, it's what's worked for me and fit with my general approach to life.
whiteroom67
Bluelighter
Know that there is no one right answer for anything. There is always another side to the story, another perspective, another possibility, another nuance, etc. None of us actually KNOW anything for sure - that may be the one truth that actually exists. But does knowing that we don't know represent truth? Hmm...
Proving that something can't be for sure with illustrative examples and open possibilities is a start. Just know that you can't know anything, but don't know that you can't know anything because you in fact can't know anything
Proving that something can't be for sure with illustrative examples and open possibilities is a start. Just know that you can't know anything, but don't know that you can't know anything because you in fact can't know anything
Jabberwocky
Frumious Bandersnatch
With an OPEN mind