Sep 11, 2016 Philosophy should be just as important as math, science, english, etc, in school. The reason I believe this is because philosophy forces you to know WHY you think something, it forces you to think through opinions/issues LOGICALLY, something that's not done enough. The ability to use logic (predominantly at least) when discussing ideas and issues is viewed as special and gifted, unnatainable for the average person. The perception of it is that someone like Sam Harris (fascinating guy, look him up) can only think how he does because of genetics, or pure talent. But I doubt that's true. Philosophy is largely logical, just like math (though math is purely logical). Meaning, if we can teach kids to understand 2+2=4, we can teach them to logically account for other people's perspectives and teach them to understand what it truly means to think. Now I don't think many people would argue that Philosophy is useless (not talking about post degree job opportunities here) but I don't think many would argue it's just as important as core classes either. So why do I believe it's just as important? Because how much time in our lives do we spend talking to people, hearing their ideas, and listening to their perspectives? The answer is a s--- ton of time. If people were educated on the logical formula of thinking (yes, there is one) imagine how much more cooperative we would be. Of course it would change life in general, but imagine how US (or general) politics would be if Philosophy was just as valued as core classes in k-12. Instead of constantly calling each other bigots, racist, libtards, etc the average dinner table political debate could actually be centered around why one opinion/idea would work better than other. Here is a example of what happens when Philosophy isn't emphasized: "I think all of those d--- illegals need to get out of this country!" "You're just a intolerant bigot!" After Philosophy is emphasized: "I think all of the illegal immigrants need to get out of this country" "Why? What negative impact do they have?" "Well they take our jobs" "But all the evidence and research says they don't" "But what makes them entitled to US citizenship?" And back and forth. Instead of name calling, actual logical discussion. If everyone was trained to take in account a persons life expirence which forms their perspective, be taught the logic that could be used when discussing ideas, and be taught the true nature and meaning of thinking, we would all get along much better, and more would get done. This is not to say everyone should have the same opinion. That's not what Philosophy is. Take the example above for instance, the one arguing to deport the illegal immigrants is asking why they are inherently allowed to live here, which is a perfectly legitimate philosophical question/opinion. But there is a philosophical counter argument to that point that is just as legitimate. Even if I could wave a magic wand and this all come to fruition, people would disagree constantly. There is a logical formula to thinking but that doesn't mean only one specific result can come out of a certain thought and be logically and philosophically sound. Logic can't completely dictate Philosophy, it just can't. There is a clear, sound, logic to both the pro and anti immigrant persons argument, but mostly it's a moral position, which logic cannot always control. Another example: The discussion of what people think everyone is entitled or not entitled to is a intresting one. When someone says "all people should have the right to live, so all people deserve healthcare free of charge" there is a logic to that, but it is a largely moral opinion. The exact same could be true of the opposite opinion "No one is entitled to anything on this earth, things are earned". Both of those opinions can't be proven or disproven logically,(er well... At least in the context I'm talking about) but that doesn't make them invalid. Logic can't dictate everything. So in conclusion: Schools should teach students the nature of thinking, the inherently logical aspect to thinking, and to respect different moral conclusions. Regarding the latter, most people would take that up to a point, many aren't going to sympathize or respect grossly authoritarian or discriminating opinions. Which nothing about philosophical logic and the nature of morality contradicts. I'm not trying to get rid of "values" people have at all. Differences of opinion are good, the inability to understand the logic and more often morality of why someone thinks what they do, is not good
Sep 11, 2016 Eyyyy it's the homie Brandon Remember philosophy is for dumb blonde c---- with pedophile boyfriends who won't amount to anything
