Philosophy Today

Socrates started reflective exercise and critical argumentation, teaching us to appreciate our capacity to debate and ‘think in common.’ But we no longer live in times when the squares of Athens were animated with fervent discussions.
Nowadays, we witness an unprecedented situation: philosophy is contested; the usual questioner is now being questioned. It is frequently asserted that philosophy serves no purpose, and it is this (already banal) comment that I would like to analyze.

The best thing is to start to by clarifying the meaning of utility.

If we consult a dictionary, the word is usually associated with the ‘satisfaction of a need or purpose.’ Thus, we say, for example, that a pen is a good pen when it performs the functions for which it was created, but when the ink runs out, it immediately becomes its opposite, that is, useless. Why? Because it is this practical and immediate sense that dictates its value.

However, utility is not measured solely by immediate consequences, by the advantages that a certain object or a particular action can bring us soon. On the contrary, utility can be associated with suffering and unhappiness.

This statement is controversial, and indeed, what advantage does an individual have in suffering? No one desires to suffer; in fact, if there is something all men aspire to, it is happiness. But the question lies in whether happiness is simply a set of immediate pleasures, needs for easy satisfaction, or if the pursuit of happiness (if possible) requires discipline and personal effort, the ability to overcome obstacles. There are certain pleasures that imply a hard, difficult path to travel, but once we embark on that path, nothing makes us turn back because the final satisfaction justifies all sacrifice. Critical thought is one of those pleasures.

If we ignore philosophy, our life can be quite comfortable and secure, even filled with happiness. But when taken seriously, its effect can be tragic: thought challenges our lives, making it uncomfortable and even aimless. Philosophy questions us, unsettles us to such an extent that it can involve a reconsideration, a total re-examination of our lives, a critical evaluation of our beliefs, of the opinions upon which we have always based our lives (religious, ethical, political). This is why many students, like most people, resist philosophy.

When Plato, in the Allegory of the Cave, speaks to us of the ‘pain’ that prisoners felt when they were forced to leave the world of darkness they inhabited to ascend to the world of light, of the sun, perhaps he wanted to tell us that the exercise of thought is not a natural activity. Just like prisoners who resist with all their might to walk the path of ascent to the world of light, of enlightenment, men also resist thought, that provocative and perhaps frightening (but liberating) experience of philosophy.

It’s this activity that Socrates challenges us to accept, to accept philosophy as an act of courage, as something that each of us should accomplish in our lives. Let’s listen to Socrates’ words: “…without thought, life is not worth living for a man“; his message is timeless. (Apology of Socrates)

Philosophy invites us to embark on a journey that breaks away from an easy way of life, full only of immediate pleasures, towards a more authentic life. Initially, it may lead to upheaval and suffering, but soon we will achieve a fuller happiness, because we will realise that the philosophical life is more in line with our condition, with human life.

Let’s also abandon the romantic view that the value of philosophy does not lie in its usefulness, as if its dignity is diminished if we translate it into terms of practical advantages and consequences. Let’s not ignore its practical and utilitarian meaning; only by reflecting on the effects that philosophy can have on our lives can we understand its purpose and value.

Philosophy plays a fundamental role in human existence by serving as a catalyst for intellectual exploration, moral introspection, and existential inquiry. It fosters a sense of curiosity about the world and encourages individuals to engage in critical reflection on their beliefs, values, and actions. Through philosophical inquiry, individuals develop the capacity for nuanced thinking, analytical reasoning, and open-mindedness, which are essential for navigating the complexities of modern life.

I deeply believe that philosophy has a profound impact on social and political change by challenging established norms, critiquing unfair systems, and advocating for greater equality, justice, and human rights. Philosophical ideas have played a pivotal role in shaping revolutions, social movements, and legal reforms throughout history, serving as a driving force for progress and societal transformation, and this continues to be one of its fundamental roles.

In the end, we are all philosophers, as Karl Popper argued.

“Do philosophers still walk alone?

Isn’t it crucial to exercise our critical thinking and ponder over the questions that matter to all human beings?

Sara Fernandes

Research Fellow in the post-doctoral program in Integral Human Development (Universidade Católica Portuguesa)

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