What Is Philosophy?

It is fairly common knowledge that the root of the word "philosophy" means "love of wisdom".  We've already discussed how complicated the idea of love is.  What about wisdom?

Is "wisdom" just knowledge, especially knowledge that perhaps isn't widely known?  Like the numerals of pi up to 200 places. Perhaps not.  Often "wisdom" is spoken of as practical knowledge, the knowledge of good living.  Some of philosophy deals with that, but much of it does not.  Often, especially when we read many of the "classic" philosophers, from Aristotle to Descartes to Wittgenstein we don't see much practical living tips.  That seems more for the realm of self-help, instead of philosophy classes.

The fact that we talk about books and classes in connection to philosophy seems to mean that it is an intellectual pursuit, something the learned pursue, but not the everyday person.  And yet, the everyday person may have a "philosophy of life", or the principles by which they live.  While it may seem that the philosopher-- or perhaps better titled "experts in studies of classic philosophers"-- has more knowledge about ethics or metaphysics, are they really any better prepared to deal with their rebellious teenager?  Do they have a better idea of who is the best candidate to vote for?

In the ancient world, philosophy covered a lot more territory than it does today.  It covered all of what we call "science" and science really grew out of philosophical speculations. In the middle ages, theology was considered the "queen of the sciences" and was a part of philosophy. Psychology and sociology grew out of philosophical speculations, as did political science.   Nowadays we oppose philosophy from theology and science.  We consider them different disciplines.  It seems that philosophy has grown smaller.

Some even wonder whether philosophy is necessary now.  After all, experimentation is a much better method to determine truth than reasoning.  After all, reasoning has led humanity down many wrong paths.  But it isn't the reasoning that led down the wrong path but reasoning that becomes solidified, unchangeable, unquestionable.  Aristotle was one of the smartest men in the ancient world, but when he became the only teacher allowed, he was a monster, a cage to keep wisdom locked.

It seems then that philosophy, at it's best, is when it breaks the mold and asks questions no one is asking, when it speculates in areas which are taboo.  Philosophy gave birth to many sciences and disciplines of thought because it is the originator of new thoughts, the poking and prodding of concepts which have never been explored before. A playground of ideas never contemplated.   Perhaps philosophy didn't get the answers all the time, but the questions are glorious, and pave the way for better answers than would happen without such speculations.