Philosophy and Society: A Reflection Paper on Garret Thomson’s Social Relevance of Philosophy

Philosophy is relevant to society regardless of its motive, or lack thereof, to be useful.

Introduction:

                As a graduate of a business course, I developed an understanding that something only matters if it offers value to someone. If it fails to present anything substantial, then its existence or absence is insignificant. As I go over Thomson’s paper on the Social Relevance of Philosophy, this realization resurfaced, and I ended up asking myself, does Philosophy matter? 

                Well of course it does. This is the most obvious answer to the question. I am convinced it matters before I even read the paper. However, trying to explain why it does is challenging. Thomson has discussed and presented his arguments convincingly.

Thomson’s Take

                Thomson’s paper is made up of four parts namely; 1) some quiet revolutions, 2) the conception of philosophy, 3) theory vs. practice and 4) social relevance. He started off with a guide on how to answer his question, “what is the social relevance of philosophy.”

The first part discussed how the brilliant thinkers and how their concepts paved the way for breakthroughs that made our life easier today just like Galileo and Descartes. Next, he presented how philosophy is commonly perceived. Many see philosophy as an exclusive aspect of the academia. When in fact, according to Thomson, it should be perceived as a way of thinking and should not be perceived as something exclusive for a certain few.

Next, Thomson discussed theory and practice. He finds a need to discuss these two because of the view most of us have about theory and practice. He pointed out how our definition of theory opposes that of practice, in most cases, which should not be the case. Theory and practice should be perceived as a duo. Theory should precede practice. In this way, actions are well thought of. But he further clarifies that thought may not necessarily equate reality. As he emphasized a resolution thoughts will not guarantee resolution in practice.

Finally, Thomson dissected the relevance of philosophy to society. He started off by asking the question again, ‘what is the social relevance of philosophy?’ He expressed his answers in two ways. The first one was to challenge the question and the other was to simply answer it.

In challenging the question, he pointed out two assumption integrated in the question. The first one verifies what counts as socially relevant; the other one was the implication that philosophy has to be socially relevant. In the first assumption, Thomson asks further, what are the social ends that we need to consider? In the next assumption that suggest, philosophy should be socially relevant, he pointed out that philosophy’s main goal is not to be relevant socially but to enhance the conceptual aspects of understanding. Ultimately, he argued that it would be better to ask the question, “how can philosophy be socially relevant?” rather than “is philosophy socially relevant?”

In answering the question directly, he first clarified what is being useful to society. In his paper, he pointed out that being useful is easy once the end is obvious. However, in the case of an idea which offers significance to society, the end is not obvious. He cited an example of how changing how we think can actually be relevant in resolving existing problems in the society such as depleting natural resources and political changes.

Reflection

                Philosophy’s general goal is not to be socially relevant but to enhance conceptual aspects to improve our understanding of any field. If we look closely at the main purpose of philosophy, we will begin to understand that its main focus is on the way we think. Philosophy is more concerned about refining our thoughts which will eventually result to better understanding of the various things around us.

                Although this is the case, it does not undermine the significance of being socially relevant. In fact, the process of philosophical thinking has led to many breakthroughs that have revolutionized how human race live. However, most of the great minds behind these useful concepts did not really intend for their works to change the world. All they have were brilliant ideas and they pursued those ideas and presented them to those who are willing to listen. Fortunately, new great minds were able to pick on their ideas and continued to enhance those, ensuing developments that have helped transform the world.

                Philosophy has a ripple effect that has affected those who embraced the process of careful thinking. As a consequence, philosophy became relevant. There was continuity and refining of thoughts. We would not have enjoyed the discoveries and inventions of our forefathers if there were no brave minds to take on where those philosophers have left off.

                Thomson has presented a very valid point that there shouldn’t be a dichotomy between theory and practice. These two should go hand in hand. Theories are essential to any output. Although this is the case, theories should not be seen as guarantees for good results. More often than not, outcomes are farfetched from what our thoughts have initially perceived. Nevertheless, one should never stop perceiving and enhancing the way he thinks because unmet expectations, rather, this should be seen as a new challenge to further refine the process of thinking.

Conclusion

                 I agree with Thomson when he said that philosophy does not have to be socially relevant at all times. This is because not all products of our thoughts have useful ends. Nonetheless, philosophy is essential to society because it is where development sprouts. Development is a product of concepts refined. And although some of those concepts never intended to transform the world, they did. This means that even without deliberate motive to be relevant philosophy can be socially relevant. Instead of looking at it as something that is ought to be socially relevant, it should be appreciated for the its main purpose and that is to enhance conceptual aspects of understanding.