The value of philosophy

Written by Douglas Anele
Sunday, 25 May 2008

Source: http://www.vanguardngr.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=8876&Itemid=71


FOR a long time in this country, there has been bias against the arts or humanities by successive administrations and by Nigerians in general. This bias manifests in various ways.

For example, many parents insist that their children should study the so-called professional courses like law, medicine, engineering, accountancy, banking and finance etc rather than subjects such as history, philosophy, the different Nigerian languages, and so on.

One of the reasons for this ignorant attitude to higher education is that some parents think it is prestigious to answer mama doctor, nna lawyer or papa engineer to boost their egos in the neighbourhood.

Also, the level of unemployment in the country today tends to force students to select courses which they feel give them greater opportunity for employment.

Nevertheless, in many instances, children are compelled to study courses for which they have little or no aptitude whatsoever. The result of this situation is that such students do not perform well in those courses, thereby creating
problems for themselves and their lecturers.

I know instances where third year students of either engineering or business administration earnestly beg for change of course to philosophy, perhaps because they could not cope with the level of numeracy required in those courses.

Secondly, the policy on education which stipulates that sixty present of admission into universities should be reserved for the sciences and science-based courses whereas the remaining forty percent should be for arts suggests that arts subjects are not as important as the sciences for the development of the individual and the society.

It is clear that the policy has failed to promote scientific development in Nigeria. Perhaps, some people think that scientific development can be achieved just by having more students enroll in science subjects and engineering. However, detailed studies of the history of the various sciences indicate that the route to scientific breakthrough is extraordinarily arduous.

It requires a combination of complex factors such as the right intellectual and cultural environment, institutional framework for the promotion and organization of science, adequate funding and availability of sufficient number of individuals devoted to seeking knowledge of objective reality for its own sake.

The last factor is the most elusive and yet the most important, because no one can guarantee that at any point in time in a society there would be sufficient number of men and women that have what Albert Einstein called “intellectual love of phenomena.” Several scholars have presented convincing arguments demonstrating the essential connection between the liberal arts and sciences. Discussing those arguments would considerably lengthen this essay.

Rather what I will do is to present and defend the view that the subject called philosophy is extremely important for the optimum development of the sciences, the human person and the society in general.

Now, since the evolution of human societies, mankind has faced two broad interrelated problems. The first problem concerns the mastery of natural forces, that is, the problem of acquiring knowledge and skill required for the production of tools and weapons. It also involves finding out ways of encouraging nature to produce useful plants and animals for human use.

Francis Bacon was the first philosopher who saw clearly the practical import of scientific technique as a mode of conquering nature by obeying it. Increasingly, this problem is dealt with by the various scientific and engineering disciplines.

To handle it effectively, it is absolutely necessary to train a significant number of experts in narrow scientific subjects. The second problem is about how humans can best utilize their knowledge of natural forces and phenomena.

A cluster of issues about the organization of society politically and economically rear up at this point. In most cases, the second problem is not completely amenable to the exactitude and experimental protocols of science.

According to Bertrand Russell, whose illuminating analysis forms the fulcrum of our discussion, the type of knowledge most suitable for handling the second class of problems can only be derived from a panoramic survey of human life, both past and present, and an appreciation of the source of misery or contentment as vouchsafed by history.

From history, we learn that improvement in skill and knowledge alone has never produced any increase in human happiness and well-being. Examples to prove this are legion.

When our remote ancestors invented agriculture, they used the knowledge to institute a brutal cult of human sacrifice. In our own epoch, scientific and technological creativity has led to the production of weapons of mass destruction, including nuclear weapons, and unheard of environmental degradation.

To deal with the second type of problem, then, something other than technical skill is needed, something which, loosely, might be called wisdom. Science, on its own, cannot give us wisdom. But humanity requires wisdom now more than ever before, because the accelerated growth of science and technology has rendered ancient habits of thought and action more unsatisfactory at this time than at any other time.

Etymologically, philosophy means “love of wisdom” and the genuine lover of wisdom is called a philosopher. It is philosophy in this sense that human beings world-wide should acquire if the increased power and control we have over nature would not lead to disaster. The philosophy we have in mind here is not the one that interests only specialists in philosophy, but one that has cultural value which can be incorporated as part of general education.

Most members of the public conflate the abstruse and abstract nature of philosophical discussion by specialists with aspects of philosophy that can contribute meaningfully to enlightenment and enrichment of culture.

Although in Nigeria, the National Universities Commission has stipulated courses in philosophy for all fresh undergraduates, the course content and general mode of teaching these courses in some universities, including the University of Lagos where I teach, leave much to be desired. I will discuss later what philosophy should, as part of general education offer those that study it.

However, it should be noted that philosophy, from its inception in remote antiquity, aimed both at a theoretical understanding of the universe and at proposing ethical paradigms for the good life. Philosophers such as Heraclitus, Plato, Aristotle, Hegel, Marx, C.S. Momoh, J.I Omoregbe, Evelyn Fox Keller, Odera Oruka etc practiced philosophy this way. Thus, philosophy has been closely associated with science and religion. In its relation to science, philosophy has served as a touch-bearer or pathfinder.

The theories of planetary motion, evolution, and atoms etc. were first postulated by philosophers as speculative attempts to explain reality. But when these theories were verified empirically, they ceased to be philosophy and become parts of the corpus of scientific knowledge.

Therefore, as an adventure of the human mind per excellence, philosophy charts the uncharted domains of reality which are filled in later by scientists with verifiable and verified entities of all sorts.

There are two widespread dangerous attitudes which philosophy helps to curb. On the one hand, there are those who dogmatically believe in the omnipotence of science, to the extent that they forget the huge ignorance existing even in the face of our best scientific efforts to cognize reality.

On the other hand, there are a large number of people who uncritically downplay the achievements of science. Individuals in the first group tend to become overconfident and complacent, and visit with opprobrium attention to problems lacking the exactitude necessary for scientific solution.

People in the second group usually revert to some antiquated harmful mumbo-jumbo or superstition, and refuse to accept the incredible possibilities for human happiness which exist as a result of wise application of technology in handling human problems. Philosophy saves us from these intellectual maladies by encouraging us to critically examine the scope, power and limitations of scientific knowledge.

On the ethical side, philosophy, argues Russell, is premised on the belief that knowledge is good, even if what is known makes people uncomfortable. A person with philosophical temperament would love to know, and truly dislikes error. She or he would want to have ideas, theories and opinions that are as verisimilar as possible.

Sir, are you telling us something or are you asking us something. I wonder what it is you understand by philosophy. Is the philosophy practiced by the likes of Plato and Pythagoras the same as the philosophy discussed by Wittgenstein?

Pastor AIO:

Sir, are you telling us something or are you asking us something. I wonder what it is you understand by philosophy. Is the philosophy practiced by the likes of Plato and Pythagoras the same as the philosophy discussed by Wittgenstein?

Have you ever seen two identical things ever since you came to this miserable world? Your answer would answer your question.

Pastor AIO:

Sir, are you telling us something or are you asking us something. I wonder what it is you understand by philosophy. Is the philosophy practiced by the likes of Plato and Pythagoras the same as the philosophy discussed by Wittgenstein?

Did it strike a nerve? What did you take from the article?

huxley:

Did it strike a nerve? What did you take from the article?

I am simply of the opinion that what passes for philosophy today is a bit of a farce. Kids are taught in school that it is one tradition that dates back to Ancient Greece, but I do not think that they belong to a tradition.

jydeboy:

Have you ever seen two identical things ever since you came to this miserable world? Your answer would answer your question.

Miserable world? Speak for yourself dude. My world is quite blissful (at times). No two things are identical in all specifics. I know that. That is why the mathematical premise that 1 plus 1 equals two is fundamentally flawed. 1 plus 1 is the same 1. 1 specific apple added to itself remains itself. However if you generalise that specific apple into the general concept of apples then you can add one apple to another and have two apples. What you have two of is the generalised object called apple not two of any specific apple.

If you consider philosophy generally then you can have more than one kind of philosophy but how far do you wanna generalise. You can go so far that any sort of discourse whatsoever is a philosophy in which case I do not think that it has much value for any society.

Huxley, you are so reasonable. You will notice I didn't post anything on those idiot's thread again. I sincerely wish I could meet you someday. You are every bit a philosopher. Take care.
For pastor AIO, I am sure you are just a jobseeker that uses the name of God to earn a living. You are too naive. And you be somebody papa? It is better your children are fatherless than have a snob as you as father. Your explanations are just too drab. Huxley may explain to you better if he could condescend to talk to a fool as you.

Wow! I've Had all sorts on this forum but that has got to be the lowest and harshest personal insult I've had to endure yet. And not one mention as to why I'm such a waste of space. I guess it's not worth it for you to address anything I've said. I should even be grateful that you would condescend to yab me. Funnily I don't feel any offence. God bless you and I truly hope that you find what you seek in life. Amen.

jydeboy:

Huxley, you are so reasonable. You will notice I didn't post anything on those idiot's thread again. I sincerely wish I could meet you someday. You are every bit a philosopher. Take care.
For pastor AIO, I am sure you are just a jobseeker that uses the name of God to earn a living. You are too naive. And you be somebody papa? It is better your children are fatherless than have a snob as you as father. Your explanations are just too drab. Huxley may explain to you better if he could condescend to talk to a fool as you.

@ jydeboy
!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Wow!!!! why are you so full of venom If you feel that way, send assassins after him.
O ga o!! i can see ure new on nairaland-barely 4 days old!! Even the huxley ure so busy defending would not stoop so low as to wish someone's children fatherless take your venom someplace else!! Tufia!!!

Attention Seun:  have you got izal in the house?? somebody's mouth is in dire need of it!!!

joomiegal:

you have definitely said it haba jydeboy we nairalanders try to be courteous o, express ur views but please refrian from the name calling!!!

seun, i dont think izal will be enough to wash his mouth we need to get something stonger and permanent!

Sweetiemi, I would have appreciated it if you had cared to read how joomiegal, pastor AIO and winnteam called me a fool first yesterday because I posted my opinion on the testimonies of their GO. Do I have to believe his testimonies? I had to pay them back in their own coin. Nigeria, for now, is not a secular state where you can not voice out your views, especially on religion. Please note that every human being has emotions, I do not see anything wrong if I am vexed and I replied in like manner.
When you read their vituperations on me, please do let me know if I am guilty or not. I have promised them I am not going to talk to them again since simple, reasonable and logical truth hurt them. I know nairaland is for courteous people, but when some of those people throw decorum to the winds, they should be ready to face the consequence of their temerity.
So when you are through with their tantrums on me yesterday, you would please judge who truly needs a disinfectant. I am sure Seun is not a fool, because they said he should ban me for contributing to a discourse. Please take time to go over my contribution and determine if I had meant there is no God.
I would always believe in the Trinity: Father, Son and Spirit, eternally. Take care.

Ahh!! So there is a source that the bad vibes is coming from. If I was rude to you I can't remember. Would you care to tell me what this thread is where I called you a fool? Your outburst on this thread is the first time that I've ever been aware of your existence.

Pastor AIO, these are your words:Speak for yourself dude. This miserable world is just another way of saying this sinful world. I never meant your life is miserable. How would I when I do not even know you from Adam? I am sorry if you erroneously thought so. Being a pastor or calling yourself one is sufficient for me to respect you. Remember, touch not my anointed, and do my prophet no harm.
Continue to have a nice day.

@ Pastor AIO and Sweetiemi,
yes apparently. but if there are bad vibes, it sure isnt coming from me. go the the thread in this religious section section that says "some of Pastor Adeboye's testimonies".  You will see the filth spewing from this guy's mouth.
yes, i do agree that winnteam blew his top first, but you can read the filth this jyde person wrote. and you will see my final reply/reaction. Apparently Mukina has seen fit to lock the thread up, im sure to avoid comments like jyde's.   you will see my final reply/reaction to their posts, the entire thing amused more than angered me becos the retaliation was soo childish!! He has promised not to talk to me, i should be impressed? good riddance; i would rather not talk to someone who is so venomous with words! Every one is prone to anger, even if huxley and i dissed each other yesterday, i still respect him becos 90% of the time even tho his posts are at loggerheads with a lot of pple, he still tries to  act like a gentleman( huxley, make ur head no swell o). if he flares up 1ce in a while its allowed. But wishing someone's children childless??!! come on!!
If i called him a fool, i did it on the verse that says "the fool has said in his heart, there is no God".   I do not aplologise for quoting my bilbe.

@ Jydeboy
no-one is asking you not to air your views. u can do them without slinging the kind of curses you did to AIO. you were vexed (altho for the life of me, i cannot see wot he sed to provoke such a reaction from you) does not mean you should wish his children fatherless. haba!!  Obviously, you still don not feel you owe the man an apology. anyways, by their posts you shall know them.

jydeboy:

Pastor AIO, these are your words:Speak for yourself dude. This miserable world is just another way of saying this sinful world. I never meant your life is miserable. How would I when I do not even know you from Adam? I am sorry if you erroneously thought so. Being a pastor or calling yourself one is sufficient for me to respect you. Remember, touch not my anointed, and do my prophet no harm.
Continue to have a nice day.

@ jydeboy

that came in while trying to send my last post. Ehen!! much better!!

jydeboy:

I am sure Seun is not a fool, because they said he should ban me for contributing to a discourse.

Try to stick to the truth, please. I said it (go back to the other thread), I was talking to HUXLEY, not you. Good luck.

It all makes sense now. Well Jydeboy I did not mean any offense by saying 'speak for yourself'. It was a throwaway comment that was more like a joke than anything serious. Anyway, I would like to apologize for causing you such offense.

I do not think that I merit any extra respect due to the fact that I use the name PASTOR AIO. My brother, please ensure that you test ALL spirits. I can understand when at time one feels besieged on all sides and perhaps feels that no one understands them or they are out to get them. In states like this (which I too have experienced before and indeed many of us) it is easy to lash out at anyone and everyone that so much as breezes past.
Let's call this whole incident water under the bridge, shall we. Even when we are still smarting and hurting and perhaps it's difficult to draw a line under it that can be seen as an opportunity to pray to God to give us the strength to Forgive. Thus the whole incident contributes to our spiritual progress. I hope these words have value for you.

God Bless.

Philosophy was one of my best class. love it

@Huxley. You mentioned that philosophy partly seeks to discover how we can live the Good Life. Considering the fact that the human being is a mass of conflicting appetites, is it possible to be happy. For to satisfy one appetite is to leave another unfulfilled. Would the Good life involve the optimum satisfaction of the appetites? Just wondering.

Pastor AIO: Sir, are you telling us something or are you asking us something. I wonder what it is you understand by philosophy. Is the philosophy practiced by the likes of Plato and Pythagoras the same as the philosophy discussed by Wittgenstein?

huxley:

Did it strike a nerve? What did you take from the article?

I think that it is a real shame that this thread did not take off into a proper discussion of what the OP is talking about.

I am of the personal opinion that the study of Philosophy is the most civilising and essential activity that a people or a country can engage in. I agree with what I think the OP is saying, ie that

what I will do is to present and defend the view that the subject called philosophy is extremely important for the optimum development of the sciences, the human person and the society in general.

It is not the propagation of an ideology but rather the familiarisation of a people with certain existential questions. Whatever conclusions they arrive at after studying those issues matters less to me than the fact that they are familiar with the issues.

Who fancies a general chat about Philosophy and what it attempts to do.

Erelu_Y: and many contemporary scholars such as Richard Dawkins, were not only scientists, but also philosophers. T

Are you sure that Richard Dawkins in a Philosopher?

Erelu_Y:
Give me a theologian who is well grounded in philosophy, s/he won’t be spouting trash you hear from many mega-pastors of our generation; give me an attorney whose knowledge of legal and political philosophy is second to none and s/he would be nothing compared to the charge and bail lawyers milling around Nigerian law courts; give me a scientist (be it a mathematician or computer scientist) who thoroughly understands the rules of logic and you have another Einstein of our time.

I quite agree with the above. However I won't limit the scientist to only understanding the rules of logic. I would rather he had a rounded grasp of the major philosophical questions.

Philosophy is an exercise, the most useful of all (to me anyways) which come in the form of mathematical equations. I'm not quite sure what side of the fence PastorAIO and Erelu are but I think any real scientist (the ones that break new grounds and not the ones that just regurgitate what is already discovered) should by default be a philosopher. Mainstream philosophy is like scientific hypothesis. One needs critical thought to be able to visualise what cannot be experimented until such a time as we have the adequate technology. The statement, 'Matter can neither be created nor destroyed' by Dalton I think is a philosophical statement. It was sound until it was disproved, or modified, as it were. Basically philosophy in practical things is a prerequisite for scientific progress.

As for religion, it is chaos. I don't think philosophy can work where you have any form of religious basis. It MUST start from scratch. But the bottomline is that we are human and the world no matter how exact we try to be is probably still some kind of illusion. Who knows if 1 + 1 + 1 can really be 1? Who knows

Pastor AIO: Who fancies a general chat about Philosophy and what it attempts to do.

Well I do. I don't know how broad ranging you would like it to be though since philosophy is supposed to sort of cover everything.

Pastor AIO: Who fancies a general chat about Philosophy and what it attempts to do.

*raises both hands* I'm with thehomer on this - "Well I do".

Erelu_Y:
. . . .
Give me a theologian who is well grounded in philosophy, s/he won’t be spouting trash you hear from many mega-pastors of our generation; give me an attorney whose knowledge of legal and political philosophy is second to none and s/he would be nothing compared to the charge and bail lawyers milling around Nigerian law courts; give me a scientist (be it a mathematician or computer scientist) who thoroughly understands the rules of logic and you have another Einstein of our time.

The problem I see here is that theologians don't really have a field of study and those of them with knowledge of philosophy are simply skilled in using that knowledge of philosophy to rationalize away the core problem of their field of study which literally should be God. Though even they as you said won't act as these mega church pastors do.

Erelu_Y:
I’ll end on the same note as I started: It’s a bunch of clueless politicians, technocrats and beaurocrats who are directing the affairs of this country called Nigeria. We need to include Philosophy and Critical Thinking into our schools’ curricula in Nigeria. This should help to nurture a new generation of children, indeed future Nigerians, who are critical thinkers and rationally autonomous persons!

The problem is that philosophy and critical thinking is difficult to teach and to learn so only the most dedicated would actually be able to put it to good use but I do agree with the idea generally.

It's more fun to bash heads together, you see.