Recently, I have heard several people whom I consider to be thoughtful and well reasoned asset what can only be a dismissal of philosophy.  I’ll admit that this bothers me.  I understand there are few among us who want to think about the importance of philosophy and the role it plays in our daily lives.  Thinking is hard work, so most seek to avoid it as much as possible.  But the truth is, without philosophy, we would all be little more than animals: acting and reacting emotionally according to whatever whim or stimulus is acting upon us at any given time.  So, when I hear people say they do not let themselves be bound by a philosophy – that they see it only as a ‘guide’ – I have to hope it is because they do not understand what philosophy really is or what it means to them, or to society.

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