philosophical investigation is but another form
of objectification
anything created requires a number of skills
a range of artisans
philosophy can be useful in what role?
perhaps this
if you are concerned to have an idea - a concept
explicated
the philosopher will be of use
and also - how does such a concept fit in the
great puzzle?
philosophers are (needed?) of use here
not to say that a physicist or historian couldn't
step up to the plate
so what is the distinction in the philosophical
perspective?
philosophy is essentially a conceptual study
the philosopher is of most interest when he/she provides
conceptual options
different ways of understanding - something - anything -
the world -
the detailed working out of one perspective is a good thing
to do - but such is a 'closed system' approach
generally based on the idea that there is but one true view
of reality
look, let's not get too upset here - it can be a fun activity
and perhaps you need to think you are on the right track to
engage in such
but understanding different uses of concepts - different ways of
seeing - is the philosopher' expertise and gift
I am not convinced though that it is a peculiar gift - the best
science does just this - and too - in the world of art
what is distinctive regarding the philosopher's perspective
the kind of analysis?
the fact that it is conceptual
finally - about ways of understanding knowledge
o.k
but if so
what is its 'own' knowledge?
is there such a thing?
yes
again - e.g. - Plato's theory of Forms
the point is
such concepts
such perspectives
are really logically no different to the concepts and
perspectives of any inquiry
just - different ways and contexts of thinking
perhaps it is just that philosophy is an esoteric game
the object of the game - 'a unitary theory of understanding'
this of course - is never achieved - the players knows this
at the start - but the playing - on this premise - can be
very productive - very creative
