Application of philosophy......?

[aidan402]

Is philosophy only an excercise of the mind or can it be put to practical application for the enhancement of current society? I'm speaking in a general sense. Empirical methodology is also found in scientific application....so, please, no specific schools of thought...simply "philosophy"
In your own words please...I am a fledgling at philosophy and still trying to find my way!

[robert h]

i can tell you that a good number of people who work in the field of philosophy sometimes wind up in physics. so there is a practical application. just as science fiction writers ideas at times become reality so it is that philosophy has ideas that translate well into practical world applications. jeez louise i wish i could give you some practicle examples but i just cant think of any at this moment.

[Sam]

The real philosophy is simply the “Law of Nature” but may not be proved scientifically, but clearly known to the analytical mind. A good philosophy/The Law of Nature should always help the well being of all in the society. All philosophies are known as philosophy till they are proved scientifically (Philosophy is a concept until it is proved- if proved it will become Science). Even the great scientist Newton was known as a “Natural Philosopher”.

It is to be noted that all actions are comprised under 3 categories namely thoughts, words and deeds. Thought is the special name given to mind in its action state. But mind is the origin of all.

Whether I have answered your question or confused. Please let me know.

[Jan Stolz]

I use it in everyday life all the time. If one just thinks for a moment before speaking, you can sound incredably intelligent.

[Generalist]

Everything anyone does is based on their outlook in life-their philosophy. Changes are the realm of philosophers, implementation of philosophy is the realm of the vast majority.

[CrG]

Philosophy is the study of wisdom. Just as a journalist asks the questions of who, what, when, where, how and why, so, too, does the philosopher. One questions events, the other, ideas and knowledge.
In my opinion, the greatest writers wrote before Christ. They were Socrates, Plato and Aristotle. After Christ, the greatest was Thomas Aquinas, author of Summa Theologica which was in many ways an up date of Aristotle. My current favorite psychologist is Eric Berne, the creator of Transactional Analysis, the author of Games People Play and other works.

[urrrp]

Philosophy is really about love of knowledge (if you break the word down to its roots). So, the question is really: do ideas matter? do they have any real consequence? I think a person can only answer this through the passage of time and through experience. In my life, the answer no longer really important. I love ideas, I like to be "right" or think that I am "right" in my actions. Time will doubtless prove me wrong (or right), but either way, I must lead a considered life.

[ikiraf]

At any endeavor in life a better understanding of reality and its meaning is a great fuel for better living. This applies in smaller and/or larger scales. Modern laws that protect freedoms or better organize resources are based on ideas that are to any extent considered philosophy. Governmental methods are based in specific philosophies. What we do with our resources are guided by personal and social philosophies.

Examples -
1. If we had a different philosophy on the value of knowledge we would have never have made the huge efforts needed to go to the moon.
2. If we had a different philosophy in individual rights we would be living in a authocratic Monarchy, or a Communist society, or one of other systems.
ETC... it would go on for a very long time...!

Philosophy finds itself into every aspect of our lives even if we are not aware or apt to define it. Even your career development versus your personal life is significantly influenced by your personal philosophy through your understanding, attitudes and values.

[Yaoi Shonen-ai]

If I had not learned the philosophical techniques of epistemology; and learned the rudiments of political science, law, ethics, logic and good old common sense, I could not have given my lawyer ideas he did not yet see. After he saw them, he was able to help me the way I wanted help, and I would say I won.
I had to go to the local law library and put all my philosophical tools in play to accomplish this.
"Political science" used to come right after Ethics. Now, however, it is often seen as something apart from philosophy, and we call that thing "politics."
Political science trumps "politics" any day of the week as far as saving humanity goes. It's the "science" of using metaphysics, epistemology, and ethics, in the setting of a civilization. Whereas politics is simply a bunch of thugs fighting over pork.

[Joseph]

Buddhism is a philosophy of mind more than a religion. Understanding the fluidity of "Truth" has important applications.