Many people exhibit an aversion to philosophy. To some, philosophy is so confusing. To some, Philosophy addresses complex issues of no consequence whatsoever. It is merely a waste of Time to engage in philosophy. To some Philosophy deals with the controversial questions. And so, many people think they can stay away from Philosophy. However, the fact of the matter is that we can never insulate ourselves from philosophy.

What is philosophy? We must understand what philosophy is and more importantly what it is not. In Greek, “philosophy” means “love of wisdom.” Philosophy is based on rational argument and appeal to facts. A philosophy is a comprehensive system of ideas about human nature and the nature of the reality we live in. Ayn Rand contends,

Philosophy studies the fundamental nature of existence, of man, and of man’s relationship to existence. … In the realm of cognition, the special sciences are the trees, but philosophy is the soil which makes the forest possible. [ Ayn Rand, Philosophy, Who Needs It (p. 2)]

Whether we like it or not, whether we are aware of it or not we all engage in philosophy. We may not be engaged in philosophy at the academic arena or at the higher levels of abstraction (although some do wrestle with philosophical questions at that level). Philosophy at this level i.e. at the level of academia is usually referred to as first level philosophy. First level philosophy deals with Metaphysics (the theory of reality), Epistemology (the theory of knowledge), Ethics (the theory of moral values), Politics (the theory of legal rights and government) and Aesthetics (the theory of the nature of art) at the theoretical level. Most of us may not engage with first level philosophy.

Philosophical pursuits are not the sole preserve of academia. Since philosophy deals with ideas about human nature and the nature of reality. Everyone engages in philosophical reflection at some point in time. Works of Art and Literature reflect these philosophical pursuits. So, philosophy comes to us through literature, drama and music. Today, it comes to us through Entertainment Media: Advertisements, Television soaps, Movies, Pop music etc.

For example:

1) Look at the discussion between Aman Mathur (played by Shah Rukh Khan) and Naina (Priety Zinta)

2. Listen to Britney Song, ” I’m just a girl”

3. Look at the Advertisement

Questions of philosophical nature are raised and answered in popular culture. We encounter these questions (and answers) as we engage with entertainment Media. This is second level philosophy. The questions (and answers) seap into our imagination and feeling through gradual osmosis.

Even if we don’t engage with second level philosophy (which is unlikely), we still engage with coffee table conversations which are philosophical in nature. Sometimes, our casual conversations are just conversations. They deal with issues of life, morality, destiny and meaning. These are framed in an entirely different language and tone. This is third level of philosophy.

The diagram below will illustrate the three levels of philosophy

Questions for further discussion

1. How do you understand philosophy?
2. How do you engage with philosophy? How did you respond to second level philosophy?
3. Do you think it is important to engage with second level philosophy?
4. Can you draw the 3 levels of philosophy and explain what each one communicates?

Go to section 3