Think yourself better: 10 rules of philosophy to live by

Think yourself better: 10 rules of philosophy to live by

The thing that separates human beings from other animals is our extraordinary capacity for complex, abstract thought. But our imperfect minds have also generated terrible mistakes and dangerous ideologies. Without these “intellectual virtues” even the cleverest end up merely playing theoretical games. In this article, we will explore 10 rules of philosophy that can help us navigate the complexities of the human mind and improve our thinking.

1. Be sincere

Sincerity in thought requires overcoming an ego that hates admitting being wrong. It is not about aiming for victory or proving others wrong. Instead, it is about seeking the truth. To be sincere in our thinking, we must prioritize the desire to uncover truth over the desire to be right. This requires humility and self-reflection.

2. Be charitable

To avoid falling into the trap of underestimating others' intelligence, we should employ the principle of charity. This means considering the best, strongest version of an opponent's argument, rather than dismissing it outright. People's real reasons for reaching their conclusions might not always align with the arguments they present. By being charitable in our interpretations, we can engage in more meaningful and productive discussions.

3. Be humble

Humility is a virtue that is often overlooked in our pursuit of knowledge and understanding. Recognizing our limitations and acknowledging that we don't have all the answers can actually enhance our thinking. Confidence and conviction have their place, but when we're trying to think as clearly as possible, humility allows us to approach ideas with an open mind and consider alternative perspectives.

4. Keep it simple, but not simplistic

In the pursuit of clarity, simplicity should be our goal. Overcomplicating ideas can lead to confusion and muddled thinking. However, simplicity should not be mistaken for oversimplification. We must strive to capture the essence of complex ideas without sacrificing their depth and nuance. As Confucius said, "It is futile to do with more things that which can be done with fewer."

5. Watch your language

Language plays a crucial role in our thinking and communication. It is essential to define our terms accurately and use language that aligns with the truth of things. Words have the power to shape our understanding of the world, and getting them right is crucial. Sometimes, this may require reevaluating and redefining certain terms to reflect the evolving nature of our society.

6. Be eclectic

Many important issues cannot be resolved with just one kind of expertise. To tackle complex problems, we need to draw on a diverse range of knowledge and perspectives. Breadth of thought allows us to see connections and possibilities that may not be apparent when we limit ourselves to a single discipline. However, it is important to acknowledge that breadth comes at the cost of depth.

7. Think for yourself, not by yourself

No culture has a monopoly on wisdom, and no single tradition encompasses all the great values. To expand our thinking, we must be willing to engage in dialogue with thinkers from different cultures and backgrounds. Just as we can learn from our peers, we can also learn from other traditions and perspectives. Opening ourselves up to outside knowledge enriches our understanding of the world.

8. Seek clarity not certainty

Philosophy aims at the logical clarification of thoughts. Rather than obsessing over certainty, we should prioritize clarity. Certainty can be seductive, leading us down the path of dogmatism and arrogance. It is important to remain open to the possibility of being wrong and to embrace the uncertainties that come with intellectual exploration.

9. Pay attention

Paying close attention lies at the heart of the best philosophizing. It is by observing and attending to the details of our thoughts, feelings, and sensations that we can gain insight into reality. While arguments have their place, assessing the validity of our reasoning requires paying close attention to its progression. Good thinking is thinking with full attention.

10. Follow the mean

Aristotle's doctrine of the mean teaches us that for every virtue, there is not an opposite vice but an excess and a deficiency. Striking the right balance is crucial in our pursuit of intellectual virtues. We must follow the argument wherever it leads but avoid taking it to absurdity. Recognizing the limits of our thinking and being mindful of the context in which our ideas exist allows us to navigate the complexities of philosophical inquiry.

In conclusion, these 10 rules of philosophy provide actionable advice for improving our thinking and engaging in meaningful discourse. By cultivating sincerity, charity, humility, simplicity, linguistic accuracy, eclecticism, open-mindedness, clarity, attention, and balance, we can develop intellectual virtues that enable us to think more critically and navigate the complexities of the human mind.