How to Do Philosophy: The Infinite Article

How to Do Philosophy: The Infinite Article

In the realm of philosophy, one of the most intriguing concepts is the idea that our existence is not as concrete as we may think. We are merely a collection of cells, driven by various forces, and yet we identify ourselves as individuals. However, if we delve deeper, we realize that there is no central, indivisible entity that defines our identity. This notion becomes even more fascinating when we consider the possibility of losing half our brain and still being able to live. It suggests that our brains could potentially be split into two halves and transplanted into different bodies. Can you imagine waking up after such an operation and having to navigate life as two distinct individuals? These musings provoke us to question the fundamental concepts we use in our everyday lives. We come to understand that these concepts are often fuzzy and can break down if pushed too hard.

Throughout history, humanity has engaged in the exploration of abstractions. The journey from describing things as hot or cold to asking "what is heat?" was a significant leap. This curiosity-driven pursuit of a deeper understanding of the world has led to the accumulation of knowledge, which in turn empowers us. Theoretical knowledge, despite not always having immediate practical applications, holds prestige because it expands our intellectual horizons. However, it is worth noting that the topics we find intellectually stimulating often have surprising practical applications. Therefore, the pursuit of knowledge should not be dismissed as useless but rather embraced for its potential usefulness.

Unfortunately, the world of philosophy has sometimes been plagued by obscure and convoluted writing. When big ideas are communicated in an unclear manner, they can appear enticing to intellectually ambitious individuals who lack experience. Traditional philosophy, with its perceived complexity, can be alluring. It offers the allure of mathematics' difficulty while encompassing a broader scope. This allure creates a market for writing that sounds impressive but cannot be disproven. As long as there is demand for such content, there will always be individuals ready to supply it.

However, instead of abandoning this territory, we should strive to reclaim it. We can do so by embracing clarity and precision in our communication. When we use words with precise meanings, we are essentially engaging in the realm of mathematics. Mathematics provides us with a roadmap into abstraction, allowing us to produce work that surpasses the convoluted writings of those with ulterior motives. This approach is accessible to anyone. By starting with useful and specific ideas, we can gradually expand their generality, creating a gradual slope of understanding. Philosophy, much like mathematics in the 1500s, is still in its infancy, offering countless opportunities for discovery.