The Criticisms Against Philosophers and Their Relevance Today
Om Shree Ganeshaay Namah! Om Shree Sharadaay Namah! While not a professional philosopher or scientist or engineer, I believe that these disciplines must be united in a more comprehensive discipline. Scientists and engineers often criticize philosophers for being too subjective and incapable of producing tangible results. However, it is important to recognize that scientific understanding is not only begotten by philosophy but survives and thrives on the same. Philosophy provides the meaning and context that scientific interpretations and hypotheses need to be meaningful.
Scientific and engineering critiques of philosophy are often oversimplified and unbalanced. A well-known example can be found in David Hume's 1753 essay Of National Characters, where he expresses a belief that "negroes" are "naturally inferior to the whites." This view is not only troubling but also perpetuates racial biases. Similarly, Immanuel Kant and Arthur Schopenhauer have also been criticized for their sexist and often incel-driven views. The YouTube channel "School of Life" has widely praised philosophers like Schopenhauer, but it's unfortunate that they have glossed over his clearly misogynistic beliefs.
Historical and Contemporary Perspectives
Western philosophy, particularly the work of great philosophers like Aristotle, has been criticized for its racist and sexist undertones. For instance, Aristotle believed that slavery was a natural state and that human beings came in two types: slaves and non-slaves. He even referred to slaves as living tools fit only for physical labor. These early philosophies have a lasting impact on contemporary ideas, and it is essential to critically examine them. If we consider that "philosophy" is so broad that calling it nonsense counts, then it is meaningless, and little more valid than devoted one's life to a fantasy.
While it is true that many contemporary discussions in philosophy remain predominantly centered on questions of race, the great questions like the meaning of life are still largely left to white philosophers. The lack of diversity in the field of philosophy is a significant issue. The field is predominantly white, and philosophers who are not are often relegated to conversations about race, without their broader contributions being recognized.
The Lack of Methodology to Reject Bad Philosophy
Philosophy's biggest problem is that it is old, pale, and largely male. The sexist beliefs of thinkers like Schopenhauer, Aristotle, Nietzsche, St. Augustine, Confucius, and even the Buddha can be found echoed in modern pick-up artistry. There seems to be a consistent view among philosophers that women are intellectually inferior and need to be tamed rather than being seen as people with thoughts and feelings. The response to such criticisms is often that "they were men of their time," which is a historically accurate but inadequate response. Unlike other disciplines, there isn't a firm methodology to reject bad philosophy or to dismiss the influence of these thinkers.
Unfortunately, these historical perspectives are often taught as though they are as relevant today as they ever were. In my philosophy classes, which I took between two other degrees, most of the major figures and their works were overwhelmingly white. The discussions of grander questions or broader topics often overlooked philosophers who were not white. Contrast this with the education provided in history and politics classes, where I was made very aware of the brutality of the founding fathers and their opinions on black people and slavery. This difference is stark, and it highlights the need for a more inclusive and critical approach to teaching philosophy.
It is important to recognize that the field of philosophy, despite its historical contributions, is still largely white-dominated. We need to address this issue by promoting and recognizing the work of philosophers of color, women, and other underrepresented groups. In doing so, we ensure that philosophy remains a dynamic and relevant discipline that reflects the diverse perspectives of a global society.