Philosopher's Zone LIVE EVENT: What use is philosophy?
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Apr 1, 2025 Sally Shrapnell, an Associate Professor in Physics, and Peter Harrison, a Research Fellow and Emeritus Professor in the Humanities, dive into the purpose of philosophy. They tackle the discipline's historical biases, such as sexism and colonialism, revealing how these injustices persist today. The discussion expands to the relationship between philosophy and science, questioning the nature of truth and the influence of narrative in moral understanding. They also confront the challenges posed by misinformation in the modern era, emphasizing philosophy’s role in navigating societal dilemmas.
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Internal vs. External Progress
- Traditionally, philosophical progress was about personal growth, not external knowledge accumulation.
- Peter Harrison contrasts this with the modern view of scientific progress as external knowledge gains.
Philosophy and Moral Behavior
- Philosophy can clarify moral issues but doesn't offer normative prescriptions.
- A shift occurred in moral philosophy, from character formation (like Aristotle's virtue ethics) to answering specific dilemmas.
Challenging Moral Beliefs
- Moral philosophy presents edge cases, challenging established moral beliefs.
- This allows for critical thinking about morals and questioning potentially unjustified beliefs.