We need philosophers, too

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During one of the recent debates, to determine the Republican Presidential Candidate, Marco Rubio stated that “welders make more money than philosophers. We need more welders and less philosophers.” While I am hoping that Mr. Rubio meant to extol the importance of welders, along with Vocational Education, his statement points to a number of additional concerns. In disparaging philosophers, the young senator also inadvertently insulted welders. Why can’t welders philosophize and enjoy Philosophy? Does one job or discipline have to be ‘better’ than the other? It’s my contention that we need the best of both. Perhaps more troubling, it appears as though discernment is taking a back seat to emotion, jingoism and political posturing.

All too often, Philosophy falls into a category we refer to as BS. Philosophers are stereotypically viewed as those who spend more time thinking than doing. Unfortunately, this depiction of those following a discipline that goes back thousands of years ignores some very important contributions to the world.

Mathematics, Political Science, Psychology, Religion, History, Criminology, and the Arts have all benefited from Philosophy and philosophers. In addition, individuals like Socrates, Plato, Aristotle, Nietzsche, Kierkegaard, Marx, Rousseau and Locke have had a profound influence (for better or worse) on the course of world events.

Our present educational system, with its emphasis on testing and the Common Core, has little room for much of what Philosophy espouses. Compliance has gained the throne. Where once the developmental process reigned, testing companies, the business community and politicians have come to the fore. There is not much opportunity for critical thinking and playful exploration when teaching young learners these days.

Defending Philosophy’s importance to mankind’s history is but a partial reason for this piece. In many ways, Philosophy needs little defending. However, I do feel that our own ability to philosophize plays a key role in who we are as citizens of the world. Exploring purpose and meaning are essential parts of the human experience. Socrates once asserted, “The unexamined life is not worth living.” To some extent, we are all philosophers (welders included).

While it is essential that we recognize the importance of Vocational Education, discrediting philosophical thought is not the way to go. Good leaders should know this. Senator Rubio is a bit player in a larger drama we have been swept up into. The drama includes education, politics, technology, the media and how we make our decisions.

Creating jobs is essential for a vibrant economy. Vision over vitriol is essential for quality leadership. I am sure that Senator Rubio believes in the former. As for the latter, sometimes playing to people’s passions and fears gains quick acceptance. Such a theme has become all too common. We have to wonder whether or not this is good leadership. Also, isn’t Philosophy supposed to mean ‘love of wisdom’? Isn’t it wisdom that we are searching for from our leaders?

At a time when there are many concerns challenging Americans, and much of the world, we need an educated populace as well as leaders who lead rather than pose. Following the Paris and San Bernardino tragedies, emotions have been running high. It is obvious that action is necessary. This action, however, should be balanced with much thought. Fear mongers, fanning flames, might sate the present emotional needs of some, but is this the best course? Shouldn’t our leaders be guiding us towards understanding rather than preying on our fears?

I am hoping that we continue to produce millions of philosophers. Not only do we need those who wind up with careers in Philosophy, it is also essential that each of us continue to ask life’s big questions. Wearing a toga won’t turn someone into a Socrates, nor will spouting inane phrases produce a viable leader. Perhaps the next really big question all of us philosophers need to ask is, who do we trust to lead the nation? Till then, Carpe Diem.

A longtime contributor to these pages, Robert Houghtaling is director of the East Greenwich drug abuse program.

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