The value of philosophy

In this module, we have examined a number of aspects of knowledge relevant for how we value it. Is it objective or subjective / personal? Can it be practical as well as theoretical? Is it a matter for individuals only or can be genuinely social? In this session, we turn to the value of a sub-species of inquiry: philosophical inquiry.At the end of a book looking at a number of philosophical issues, Bertrand Russell turns to the value of philosophy in this session’s key reading.

• • How does he contrast the value of philosophy with the value of scientific knowledge?

  • Try to identify his two main claims about why philosophy is valuable. How plausible are they?

  • Does the value of philosophy derive from something else – which more obviously has value – on his account?

  • Standing back, think what kind of role philosophy can have. How is philosophy even possible? How does you answer fit with the readings this term? What value does your answer imply for philosophy?

Essential reading:

• • Russell, B. (1912) The Problems of Philosophy chapter 15 'The value of philosophy'

The slides for the session are here.

Reflections on this session are here.