What Makes Philosophy Worthwhile?

Question:Debates on issues of philosophy are often protracted and often fail to reach a decisive resolution. What is it, then, that makes philosophy worthwhile?

Best Answer - Chosen by Asker: Debates on issues of philosophy are often protracted and often fail to reach a decisive resolution. What is it, then, that makes philosophy worthwhile?

It is a powerful tool for training your mind to think clearly.

Emerson said the hardest thing for a person to do is to think. People who 'pay the price' by working to develop thinking skills, will do well in life - because they will be relatively rare!

same thing that makes your.. eating food worthwhile!

It makes humans strive to find a deeper meaning to life. Personally, I believe the meaning of life can be summed up in this quote. "The world is round, it has no point."

I imagine that for those who need the diligent practices of order find this to be quite fulfilling. I do and am very satisfied that so far the philosophic sciences are able to converge in a determinant way in our lives. Maybe you feel different and are so welcome to your own opinions as to the worthwhileness of the activity.

When soul searching, reading on other people's philosophy can help you build one of your own... but when it comes to debate, people should be arguing their own personal philosophy... not that of old deap philosopher... we each through our life's experience should be developing our personal philosophy... debate comes when two strong personalities meet.. sometimes it could be fun to watch... almost like a boxing match without the gloves...

As someone with a strong personal philosophy, I find the benefit of debate healthy... gives me reason to ponder and challenge myself.

Well, we all need a little distraction from real life by trying to find out the meaning of it.

Philosophy literally means love of wisdom. It is worthwhile because as long as you are seeking the truth, you are love.

It is practical.

"The task of philosophy is to provide man with a comprehensive view of life. This view serves as a base, a frame of reference, for all his actions, mental or physical, psychological or existential. This view tells him the nature of the universe with which he has to deal (metaphysics); the means by which he is to deal with it, i.e., the means of acquiring knowledge (epistemology); the standards by which he is to choose his goals and values, in regard to his own life and character (ethics)—and in regard to society (politics); the means of concretizing this view is given to him by esthetics. "The Chickens' Homecoming,"
Return of the Primitive: The Anti-Industrial Revolution, 45.

"In order to live, man must act; in order to act, he must make choices; in order to make choices, he must define a code of values; in order to define a code of values, he must know what he is and where he is—i.e., he must know his own nature (including his means of knowledge) and the nature of the universe in which he acts—i.e., he needs metaphysics, epistemology, ethics, which means: philosophy. He cannot escape from this need; his only alternative is whether the philosophy guiding him is to be chosen by his mind or by chance." Philosophy and Sense of Life," The Romantic Manifesto, 30

"The men who are not interested in philosophy need it most urgently: they are most helplessly in its power.

The men who are not interested in philosophy absorb its principles from the cultural atmosphere around them—from schools, colleges, books, magazines, newspapers, movies, television, etc. Who sets the tone of a culture? A small handful of men: the philosophers. Others follow their lead, either by conviction or by default." Philosophy: Who Needs It,"
Philosophy: Who Needs It, 6.

It's a lot of pain/fun to know stuff!0!

Good luck!

it makes you think and helps us follow the best path, though there may not be a truly decisive path or resolution.