Single Idea 9764

[catalogued under 1. Philosophy / A. Wisdom / 3. Wisdom Deflated]

Full Idea

Professional philosophers have no peculiar fitness for inspirational and edifying writing, or helping to get society on an even keel (though we should do what we can). Wisdom may fulfil these crying needs: 'sophia' yes, but 'philosophia' not necessarily.

Gist of Idea

Inspiration and social improvement need wisdom, but not professional philosophy

Source

Willard Quine (Has Philosophy Lost Contact with People? [1979], p.193)

Book Reference

Quine,Willard: 'Theories and Things' [Harvard 1981], p.193


A Reaction

This rather startlingly says that philosophy is unlikely to lead to wisdom, which is rather odd when it is defined as love of that very thing. Does love of horticulture lead to good gardening. I can't agree. Philosophy is the best hope of 'sophia'.