Philosophy as the Art of Logical Thinking - Essay Example

Chapter 4 Summary Philosophy is the art of logical thinking. Different academic disciplines depend on rational thinking, however, philosophy has a different perception, in that application of logic, and reason becomes the basis of knowledge. Philosophy applies logic to examine assumptions or search for truths about nature or reality. Any philosophers repeat the original story of philosophy. Following this inference, one begins to wonder how philosophers theorize knowledge or arrive at conclusions.

Different academic disciplines apply different mechanisms to differentiate between conflicting claims and ideas. Similarly, philosophy has its own set of principles that differentiate conflicting ideas (Stewart, & Blocker, 2001). The rise of Western philosophy brought about a significant shift in philosophy and reasoning. In particular, the shift induced the appeal of reason from mythological criteria. An appeal to reason is the idea of making a logical analysis before making a decision. Emotions do not comprise logical reason, in the sense that they compel one to make hasty decisions.

Thus, the appeal to reason is the universal sense of correctness. However, different people have different measures for correctness as well as reasoning. The nature of a problem explains the existence of varied reasons. For instance, most people will disagree on a particular political agenda but agree on 5+7 = 12. This introduces the issue of the reasonable decision or specifically what reason is. The reason is the basis of decisions making and, it reflects on the fairness of ideas or conclusions. Therefore, a reasonable person is one who judges his reasons and determines the most appropriate ones.

The application of reasoning in decision-making is an appeal to concentrate on an issue. The study of logic and the connection between logic and reasoning is the foundation of philosophy. Science is also established on the appeal to reason; however, unlike philosophy, science utilizes empirical facts. For instance, a scientist must verify a claim through experiments before he or she can declare the absolute truth. On the other hand, philosophers attempt to articulate our beliefs and assumption about nature.

Thus, philosophers are preoccupied with theories that prove certain facts, instead of creating new theories. Philosophy’s chief tool is reason and, therefore it is not an empirical subject (Stewart, & Blocker, 2001). Since ancient times, people have been compelled to live according to reason. Socrates once said that life without reason is not worth living. Therefore, reason is the fundamental principle of human existence. The existence of ideal reason complicates the idea of rational living in the sense that reasoning is not ideal.

Reason has profound advantages that prove its application in decision-making. The benefits of reason explain why people do not rely on strong feelings while making decisions. Indeed, feelings are the products of a rational decision. The second advantage of reason is that it instills humanity in our actions. The purpose of humanity is inscribed in our moral values, which are governed by reason. Conflicts characterize the existence of society; however, the existence of reason helps in resolving resultant conflicts.

If people in a particular society were of the same opinion, then there would be no need to search for truth. Thus, the existence of conflicting ideas compels people to search for truth, hence or otherwise the rise of philosophy.