Back to Topic 9.3 — The nature, function and methodology of philosophy
9.3.3Philosophy HL8 flashcards

Philosophy as thinking vs philosophy as practice

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Card 1 of 89.3.3
9.3.3
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Philosophy as thinking vs as practice?

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All 8 Flashcards — Philosophy as thinking vs philosophy as practice

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Card 1comparison

Question

Philosophy as thinking vs as practice?

Answer

Thinking = reason your way to truth (living is separate); practice = a way of life that transforms you.

Card 2concept

Question

The Western 'thinking' picture?

Answer

Philosophy is disciplined argument aimed at truth; whether it changes your habits is a separate question.

Card 3definition

Question

Sadhana?

Answer

A disciplined practice or path you follow to transform yourself — philosophy as something lived, not just argued.

Card 4concept

Question

What do the Stoics add?

Answer

In the West too, philosophy was seen as daily 'training for life', practised, not just discussed.

Card 5example

Question

The objection to the pure thinking picture?

Answer

You could argue brilliantly about virtue yet live badly — on the practice view that's a failure, not success.

Card 6concept

Question

The risk of the pure practice picture?

Answer

If living it is the only test, philosophy blurs into religion or self-help and loses its challengeable reasons.

Card 7concept

Question

The both/and answer to 'what is doing philosophy'?

Answer

Thinking that changes how you live — reason and practice held together, each needing the other.

Card 8process

Question

The topic's arc in one line?

Answer

What is philosophy for? → how do philosophers work? → is doing philosophy thinking, or a way of life?

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