So, HAVE YOU read Meditations On First Philosophy?
I have not. I've read Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance, though. Does that count? ;p
Or have you just watched The Matrix
I'm more inclined to make a pop culture reference in casual conversation, because in my experience the average person, educated or not, is not well-versed in history or philosophy*, and even those who are often appreciate them only as quantifiable constructs, which I abhor.
That said, I have a particular love for philosophy, and for ontological examination of the human condition, and especially for the counterbalance it has traditionally provided for scientific advancement, keeping it in check and at the same time strengthening it. It has been sorely neglected, from my point of view.
Because the concept comes from Descartes in the late 1400's.
The concept exists entirely independently of its announcement by Descartes, foundational though it may be.
I learned that in college.
And what have you done with it? As someone who thinks that philosophy deserves serious study, analysis and focus, and a great deal more "love" in academia, I strongly feel that the fading of philosophy come from its use as analytical history, combined with the very factor I rail against: the destruction of the integrity of higher education in the pursuit of profit and the commoditization of education. Almost everyone you ask will say "Philosophy degree? So are you going to be a philosopher or a lawyer?" ... or, more pointedly, "lol, if you want to waste your money."
Listen, almost everyone I know has a degree, so I'd ask you to do me the favor of not assuming that I'm willfully ignorant on the subject of education. I've taken many college courses, starting when I was very young and interested in paleontology, marine ecology and anthropology (and I was allowed to attend the classes at a local college for free ... with no credit, of course), music theory and counterpoint, mathematics, etc., continuing on to this year. I can—and do—bounce questions about academia off of people who have been through the system to all endpoints, including several who went through to the postgraduate level. It's an interesting subject for me, for reasons which I'll go into if you're curious†, but the main point I want to make is that I have never said "A college degree is a waste of time," "A college degree makes you a worse thinker," or any such nonsense. Personally, I think the "degree" aspect is pure poison. The fact that some people can't be educated without consequence or external motivation is a sad reality, yes, but it also makes me question the value of the "education" that these people will receive. When this discussion comes up online or in person, I'm often overwhelmed by how many people say "college was great, but not for the education.", "Just need to check the box", or similar things.
I've seen the people in the classes I've taken—let's take music composition and theory, for example—who have no idea what they want to do, couldn't care less about the class, and pass all of the classes required in this CORE curriculum with flying colors by just doing what they're told, applying minimum effort, and developing no sense whatsoever of the appreciation they could (and by my argument
should) have developed for the subject. Many dull, disinterested eyes. I have hundreds of acquaintances and at least a dozen friends actively in college right now, and most of them have made similar observations, if not glazed-eyed themselves.
I want higher education to be free, and I believe it should be. I want it to be sought out by people who want it because they want to -learn-, not because they want 'a job'. I want the standard of education provided to be extremely high, and I want the stigma against academia as a goal in and of itself destroyed. The view that if you force people through education they will come out the other side enhanced is compelling, but in my opinion wrong: the actual result will be at best somewhere in the middle... like the public school system, for example. Throw in profit as a motive for both the education industry and the individual, and it breaks down further.
The biggest issue I try to address is the perception that someone without a degree is of lesser stature. I couldn't disagree more; when I come across people (like my roommate) who have a PhD, or a couple of my coworkers who have multiple PhDs in a scientific field, or an old-school network admin who has an old CCIE (before they watered it down), or
names that I recognize from the founding days of the internet, many of whom still work in the industry, and many of whom I've worked alongside (and some I still do), or people who have done great things .. these people I
do hold in higher esteem by light of their accomplishments. Or musicians who make amazing music, or people who -do- things. But having a Bachelors degree in underwater basket weaving from ScrewU? A "masters" degree in IT from UP?
Anyway, this is going on way too long, and I'm tired. Lots more to say, but it would take too much energy for the consideration it would receive.
-Fox
* - Nor am I, myself, nearly so well-read in the formal study of philosophy as I would like to be.
† - I don't get curiosity or even politeness from your tone. I read a layer of snark over veiled hostility to my ideas—ideas which, it feels to me, you hold in contempt. I'm firm in my beliefs, but not committed. I am open to new ideas and curious to hear what people have to say on this and other subjects. I present my opinions for the consideration of others, and I welcome discussion and comment. I present my experiences and invite counters, but I encourage people to award special consideration to the ideas which challenge their own, and attempt an analysis in consideration of your own inherent bias. I think Descartes might have something to say about that.
