A General Characterisation of Philosophy: Sophies World p. 3-17

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“A General Characterisation of Philosophy”: Sophie’s World p. 3-17 The general features which make up and distinguish Philosophy are implicit in its definition: Philosophy is a thought pattern or a way of thinking about the fundamental beliefs regarding ourselves and reality which concern every human being and cause it to wonder(think), (Michael Heyns: Thought on it way & Sophie’s World). The questions with which philosophy concern itself have been discussed through the ages, but these very questions pose a risk that few people have the “guts” and determination to pursue. The art of philosophy is in the wonder and questioning nature of those who study it, those who are willing to risk the perils of losing the security of habit. Philosophy as a manner of thought Philosophy is not just the occasional questioning of human nature or the world/space which surround human beings, but a continuous way of thinking, a lifestyle. Once a person’s eyes have truly opened to the burning questions which philosophers face, there can be no true return to the previous unawareness of those questions. When a person is introduced to philosophy, there is no chance of true understanding if the person will not throw off the shackles of previous beliefs and daily habit. As we age, and become set in ways of comfort and habit; we tend to stop wondering and questioning the nature of the world which surrounds us, but philosophy shakes our very core, and reintroduces the miraculous world in which we live. If you view philosophy as a way of thinking and approaching life, no idea or norm is above your questioning and reasoning its core points, and while this may be taxing, the mystery of the way things work keeps any true philosopher enthralled. The fundamental questions From the time we are born, we learn about the way the world works, and at some point we all question the

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