Ep. 243 - Philosophy is for Human Flourishing (Eudamonistic Metaphilosophy) w/Dr. Aaron Preston
Aug 5, 2023
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Dr. Aaron Preston, a philosopher passionate about human flourishing, returns to share insights on how philosophy can enhance our lives. He explores the interplay between speculative philosophy and everyday existence, discussing the importance of personal philosophical identities. The conversation dives into the connection between philosophy and AI, advocating for a balance between theoretical exploration and practical wisdom. Preston also critiques modern philosophical specialization and highlights the need for accessible wisdom to navigate contemporary challenges.
Philosophy should embrace speculative inquiries, like inverted qualia, as these reflections significantly contribute to understanding and enhancing human flourishing.
Dr. Aaron Preston emphasizes historical context in philosophy, arguing that insights from past thinkers can inform and improve contemporary philosophical practices.
The podcast discusses the philosopher's responsibility to bridge the gap between specialized knowledge and practical wisdom for society's overall well-being.
Deep dives
The Value of Speculation in Philosophy
The host expresses a deep appreciation for speculative philosophy, discussing intriguing concepts such as inverted qualia, which poses the question of whether individuals perceive colors differently despite experiencing them the same way. This speculation delights him, signaling a longing for a space within philosophy that embraces unfettered imagination and theoretical exploration. He assesses the relevance of this speculative approach in relation to human flourishing, suggesting that such philosophical inquiry holds value as it invites reflection on fundamental aspects of existence. The conversation emphasizes the need for a balance between this kind of pure speculation and the practical applications of philosophy in understanding human life.
Understanding Philosophy Through Its History
Dr. Aaron Preston, the episode's guest, emphasizes the importance of historical context in understanding philosophy, suggesting that insights gleaned from the history of analytic philosophy can illuminate current philosophical practices. His personal journey, influenced by his early education under Dallas Willard, shaped his desire to critique and comprehend the evolution of philosophical thought. By examining how previous philosophers approached their subjects, Preston aims to derive lessons that can enhance contemporary philosophical inquiry. Ultimately, he argues that this historical perspective is essential for fostering a more pluralistic and holistic understanding of the discipline.
Philosophy as a Guide to Human Flourishing
Preston introduces the concept of metafilosophical eudaimonism, proposing that philosophy fundamentally aims to enhance human flourishing, rooted in the Greek idea of eudaimonia. This perspective contends that philosophical inquiry should contribute to an understanding of what it means to live well, bridging theoretical knowledge with practical wisdom. He expands the definition of flourishing to encompass not only personal happiness but also moral goodness and intellectual growth, suggesting that genuine philosophizing supports these objectives. This method of philosophizing unfolds a larger dialogue about the roles of philosophers and their contributions to human well-being within broader societal contexts.
The Role of Specialization in Philosophy
The discussion turns to the inherent tension between specialization and generalization within the field of philosophy, highlighting the challenges philosophers face in balancing deep expertise with the need for accessible wisdom. Both the host and the guest recognize that while specialization fosters a thorough understanding of specific areas, it risk alienating broader audiences who seek relevant guidance for everyday living. They argue that philosophers ought to connect their specialized knowledge back to foundational insights about human existence and ethical living to remain relevant. The conversation urges a reevaluation of how philosophers engage with the public to ensure their work serves as a constructive force in society.
Public Engagement and the Future of Philosophy
The philosopher's role in society is discussed, urging them to communicate wisdom that is applicable to the lives of non-philosophers. Preston notes the current disconnect between philosophy and the public, attributing this gap to a lack of interest from both sides; philosophy has failed to engage effectively with a broader audience, while societal values have shifted towards self-centeredness. He paints a somber picture of moral knowledge's decline and the need for a renewing dialogue about the purpose of philosophical inquiry. Ultimately, the episode calls for a reinvigoration of philosophy that not only addresses esoteric questions but also brings forth insights that are vital for enhancing everyday life.
In episode 243 of the Parker's Pensées Podcast, I'm joined by Dr. Aaron Preston for a second time. This time we discuss the nature of philosophy and how it ought to aid in human flourishing.
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0:00 - What kind of philosopher is Aaron Preston?
10:40 - What is philosophy?
14:04 - What Good is Speculative Philosophy?
16:37 - Should your ethics professor be an ethical person?
19:35 - Specialists vs. Generalist Philosophy
22:37 - What is Wisdom, Knowledge, and Understanding?
29:28 - What is Continental Philosophy?
35:30 - Is Jordan Peterson a philosopher? What about Joe Rogan?
44:54 - How Should we initiate people into philosophy today?
48:57 - Philosophy of Religion is Philosophy of Hard Mode
52:48 - The History of Philosophy
1:02:11 - what is the role of public philosopher?
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