Philosophy, most broadly viewed, is the critical survey of existence from the standpoint of value.
Interpretation
Philosophy critically examines existence by evaluating values.
This quote by Sidney Hook suggests that philosophy encompasses a comprehensive examination of life and existence, fundamentally rooted in the assessment of values. It challenges individuals to critically reflect on their beliefs, choices, and the essence of existence itself, highlighting the importance of understanding how values shape our experiences and perceptions.
In practice
This quote could be used in a philosophy class to inspire students to engage in critical thinking.
A liberal education will impart an awareness of the amazing and precious complexity of human relationships. Since those relationships are violated more often out of insensitiveness than out of deliberate intent, whatever increases sensitiveness of perception and understanding humanizes life.
Everyone recognizes a distinction between knowledge and wisdom. . . Wisdom is a kind of knowledge. It is knowledge of the nature, career, and consequences of human values. Since these cannot be separated from the human organism and the social scene, the moral ways of man cannot be understood without knowledge of the ways of things and institutions.
In contrast to totalitarianism, democracy can face and live with the truth about itself.
Tolerance always has limits - it cannot tolerate what is itself actively intolerant.
Idealism, alas, does not protect one from ignorance, dogmatism, and foolishness.
The easiest rationalization for the refusal to seek the truth is the denial that truth exists.
I was taught that the world had a lot of problems; that I could struggle and change them; that intellectual and material gifts brought the privilege and responsibility of sharing with others less fortunate; and that service is the rent each of us pays for living - the very purpose of life and not something you do in your spare time or after you have reached your personal goals.
Misled by fancy's meteor ray, By passion driven; But yet the light that led astray Was light from heaven.
Humility collects the soul into a single point by the power of silence. A truly humble man has no desire to be known or admired by others, but wishes to plunge from himself into himself, to become nothing, as if he had never been born. When he is completely hidden to himself in himself, he is completely with God
I think most people live in fiction...That's how you keep your fragile body intact.
We fought a war on poverty, and poverty won
If there is only empty space, with no suns nor planets in it, then space loses its substantiality.
Subscribe for the occasional hand-picked quote. No noise.