Philosophy: Think Your Way To A Better Life | Alison Allsopp | TEDxGosport

Key Concepts

• Practical Philosophy: The application of philosophical thinking to everyday life, focusing on living a good life and asking deeper questions.
• Philosophical Thinking: The art of thinking, characterized by asking deeper questions, reflecting, and seeking understanding.
• Philosophy for Children (P4C): An educational approach that encourages children and young people to think for themselves through discussion and dialogue.
• Self-Esteem and Resilience: The ability to face challenges with confidence and self-belief, fostered by open discussion and philosophical reflection.
• Empathy and Understanding: The capacity to comprehend and share the feelings of others, developed through philosophical inquiry into human behavior and motivations.
• The Unexamined Life: A life lived without reflection or questioning, which Socrates famously stated is "not worth living."

The Essence of Philosophy: Beyond the Academic

The video challenges the common perception of philosophy as an abstract, intimidating, or irrelevant academic pursuit, often associated with ancient Greeks or complex theoretical arguments. Instead, it presents philosophy as a practical art of thinking, accessible to everyone, and crucial for living a more meaningful and fulfilling life. The core of philosophy, as described, is the act of asking deeper questions about what truly matters, who we want to be, how we understand ourselves and others, and how we can contribute positively to society.

Personal Journey and the Discovery of Practical Philosophy

The speaker shares a personal anecdote about discovering philosophy 20 years prior as a primary school teacher in Gosport. Disillusioned with a fact-based curriculum, they stumbled upon "Philosophy for Children" (P4C). This approach, which emphasizes children thinking and talking together to develop their own ideas, provided the speaker with a new educational and personal direction. This experience led to a deep engagement with philosophical thinking, both in educating children and in their own daily life, fostering better thinking, questioning, understanding, and a more thoughtful existence.

The Power of Philosophical Questions: Examples and Applications

The video illustrates the transformative power of philosophical questions through various examples:

• Personal Identity: The simple question, "Is a name important?" moves beyond personal preference to explore the deeper concept of a name as part of one's identity and sense of self.
• Childhood Inquiries: Children as young as five question boredom despite having many toys, while nine and ten-year-olds ponder the relative importance of family versus friends. Teenagers grapple with the nature of online friendships, asking if 200 online connections equate to "real friends."
• Adult Discussions: Community discussion groups explore hypothetical scenarios like living forever and its implications for present-day life and the significance of life and death. Even casual conversations with builders can lead to reflections on the purpose of education and what is best for children.

These examples highlight that philosophical questions are not trivial but are fundamental to making sense of life, understanding our identity, and guiding our actions.

Benefits of Philosophical Engagement

The speaker outlines several key benefits derived from engaging in philosophical thinking:

• Enhanced Self-Esteem and Resilience: Openly discussing difficult topics and what truly matters helps individuals face challenges with greater confidence and self-belief, realizing they are not alone and their voice matters.
• Improved Understanding of Others: Philosophy helps individuals move beyond trying to control the uncontrollable (others' choices, opinions, behaviors) towards responding with patience, empathy, and understanding. This aligns with Socrates' assertion that "the unexamined life is not worth living," emphasizing that philosophy is about making meaning, not just introspection.
• Development of Social and Learning Skills: National research indicates that philosophical thinking positively impacts at least seven out of the top ten learning and social skills for the future.

Practical Steps to Cultivate Philosophical Thinking

The video offers actionable advice for incorporating philosophical thinking into daily life:

• Active Listening: Pay close attention to the views and opinions of others.
• Reflection: Pause regularly to consider what truly matters.
• Curiosity: Ask many questions and be open to exploring them.
• Awareness: Notice personal agreements and disagreements, and question the reasons behind them.
• Reasoned Argumentation: Defend ideas and opinions with good reasons and evidence.
• Encourage Young Thinkers: Ask children and young people for their thoughts more often.
• Community Engagement: Join local discussion groups, such as "Philosophical Friends" in Gosport, for deeper conversations.

Philosophy as an Integral Part of Life

The speaker emphasizes that philosophy is not an escape from life but is life itself. It's not about finding more time but about thinking more, noticing more, caring more, and responding thoughtfully rather than reacting impulsively. The ripple effect of philosophical thinking is presented as transformative, leading to:

• Children resolving disputes with reasoned arguments.
• Families engaging in meaningful conversations instead of passive scrolling.
• Friendships prioritizing openness and honesty over superficial appearances.
• Workplaces characterized by patient listening and thoughtful responses.

Conclusion: An Invitation to Examine Your Life

The video concludes with a powerful call to action: to pause, reflect, and ask oneself what one truly cares about and what kind of life one desires. It reiterates that an examined life is an important life. Philosophy is presented as an inclusive practice, open to everyone, applicable anywhere, and beneficial for individuals, communities, and society as a whole, especially in today's complex world where deeper thinking, conversation, questioning, and mutual understanding are critically needed.