Discover how to apply philosophy in daily life

Philosophy is often accused of thinking about things that are beyond our daily lives through abstract concepts. However, this is not entirely the case. There are various studies that aim to investigate this earthly dimension of daily life through a philosophical approach.

Such is the case of an article written by Hortensia Cuéllar, who proposes studying everyday life from philosophy. In this area, what can she offer us? From an existentialist point of view, it helps us search for the meaning of life. But not in the afterlife, but in our own environment.

In the sections that follow, we will offer some concepts that will allow us to think about daily life through philosophy. Let’s get started!

Reflection in daily life

In philosophy the concept of reflection is very important, since it represents almost all of our philosophical activity. We can define it as a soul watching activitythat is, a return to our own consciousness.

Furthermore, reflecting is a way to know the world around us. The most important thing is that it itself can be autonomous from our sensitive capacity. However, staying locked in pure interiority is not beneficial at all.

On the contrary, We must take reflection and its thinking activity to contemplate the world around us. In this way, we will be independent in the judgments we make about everyday life.

An example? If we see something on television or on social networks, we do not immediately assume that it is true, but rather we use our reflective capacity to think better about the matter.

Self-knowledge

The Greek philosopher Socrates, considered the father of self-knowledge, invited his disciples to know their own being. Originally, this concept sought to purify the false knowledge that people believed they had. Furthermore, according to this thinker, not recognizing one’s own ignorance was an evil for the soul.

Today, this philosophy can be applied in daily life in a particular way. In this order, the book Philosophy for life: And other dangerous situations, of Jules Evans offers a psychotherapeutic perspective on the teachings of Socrates.

Transforming our thoughts

We must be attentive to our emotions and actions. For this reason, it is worth asking ourselves, is what I did, in fact, rational? If not, how to act more wisely? In this regard, Jules Evans suggests that A great method to know ourselves better and be wiser is through self-questioning..

Thus, we become conscious of our beliefs, convictions and actions. Then, what becomes conscious must become habits of thought and behavior.

For example: if we notice that there are certain patterns in our way of relating, they can be changed. This through bringing to our consciousness those attitudes and thoughts that prevent another way of establishing relationships. Then, that has to become a habit, so that it doesn’t happen again.

Critical thinking in philosophy

Critical thinking is a fundamental tool for philosophy. He is characterized by being rational, reflective and concerned about the various problems that impact societies. In this regard, an article published by the magazine Synchrony It sets a task for philosophy, which we can use in our daily lives.

It is about Philosophy thinks and offers an answer to contemporary problems. That is, it does not remain locked in mere theoretical speculation; The role assigned to it is to question, criticize and change reality.

How to do this? The first thing that needs to happen is that a question arises. The moment it happens we can already be in a position to question our reality. Discomfort is usually the breeding ground for questioning.

Personal growth

Philosophy has a lot to offer our personal growth, since it can focus on those aspects that enhance lifegiving us a broader vision of things and a more comprehensive intelligence.

In this way, philosophy offers another way of thinking about reality and life. It is a thought that can touch the sensitive chord of our existence.. And this would give us the necessary push to take a step towards the life we ​​want to lead.

How is it evident? Personal development brings together a series of characteristics such as constant learning, an optimistic attitude towards reality and a certain discipline, says an article in the magazine Human capital.

Argumentation and dialogue

Argumentation and dialogue play a very important role in philosophy and daily life. In this aspect, there is a debate between the limits that may exist between arguing to express our own opinions or to try to convince others from a particular point of view.

Philosophy teaches us that we must aim for a respectful dialogue in the face of diverse ways of thinking. Thus, this discipline ignores the construction of large systems of thought and immerses itself in the day-to-day debate.

There is no doubt that in the societies in which we live our participation can be carried out in different areas. One of them is social networks and the other is our public and political life. Here the respectful dialogue that philosophy alludes to can be applied.

We can aspire to a philosophical daily life

In this article we explore how philosophy is more than an abstract academic discipline. In this sense, she offers us a different vision to understand the world and our own lives.

Besides, This discipline invites us to question and reflect from a more rational place. Thus, we can get rid of the autopilot in which we immerse ourselves every day.

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