What is the Value of Philosophy?

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What is the Value of Philosophy?

• Does Philosophy Bake Bread?
• (if so, what kind?)

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1.  Where, according to Russell, is the value of
philosophy to be found? 
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1.  Where, according to Russell, is the value of
philosophy to be found? 

• The value of philosophy is indirect, found
  through its effects upon the lives of those who
  study it.   Russell argues that philosophy does
  not have direct value it is not useful in any
  ordinary sense.  Philosophical activity is for
  the sake of the questions themselves.  Pursuing
  these questions enlarges our conception of what
  is possible, enriches our intellectual
  imagination, diminishes dogmatic assurance which
  closes the mind against speculation, and renders
  the mind capable of union with the universe.
•  

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2.  Why does Russell maintain that the
uncertainty of philosophy is more apparent than
real?
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2.  Why does Russell maintain that the
uncertainty of philosophy is more apparent than
real?

• Russell claims that as soon as definite knowledge
  concerning any subject becomes possible, it
  ceases to be philosophy and becomes a separate
  science.  Only those questions to which, at
  present, no definite answer can be given, remain
  as the residue which is called philosophy. 

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3.  What does Russell mean when he asserts that
the value of philosophy is to be sought in its
very uncertainty?   
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3.  What does Russell mean when he asserts that
the value of philosophy is to be sought in its
very uncertainty?   

• Russell believes that speculative interest in the
  universe is apt to be killed by definite
  knowledge.  The uncertainty of philosophy can
  free our thoughts from the tyranny of custom and
  dogmatism.  The pursuit of philosophical
  (indefinite) questions can expand the mind beyond
  everyday concerns, providing a sense of calm and
  freedom. 

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4.  According to Russell, what may be the chief
value of philosophy? 
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4.  According to Russell, what may be the chief
value of philosophy? 

• The chief value of philosophy lies in the
  greatness of the objects which it contemplates,
  and the freedom from narrow and personal aims
  resulting from this contemplation.

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5.  What do you think Russell means when
characterizes true philosophical contemplation
as finding satisfaction in the enlargement of
the not-Self?
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5.  What do you think Russell means when
characterizes true philosophical contemplation
as finding satisfaction in the enlargement of
the not-Self?

• This one was up to you. What is the not-Self?
  What does it mean to enlarge it? To me, this
  brings connotations of an attempt to be in
  harmony with the world and others rather than
  achieve a dominion over it.