‘Philosophy’ is literally ‘the love of wisdom’, but practically ‘the search for wisdom’, as we always seek the things we love. ‘Wisdom’ is understanding how the world works so that we can live intelligently and to the fullest extent, and this involves learning life's principles. That’s what philosophy means to me, and 'modern philosophy' is that understanding made accessible and useful for a modern audience.

 

Modern philosophers have to use their intellect without denying their intuition; they have to stand on the solid foundation of science, while straining to see from as high a vantage-point as possible; they have to look objectively, while acknowledging their subjectivity, and they have to be discriminating and open-minded at the same time. Above all, philosophy, like science, is about finding the truth, whether we like it or not.

 

Modern philosophers have to ensure their words and works are accessible. If they can’t communicate their ideas simply and elegantly they need to go back and study them until they can. The obscure, the irrelevant, and the impenetrable, have no value in modern philosophy.

 

This site was published because philosophy matters. When we get our philosophy right we can take great steps forward, personally and collectively, but when we get our philosophy wrong the consequences can be dire. It is our responsibility to learn the principles at work in the world and keep them at the forefront of human consciousness.

 

 

David Staume