To explore life's fundamental questions, philosophers have developed methods of thinking, arguing, and imagining. Let's take a closer look at the three most important ones:
Critical thinking is the central principle of philosophy, with its roots tracing back to ancient thinkers like Socrates (though he didn't use the term himself; John Dewey did). At its core, critical thinking involves analysing ideas, assessing arguments, and evaluating the evidence behind our beliefs. Philosophers use this method to deconstruct complex concepts, identify deficiencies in reasoning, and draw well-supported conclusions. Rather than accepting things as they are, it inspires curiosity and cultivates independent inquiry.
Dialectic arguments also trace their roots to Socrates, who developed the method through dialogue and debate (often referred to as the Socratic method). It involves challenging assumptions, listening intently to others, and testing ideas through thoughtful discussion. Socrates used dialectical arguments to foster self-reflection and critical thinking in his students, guiding them towards truth through collaborative inquiry. The aim isn't to 'win' an argument but to engage in intellectual exchange and encourage a deeper understanding of the ideas at hand.
Thought experiments are mental exercises designed to explore hypothetical moral and philosophical dilemmas, with origins dating back to ancient thinkers like Aristotle. One famous example is the Trolley Problem, introduced by British philosopher Philippa Foot in the 1960s, which considers whether it is ethical to sacrifice one life to save many others. Another example is Theseus's Ship, a philosophical paradox from Ancient Greece that examines whether something remains the same if all its parts are replaced. Although thought experiments rarely offer definitive answers, they invite deeper inquiry into these issues and inspire fresh, thought-provoking perspectives.
