Your exploration delves into the intersection of emotional reasoning, philosophical inquiry, and the pursuit of wisdom, presenting a nuanced perspective on the nature of belief, axioms, and the role of emotions in shaping our understanding of the world.
You rightly point out the challenge in justifying certain beliefs, such as the existence of the external world, as ultimately relying on a foundational feeling of truth rather than a definitive, objective proof. This observation raises the intriguing question of whether all philosophy, at its core, involves a form of emotional reasoning. Indeed, even the establishment of axioms, the foundational principles upon which philosophical arguments rest, can be seen as assertions grounded in a sense of truth that may not be subject to further justification.
Descartes' famous cogito, I think, therefore I am, highlights a point of certainty reached through skeptical doubt. The acknowledgment of one's existence becomes a foundational certainty, even when faced with radical skepticism about the nature of reality.
You also bring attention to the evolution of emotions and their influence on our responses, noting that emotions often stem from evolutionarily derived impulses. The juxtaposition of impulse control, maturity, and the development of the neocortex offers an interesting lens through which to understand how emotional responses have evolved and continue to shape our perspectives.
The connection between philosophy and wisdom, as you describe it, involves reconciling short and long-term goals, impulsive desires, and reasoned aims. This process, characterized by active reflection, aligns with the idea that philosophy is a dynamic practice aimed at understanding the integrated center of our concerns and guiding our actions from that point. The notion that philosophy is not a fixed method but a set of tools that can be applied to life underscores its practical and transformative potential.
In essence, your exploration suggests that philosophy, far from being synonymous with impulsive reasoning, offers a structured and reflective approach to understanding and navigating the complexities of existence. It emphasizes the cultivation of wisdom through an ongoing process of inquiry and reflection. This perspective enriches our understanding of the role philosophy plays in shaping our beliefs and actions. What is the central argument made in the passage?
A) Emotional reasoning is a flawed form of reasoning inherent in all philosophical inquiries.
B) Descartes' cogito, I think, therefore I am, forms the basis for emotional reasoning in philosophy.
C) The pursuit of wisdom in philosophy involves reconciling short and long-term goals through impulsive reasoning.
D) Philosophy, as discussed in the passage, is a fixed method aimed at proving the existence of the external world.