Question

This question is prompted by an interesting comment discussion in a question I previously asked. Whereas nobody without proper mathematical training would attempt nowadays to do mathematics, it seems that many academics (not necessarily philosophers) venture to write about philosophy, such as Stephen Hawking saying it's dead.

How does contemporary meta-philosophy deal with this amount of written (presumably) philosophical work from non professional philosophers?

I'm specifically looking for the different trends/views, for example, maybe some "welcome" any philosophical writing, regardless of the writer's qualification, others defend that only philosophers (that is, academics with university-level philosophical education) should do philosophy, etc. Please let me know if instead this hasn't still been debated as of today as a proper meta-philosophical issue, and thus no paradigmatic views can be detailed.

Answer 1

Contemporary meta-philosophy debates the merits and legitimacy of non-academics contributing to philosophical discourse, with some advocating for a more inclusive and democratized approach while others caution against diluting the discipline's rigor.

Step-by-step explanation:

The world of contemporary philosophy is replete with contributions not just from professional philosophers but also from individuals in various other fields, such as science and technology, who endeavor to partake in philosophical discourse. Meta-philosophy looks at the nature of philosophy itself, including considerations of who can contribute to its discourse.

While some think that philosophical conversations should be confined to those with formal training, others welcome the broader engagement that comes from interdisciplinary contributions. Notably, celebrated scientists like Stephen Hawking have made public philosophical statements such as declaring the 'death' of philosophy in the face of scientific progress, leading to controversy and debate within philosophical circles.

Academic philosophers do sometimes view the entrance of non-professionals into philosophical discourse with skepticism, concerned that the nuances and rigor of the discipline may be overlooked. Nevertheless, there is also an argument for the democratization of philosophy, acknowledging that insightful perspectives can emerge from outside the formal academic context – a view that has gained traction in a world increasingly centered on multidisciplinary collaboration.

The situation is not uniform, and different schools of thought exist within the philosophical community regarding the role and legitimacy of contributions from those outside of its traditional academic pathways. However, there is no denying that philosophy is increasingly finding relevance in a variety of fields, from ethics in technology and business to neuroscience and even public policy.

Scholars such as Nigel Warburton have showcased the ability to engage a broader audience with philosophical ideas through mediums like podcasts and the online magazine Aeon. Additionally, former philosophers have successfully transitioned to other industries, carrying their philosophical skill sets into new realms.