When you hear the word “philosophy,” what comes to mind?
Big, complicated ideas from ancient thinkers?
The dusty pages of old books?
While philosophy is often seen as something reserved for scholars, the truth is that we all engage in philosophical thinking every day, often without even realizing it.
Yes, you read that right—you are a philosopher! And no, you don’t need a degree in philosophy to be one.
All you need to do is make decisions, and we all make plenty of those!
Let’s take a fun look at how we each secretly apply philosophy to our daily lives.
From deciding what to eat for breakfast to figuring out how to handle a tough situation at work, every choice we make often involves some form of philosophical reasoning.
Let’s break it down!
Wonder is the feeling of the philosopher, and philosophy begins in wonder.
1. Ethics: What’s the Right Thing to Do?
Ethics is all about deciding what’s right or wrong.
Think about the times when you’ve been faced with tricky situations—like when you know a friend is upset, and you’re wondering whether to tell them the uncomfortable truth or spare their feelings with a small white lie.
This is classic ethical reasoning in action!
For example, when you help a stranger carry groceries, are you doing it out of kindness, or because you think they might return the favor one day?
Those little moments are full of philosophical questions, even if you’re not consciously thinking about it.
Some philosophers, like Immanuel Kant, would argue that helping others is just the right thing to do, no matter what.
Others, like John Stuart Mill, would say you should consider the consequences of your actions.
So, every time you make these decisions, you’re engaging in ethical philosophy!
2. Logic: Making Smart Choices
When you’re faced with a decision—whether it’s buying a new phone or choosing between two restaurants—you probably weigh the pros and cons, right? That’s logical thinking in action!
Logic helps us make sense of our choices, and it’s an important part of philosophy.
Philosophers like Aristotle are famous for their work on logic, teaching us that decisions should be based on reasoning, not just emotions.
For instance, if you’re choosing between two options—like saving money for a future vacation or splurging on a weekend getaway—you might logically think about the long-term benefits of saving versus the short-term joy of spending.
You might not realize it, but you’re using principles of logic to make a decision that best suits your goals and priorities.
3. Personal Identity: Who Are You, and What Do You Want?
Ever made a decision based on what you value or who you are as a person?
That’s philosophy at work too!
Philosophy isn’t just about what’s right or logical; it’s also about understanding who you are and what matters to you.
For example, when you decide to pursue a career in something you’re passionate about, it’s because it aligns with your values and your sense of self.
That’s a personal philosophy you’re living out.
Philosophers have spent centuries thinking about questions like “Who am I?” and “What’s my purpose?” These aren’t just questions for the philosophers in dusty libraries—we all ask these questions when we make big decisions about our lives, such as what career to pursue, where to live, or what kind of relationships to build.
So, every time you make a choice that reflects your values or goals, you’re tapping into the philosophy of personal identity.
4. Mind Over Matter: The Philosophy of Your Thoughts
Have you ever caught yourself questioning why you make certain decisions?
Do you ever wonder if your emotions, habits, or past experiences are influencing your choices?
This is another area where philosophy comes into play: the philosophy of mind.
For example, let’s say you’re feeling stressed and decide to eat comfort food.
Later, you might ask yourself, “Why did I do that?”
That’s you engaging in the philosophy of mind, wondering about the connection between your emotions, your thoughts, and your actions.
Philosophers like David Hume have explored how emotions play a huge role in decision-making, and this happens to all of us every day.
Your decisions are often influenced by your mood, past experiences, and how you feel in the moment—and understanding these influences can help you make better choices in the future.
5. Decision-Making in the Real World: Everyday Philosophy at Play
Now, let’s bring all this together.
Every time you make a decision, from what to wear in the morning to whether or not to speak your mind at a meeting, you’re practicing philosophy.
You’re using ethical reasoning to determine what’s right, logical thinking to weigh the pros and cons, and reflections on your personal identity to figure out what feels like the best choice for you.
You might not be writing down philosophical arguments or discussing Plato’s theories at lunch, but you’re still engaging with ideas that philosophers have been thinking about for thousands of years.
6. You’re Already a Philosopher—Own It!
So, next time you make a decision, whether it’s big or small, take a moment to recognize the philosophy in it. Are you choosing what’s right, what’s logical, or what aligns with your values?
You’re engaging in the same kinds of questions that have been asked for centuries! And that’s something to feel proud of.
Philosophy is not just for professors or scholars; it’s for everyone. In fact, every time you pause to consider your actions, evaluate your choices, or reflect on the meaning behind your decisions,
you’re participating in philosophy. It’s not about the fancy terminology or academic debates—it’s about the way we think, act, and make sense of our world.
So, congratulations, you’re a philosopher! Every time you decide what’s best for you, consider the consequences, and reflect on your values, you’re engaging in philosophy—just like the great thinkers did. The only difference is, you’re doing it in your everyday life, and that makes you an even more powerful philosopher!
Philosophy is everywhere, and it’s in every decision you make.
The more you recognize that, the more thoughtful and intentional your choices can become.
Embrace your inner philosopher, and enjoy the ride of living a reflective, meaningful life.
