Why I reject the title 'Philosopher'

I thought that I'd write a short piece about the only real academic passion I've ever had, and why I'd like to comfortably distance myself from it. There is a book written by Simon Blackburn called 'Think' and it's aimed at introducing people to the subject Philosophy - whether they be students or just people interested in or curious about the subject. 

Here's a quote from his introduction: "the word 'philosophy' carries unfortunate connotations: impractical, unworldly, weird. I suspect that all philosophers and philosophy students share that moment of silent embarrassment when someone innocently asks us what we do".
I can only really speak for myself, but Blackburn does hit the nail on the head when he talks of silent embarrassment. Whenever my interest in Philosophy is acknowledged, half the room asks me what philosophy is and the other half assume it's some kind of spiritual nonsense involving maxims about how to live a stoic-like lifestyle.

Admittedly, the subject matter of Philosophy does include that of the ancient Greeks - for example, Plato's other-worldly Forms. It also includes the theological writings of the religious philosophers such as St. Thomas Aquinas. However, Philosophy has evolved since those days. While these ideas are acknowledged in Philosophy courses, that cover the whole spectrum of Philosophy, they aren't immune to modern ideas and criticism.  Modern philosophers generally reject these ideas.


(Picture to the left: this is Plato and Aristotle. Plato, the older man points towards the sky, representing his theory of the forms and his idea that only reason can reveal true knowledge - indeed the forms. Aristotle, by contrast,  gestures to the Earth which represents his idea that knowledge is to be found in the observable, physical world through empirical means)


Modern Philosophers aren't interested in nonsense ideas about other-worldly entities. They see philosophy as the creator of science which acts/works with science rather than against it. The critical mind of the philosopher is extremely important for keeping science in check with the scientific method.

So when I explain that I'm into philosophy, this is what I mean. I think critically and rationally. I don't introduce random, groundless other-worldly entities and I'm not arrogant enough to give 'rules' for living a 'good' life. Somehow I think that if everyone thought more like a philosopher, the world wouldn't be in such a mess.