What is the point of philosophy in the modern world?

The modern world keeps throwing up problems that need answers. Take the relatively modern invention of photography for example. Can pictures that were formed by automation inside a camera be considered art and consequently be hung in art galleries and entered in art competitions? Or in the realm of computing: can there really be such a thing as artificial intelligence? Or in the field of ethics: would it be right to clone human beings? And, can the use of modern weapons of mass destruction ever be justified?

These are philosophical issues raised by the modern world that need people to study full-time. The philosophers study similar issues raised in the past and discuss them among themselves. This enables them to provide us with the points we need to consider so we can make informed decisions about them.

The scope of philosophy may be the detection or contrivance and unfolding of better ways for the world. Philosophy directs you towards all science, or towards some specialization on your path or avenue of knowing.

A good professional or amateur philosopher can propose some smart knowledge that can be of help to society.

Philosophers do ponder and so perhaps tell their views on and about the aspects and the use of knowledge, philosophers do ponder about their field of philosophical science, philosophers may be at the service of some political system, of some religion, perhaps also of all religion. Their logic and their reasoning may want to unveil the meaning and the scope of various things, or of some particular things.

All visionaries are basically philosophers and there has never been a thriving society without the basic visionary inputs for its future course of action and reconstruction. Psychologists and scientists can mold it in the short term, but it is philosophic ideas that alone can give longer term direction. No politics or government can make a real difference without a basic philosophy to anchor it and guide it forward.

I think you should actually read some philosophy before you judge it.

Of course, it takes philosophical thinking to come to that ethical and rational conclusion about how you should judge.

Perhaps if you know what philosophy actually is, you wouldn't have needed to ask the question in the first place...

Read the links, they aren't that difficult, and will leave you with, at least, a hint...

Philosophy is 'original critical thought';

Critical Thinking Mini Lessons

http://www.skepdic.com/refuge/ctlessons.html

Bertrand Russell on Critical Thinking

http://www.bu.edu/wcp/Papers/Educ/EducHare.htm

Philosophy is art for the other side of the brain of that which paintings and drawings can't simulate. - it improves the quality of life.

Philosophy is for people of all ages and anytime future or past or presence. its only for people's thinkings that it helps all. always think positive. Mike

Thinking a lot about stuff is just a generally good thing to do.

I just can't figure out how they managed to convince anyone to pay them for it. That's like paying people to brush their teeth.

'I think therefore I am' Rene Descartes. Philosopher

you can study others' delusions. you can make your own and share with others. and you are searching for truths. if you are stuck with your ideology, you will be close minded and delusional. If you're not stuck with your ideology, nobody will care what you say as you're not saying any ideology at all.

imo