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Zach Medley

Christopher Webb

Introduction to Philosophy

17 September 2016

Philosophy Article Analysis

Simon Critchley wrote an article in the New York Times called What is a Philosopher?,

in which he tried to convey several ideas about philosophers. This article is fairly easy to read. It

is also enjoyable, since it gave several interesting perspectives on philosophers.

One of the first themes Critchley conveys in his article is that people tend to laugh at

philosophers. He cites the case of Thales, who died by falling into a well, and how he was

mocked because he wasnt paying enough attention to where he was walking. Plus, Critchley

employs a quote of Socrates saying, The same jest suffices for all those who engage in

philosophy (Critchley 3). He explains that this is due to philosophers clumsiness in world

affairs (Critchley 4). However, he concludes this idea by transitioning into his next idea and

saying that, although they are clumsy in world affairs, they utilize their time wisely.

Another idea he conveyed was that philosophers take their time. He backs up this claim

by declaring that philosophy revolves around leisurely discussions and thinking. He also cites

Wittgenstein, who states, This is how philosophers salute each other: take your

time. (Critchley 8). He also contrasts philosophers from lawyers by stating how lawyers think

time is money, but philosophers just want time (Critchley 7). This idea also centers around the

writers inferred belief that philosophy requires people to have time to ponder their existences.
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He also uses this to transition into his next idea, by declaring that although spending time

thinking may seem leisurely, what you come up with might not be received well by others.

One of the ideas he conveyed was that philosophy has a tendency to insult peoples

religion. In his words, philosophy has repeatedly and persistently been identified with

blasphemy against the gods, whichever gods they might be (Critchley 12). Critchley attributes

this to philosophers lack of respect for social convention, rank, or privilege. He also cites how

one famous philosopher, Socrates, was forced to commit suicide for religious impiety and

corrupting the youth (Critchley 11). He explains this attitude of philosophers by citing Socrates

as saying that philosophers pay no attention to mores and conventions that govern public

life. (Critchley 10).

Since reading Critchleys article, What is a Philosopher?, I have not changed my point

of view. I already agreed with Critchleys view that philosophers are laughingstocks of some

people, utilize their time, and insults the religious beliefs of some people. This article has,

however, affirmed my beliefs on philosophers. Although every philosopher is different, many

philosophers do exhibit these traits. (428 words)