Russell, Socrates, and Janet Radcliffe Richards hold different perspectives regarding the primary value of philosophy for various reasons. Russell maintains that philosophy seeks knowledge and hence possesses exponential exploration of human inquiry, therefore, liberating a range of new possibilities to explore. According to Russell, philosophy is essential for its products of the mind and its effects on the people who study it (Byrd, 2022). Socrates believed that philosophy held the potential to achieve practical results for the greater well-being of society. Human choices motivated by reason and desire for fulfillment rather than theological doctrine in philosophy would establish an ethical system. Janet Radcliffe Richards believed that philosophy is an avenue for humanity to discover the world’s truth by being taught as a finished product rather than a form of inquiry. The views on the value of philosophy by Russell, Socrates, and Janet Radcliffe Richards have differences and similarities.
First, all three arguments distinguish philosophy from religion. Although Resells perceives philosophy as an intermediate between theology and science, Socrates and Janet pivot on practical results based on critical reasoning and empirical research, respectively (Byrd, 2022). Russell and Janet Radcliffe agree that philosophy is a means for man to discover the truth about the universe. Contrastingly, Socrates believed philosophy is human choices that breed practical results. Therefore the respective utility of philosophy is determined by human curiosity according to Russell’s choices drawing from Socrates and taught concepts according to Janet Radcliffe.
I find Russell’s viewpoints on the value of philosophy to be most compelling. Russell displays philosophy as a model of self-cultivation rather than production. Philosophy grants us goods of the mind and speculative interest to explore the universe liberating us from prejudices and narrow personal aims hence making us better people. The concept of philosophic contemplation by Russell describe the importance of exploring the world with selflessness and impartiality.
Reference
Byrd, N. (2022). Great Minds Do Not Think Alike: Philosophers’ Views Predicted By Reflection, Education, Personality, And Other Demographic Differences. Review of Philosophy and Psychology, 1–38. Web.