So, if I'm interested in biology, that makes me a biologist? — Garrett Travers
If you're both interested in biology and ask/answer questions about biology (and, because it's a science, perhaps conduct research), then yes. — Xtrix
Notice how this goes beyond mere interest? — Garrett Travers
Here is the definition of philosophy: — Garrett Travers
Your mother owes you an apology. — Garrett Travers
someone who studies or writes about the meaning of life
There is no definitive definition of philosophy. Citing a dictionary tells us exactly nothing."
Citing a dictionary tells us nothing..... No, in fact it tells us exactly what words mean. It's exactly the opposite of what you concluded. — Xtrix
The study of the fundamental nature of knowledge, reality, and existence, especially when considered as an academic discipline.
Hope that sheds some light on things going forward. — Garrett Travers
Historically, philosophy encompassed all bodies of knowledge and a practitioner was known as a philosopher
"So a philosopher is someone particularly interested in basic questions about the world."
No, you said interest defines a philosopher. You also said someone who asks questions. — Garrett Travers
At minimum, the courage to dialectically examine one's own assumptions and to reason towards better, more probative questions of reason's limits.Just what is it that constitutes a philosopher? — Garrett Travers
probitive — 180 Proof
So you don't see a need for any core competencies?
— Tom Storm
For example? — Xtrix
To some degree, perhaps we're all philosophers. — Xtrix
I tried googling the definition of that word. No results. What does it mean? — Agent Smith
Having the quality or function of proving or demonstrating something; affording proof or evidence. — Tom Storm
Your conclusion does not follow from your premise. Illustration: Because politicians can be split into separate camps, belief in truth defines what a politician is. — Garrett Travers
Here is the definition of philosophy: The study of the fundamental nature of knowledge, reality, and existence, especially when considered as an academic discipline. — Garrett Travers
a philosopher is someone who believes truth matters; either, because truth must be understood, or because truth must be obscured, and who constructs arguments to one of these ends! — karl stone
I don't know enough of the academic details put forward by a wide enough range of past and current individuals who claim or have been given the label 'Philosopher,' to call myself one. — universeness
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