callmejay

I haven't read it, but I did see the author of this book speak on tv. It's about him (a philosopher apparently) travelling across the US, talking to "ordinary" people about philosophy. The Socrates Cafe

Crouton

Ethics, metaphysics, and epistemology are my preferred branches, but I'm happy to talk about almost anything philosophical. I think her dislike stems from the fact that it simply does not occur to her to think philosophically. I imagine that when we talk about these things, she might think that I have prepared arguments for certain positions and that she is at a disadvantage. It's true that I might have more knowledge on a given subject, but the beauty of philosophy is that it is accessible to anyone with an open and analytical mind. She has both. She has the tools, but not the interest. That's what I need help with.

Crouton

I just finsihed listening to the audiobook, so I'll give it a whirl.

pi_noir

Hey Crouton,
It seems that your wife is among the many people who just lack curiosity, no offense. If the most challenging and fundamental questions of human history are boring to her, there's not a lot you can do about it. It never ceases to amaze me how unenthusiastic people can be about things that seem so compelling. Believe me, I feel your pain. I'm an intellectually lonely new user also, so email me sometime and we'll chat. pi_noir@yahoo.com. also I heartily agree with Darth Dane: see PI. It will blow your mind.

GrandDesigner

Well, some people enjoy thinking. Some people enjoy sports. Some people enjoy working. And keeping their minds focussed on what they enjoy. It's completely fine that someone isn't as curious about philosophy as they are about having a few drinks or just working in their yard. People are allowed to enjoy life. However they see fit. This doesn't mean those people who are indifferent to it, such as your wife, come out with some really great thoughts when prodded. But it doesn't mean they should be coerced or prodded into doing something they're not interested in doing.

Not to delve into it, but some people, such as I did, go through a long time of their life thinking of these things but having no one to share it with. As I said, other people aren't always interested in it. So when a movie like the Matrix, or others before it <it's the same story as ever> , come out, they make one realize that there's a lot of other people who must be thinking similarly at the least. And with a bit more umph, those people may begin sharing their ideas. That's not bad in my eyes. Even if it's just scratching the surface, at least more and more points of view are being shared. Laymen or not.

And I shall, too, check out this Pi movie and others suggested. Thanks Darth Dane!

Grand Ol Designer

Crouton

Thanks. I just ordered this from the library to read myself.

Crouton

That's precisely my thought, too. There is a tragic and substantial difference in interest between "information about a Hollywood couple" and "information that is pertinent to how you view the world".

It might have to do with philosophy's pedantic stigma as a barrier to entry. Perhaps it's the view that since philosphers haven't really accomplished anything, what can a layman do in that realm?

John Page

What is she interested in? Soaps? Sports? History? Politics? Knitting?

Crouton

Perhaps you can help me understand the relevance.

John Page

Yep, you're definitely a philosopher.

Philosophy is thinking about stuff. I was going to suggest some approaches to engaging the subject through the stuff she is thinking about. For example, are there any topics or issues on which she makes remarks like "Well, what is the point!" or more positively "Wow, that was a very interesting movie."

Cheers, john