Clasic

The act of Philosophizing



This thesis by Pieper is a pure reflection that comprehends both the freedom andtheoretical character of philosophy, with a constant and pummeling of what he refersas “living under the canopy” lifestyle. This philosopher attempts to offer us an “escape route” from this way of living which he describes as to grow even more sofocating while the days go by

JosefPieper begins by stating two different questions: What does it mean to do Physics? And, what does it mean to do philosophy? Personally us, the readers, would find them equally alike, but he says thatby trying to answer the first question, we are not applying the so called physics, otherwise, when answering the second question, we are now applying the so called subject, we are applying philosophy.We are not to forget the fact that this is strictly linked to us human beings at all times.
Philosophical questions, differing from scientifical ones, are not “perfectly rounded truth” (quotesParmenides). It shall not deliver a handy, straightforward answer but make as round about it.

So far in the thesis, Pieper has made a quick runthrough of the terms that define philosophy, just to openthe gate for his entrying topics. He insists on the fact that philosophical act is an act that trascends the work-a-day world. This world he talks about is not more than the one we habitate this verymoment: The constant drama of securing our physical existance, paying our bills, following orders, tensions and burdens, economy, struggles over power. Or in other words: a world of usefulness, ofpurposeful action, where the demands of the daily world of work takes over the world of man, a world with one single goal: realization of the “common utility.” What does he mean by this? When all actionsare destined towards a useful activity, where “common good” and “common utility” are loosing their differences towards one another, leaving life of contemplation such as vision or philosophizing...