Is it not all other subjects teaches you to think, why have people say philosophy makes you become a thinker. I have studied philosophy in the classes, all I just find is you just study theories, then you build their on their theories or you challenge them, nothing more.
So how can you make a living as a philosopher, would you not be in vain.
It’s not in vain!
I think you’re too positivistic or too nihilistic (maybe a little of both.)
First, philosophy doesn’t teach you to think, but to think critically. You’re not supposed to accept anything anyone has said as being absolutely true; while being charitable to the theories and analyses of others, you’re supposed to authenicate what is being said by critical analysis and comparison with your own lived experience. In other words, not just learning a method or tool or remembering facts, but actually THINKing about what is being said, whether it reflects ultimate truth or is merely a distortion of reality.
Sure, in classes you study theory, but generally philosophy classes include discussions. Philosophical theories are rarely as simple and un-nuanced as “I agree with this theory and want to build on it” or “I disagree and want to challenge it.” I’ve found that there’s many different thinkers whose many different theories each contain aspects which reflect what I feel to be true…
Now, making a living as a philosopher is a little different. If you’re good, you shouldn’t have a problem securing a teaching post if you make it through grad school or a Ph.D. program. But making a living is relative, right? Unless you’re talking some groundbreaking new shit, you’re not going to be famous. But at least you’re in the same pursuit as some of the greatest minds in history, following down their hallowed trails of thought with the same kind of perserverance, relentlessness and hunger for truth that calls thinkers of all eras to eventually turn towards philosophy.
I dont know who would say something like that, least of all any competent philosopher. No, philosophy doesnt teach anyone how to be a thinker, they teach you how to become a better thinker. And who cares if you cant make a living on philosophy? People cant make a living on alot of things they enjoy, doesnt mean it shouldnt be done, or that it’s in vain.
This is only true when the teachings are true. Therefore it is right, but I know when one sheep goes down off a cliff the other sheeps follow. Therefore, again, if the teachings are wrong, you are heading in the wrong direction. making your thinking are all blind thinking and beind misconceived.
All of the greatest minds in history are the founders, not the students. The students must have to be a founder of something in order to share its glory. Philosophy does not teaches you think better but of something else.
It is how to become. However, if you are misled, most often you become a louzy lunatic teacher who upholds crazy ideas.