Connection of the Philosophical and the Pragmatic

One could argue—and I have myself many a time—that never before in human history has there been greater need for the presence of philosophical habit and the realization of philosophical wisdom. We find ourselves engaged in constant communication. Therefore, we find ourselves also immersed ever more in ideas. A theoretical grasp of those ideas seems necessary to practically incorporating them into our lives. But the contrast of philosophical practice and pragmatic exercise seems an irresoluble tension. This irresoluble tension has resulted in two distinct groups of persons who either do not or cannot communicate.

Thus, there are those who have the ability to do things in the world—“technologists”, in the broad sense of the term, as those in possession of pragmatic techne—and those who have an understanding of the world—“philosophers”, those who are in possession of episteme or even in some relation to sophia. But those who can do seem not to understand, while those who understand seem incapable of doing.

We see this tension realized in the discussions around artificial intelligence, politics, raising children, and the ever-increasing moral and psychological listlessness, acedia, which seems to ensnare more and more persons by the day. How can we overcome this tension, bringing understanding to those who can do, and the ability to do to those who understand? Join us this evening for our Philosophical Happy Hour to discuss!