The Value Of Philosophy Rhetorical Analysis

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In “The Value of Philosophy” by Bertrand Russell, Russell discusses that while some are quick to dismiss philosophy as unnecessary or as the empty trifling of concepts where knowledge is unconcerned, philosophy is in fact necessary for emotional nourishment, as well as for personal self-satisfaction through questioning common surroundings and actions, simply for the sake of questioning. Due to the necessity of emotional nourishment and mental satisfaction in an individual’s life, philosophy is the ultimate pathway to knowledge. As the study of fundamental knowledge, nature, and existence, philosophy is necessary in modern times because it helps develop necessary critical skills, as well as allow for an individual to reflect on significant life questions, such as “What does it mean to be human?” and “What is happiness?”. …show more content…

The defense he is presenting is that philosophy is essential for emotional nourishment, because while the knowledge yielded is little, its value is much higher in comparison to concrete information. Russell also discusses that “…the answers suggested by philosophy are none of them demonstrably true” (Russell 123). This illustrates that while every solution to any inquiry is indemonstrable, the truths revealed are still satisfactory to the human psyche, as an individual reaches a conclusion that appeases and silences their questioning mind. The adequate solutions and emotional nourishment provided through the inquiries of the philosophical realm confirm that philosophy is truly the definitive path of wisdom, as it provides knowledge of the highest and most gratifying

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