Philosophy is the martial arts of the mind: how to be a philosophical warrior

 Hello again dear reader,

for today's article we are going to discuss something slightly different from previous articles. Today, dear reader, a subject near and dear to my heart. Philosophy, and how to be a philosophical warrior. (at least what I think a philosophical warrior is anyway.) Like many people, I grew up watching Kung Fu and martial arts movies, and I was always fascinated by the moves a Kung Fu Master or Ninja on the screen could do. As I grew a little older, my friends and family members, began to study martial arts as a hobby. You know all the usual disciplines that kids study after school; Karate, Taekwondo, Jiu Jitsu, Judo, and wrestling. (yes wrestling is technically a martial art.) 

I would of course, tag along to karate or judo practice, more or less to be part of the group. At least that was my initial thought anyway, however I quickly learned that there were in fact aspects of the martial arts that I could do from my wheelchair. However, this was a more fun way to get physical exercise and keep my flexibility, then learning to defend myself, against somebody trying to hurt me. I enjoyed every minute of being in the dojo or gym, even if I couldn't do all the fancy kicks and punches like my family and friends. However, in one particular class I was complaining about my inability to throw a punch with my right arm do to lack of mobility in that limb. One of the instructors overheard me, came over and pulled me aside, and said, something to the effect of” Using physical force is only one way to fight a battle, using your brain, and understanding and knowledge against your opponent is the other, the mind is the deadliest weapon of all.” To which I replied” I would rather not be a thinker, I want to throw a punch like Bruce Lee.” 

The instructor smiled and said” you know Bruce Lee, was a philosopher as well as a kung Fu practitioner, right? In fact, his philosophical studies were, more important to him in some cases than his martial arts skills.” I replied that I did not know that, The instructor smiled, disappeared into their office for a moment and came back with a book. (which I have sadly lost and forgotten the name of) containing Essays, stories, and passages from other books from all the most famous philosophical warriors, including Bruce Lee. I devoured that book, and ever since then I have been hooked on philosophy in all of its various forms. So for today's article, dear reader, we are going to discuss, how to be a philosophical warrior and why philosophy is the martial arts of the mind.

Philosophy is often considered an esoteric subject reserved only for the academic elite, but in reality, it is much more than that. Philosophy is the martial arts of the mind, and being a philosophical warrior means mastering the art of thinking and cultivating mental discipline. It means examining your beliefs and assumptions, applying logic effectively, and cultivating intellectual humility. Being a philosophical warrior also means facing existential questions with courage and engaging in thoughtful dialogue with others. In this article, we will explore how to become a philosophical warrior, and how to apply the principles of philosophy to our everyday lives.

Introduction to Philosophy as the Martial Arts of the Mind

Philosophy is typically thought of as an abstract and inaccessible pursuit, reserved for academics and intellectuals. However, at its core, philosophy is actually a practical discipline, one that can help us to navigate the complexities of the world and improve our lives. In fact, philosophy can be seen as the martial arts of the mind, providing us with the tools we need to defend ourselves against faulty reasoning and irrational beliefs.

What is Philosophy?

At its most basic level, philosophy is the study of fundamental questions about existence, knowledge, morality, and reality. Philosophers use reason and critical thinking to examine these questions and to develop theories and arguments that help us to understand the world around us. 

What is a Philosophical Warrior?

A philosophical warrior is someone who has mastered the art of thinking and uses this skill to confront the challenges of life with clarity and purpose. They are adept at recognizing and questioning their beliefs and assumptions, and they are skilled in reasoning, argumentation, and logic. By cultivating these skills, a philosophical warrior can face the world with confidence and insight.

The Art of Thinking: Mastering Your Mental Discipline

To become a philosophical warrior, it is essential to master your mental discipline. This involves understanding the power of thought and developing the ability to think clearly and objectively.

Understanding the Power of Thought

Our thoughts have a profound impact on our lives, shaping our emotions, behaviors, and experiences. By recognizing the power of thought and learning to control our thinking patterns, we can reduce anxiety, improve decision-making, and cultivate a more positive outlook on life.

Developing Mental Discipline

Mental discipline involves training your mind to think clearly and objectively, even in the face of complex or emotionally charged situations. This can involve practices such as mindfulness meditation, keeping a thought journal, or learning to recognize and challenge cognitive biases.

The Power of Reflection: Examining Your Beliefs and Assumptions

One of the keys to becoming a philosophical warrior is learning to examine your beliefs and assumptions. By reflecting on these ideas and questioning their validity, you can develop a clearer understanding of your values and beliefs.

Understanding the Role of Beliefs and Assumptions

Beliefs and assumptions are the foundation of our thinking. They are the lenses through which we view the world, and they shape our perceptions and actions. By understanding the role of these ideas in our lives, we can begin to recognize their influence and assess their validity.

Reflecting on Personal Beliefs and Assumptions

To become a philosophical warrior, it is essential to reflect on your beliefs and assumptions. This can involve questioning your biases, examining your values, and exploring new perspectives. By engaging in this process of self-reflection, you can develop a more nuanced and informed understanding of the world around you.

Applying Logic: How to Reason Effectively

Logic is an essential tool for the philosophical warrior, helping us to evaluate arguments, assess evidence, and make sound decisions.

Understanding the Basics of Logic

Logic is the study of reasoning and argumentation. It involves understanding the principles of inference and validity, as well as the different types of logical arguments and fallacies. By mastering these basics, you can become a more effective critical thinker.

Applying Logic to Everyday Life

Logic is not just an abstract concept – it is a practical tool that can be applied to everyday life. By learning to apply logic to your decision-making process, you can make more informed and rational choices, and avoid falling victim to faulty reasoning or irrational beliefs. Cultivating Intellectual Humility: Embracing Your Ignorance.

Understanding the Importance of Intellectual Humility

Philosophy is not about having all the answers, but rather about learning how to ask better questions. Cultivating intellectual humility is one of the most important skills in becoming a philosophical warrior. Intellectual humility refers to the ability to acknowledge one's own limitations and ignorance, and to be open and receptive to new ideas and perspectives. It is the antidote to intellectual arrogance, the belief that one already has all the answers and needs no further learning.

Cultivating Intellectual Humility through Self-Reflection

One way to cultivate intellectual humility is through self-reflection. Take some time to reflect on your own intellectual capacities and limitations. What do you know? What do you not know? Are there areas where you are particularly strong or weak? Recognizing your limitations will help you to approach philosophical inquiry with an open mind. It will also help you to recognize your bias and to be more receptive to other perspectives.

The Practice of Ethics: Living a Life of Virtue

Understanding the Importance of Ethics

Ethics is the branch of philosophy concerned with questions of right and wrong, good and evil. It is concerned with how we ought to live, what virtues we should cultivate, and what values we should uphold. The practice of ethics is essential to becoming a philosophical warrior. It helps us to live a life of purpose, to make decisions that are in alignment with our deepest values, and to be a force for good in the world.

Living a Life of Virtue

Living a life of virtue means cultivating the habits and dispositions that lead to excellence. It means practicing habits such as courage, kindness, and honesty, and striving to embody those virtues in all aspects of our lives. It means taking responsibility for our actions and recognizing that we have the power to make a difference in the world.

Facing Your Fears: Confronting Existential Questions

What are Existential Questions?

Existential questions are those that relate to the nature of existence itself. They are questions about the meaning of life, the purpose of our existence, and the nature of reality. These are big questions that can be daunting to confront, but they are essential to becoming a philosophical warrior. By confronting these questions, we can develop a more profound understanding of ourselves and the world around us.

Confronting Existential Questions with Courage

Confronting existential questions can be scary, but it is important to approach them with courage. It is only by facing our fears and confronting the unknown that we can grow and develop as individuals. Courage allows us to challenge our assumptions, to ask difficult questions, and to be open to new and challenging ideas. By confronting our fears, we can become more resilient, more capable, and more compassionate.

Engaging in Dialogue: Building Community Through Thoughtful Discussion

The Importance of Dialogue

Dialogue is the foundation of philosophical inquiry. It is through dialogue that we can exchange ideas, challenge each other's assumptions, and develop a more in-depth understanding of the world around us. Engaging in dialogue with others also helps us to build community and to develop greater empathy and understanding for others.

Effective Strategies for Engaging in Dialogue

Engaging in dialogue requires a certain set of skills. These include active listening, empathy, and the ability to ask thoughtful questions. It is important to approach dialogue with an open mind and a willingness to learn from others. It is also essential to be respectful and to try to understand the other person's perspective, even if we do not agree with it. By engaging in dialogue in a thoughtful and respectful way, we can create a more compassionate and understanding world. Becoming a philosophical warrior is a lifelong journey, but it is a journey worth taking. By mastering the art of thinking, cultivating mental discipline, and engaging in thoughtful dialogue with others, we can become better equipped to navigate life's challenges and make meaningful contributions to our communities. Let us embrace the challenge of becoming philosophical warriors and use our newfound understanding to live more fulfilling lives.

As always, dear reader, thank you for the gift of your valuable time. If you like what you're reading in my blogs, please feel free to share them with whomever you deem worthy.