Thinking Beyond the Here and Now

Philosophy is one area of academic interest that I have never explored to any real extent. I can’t really explain why but it has never excited my interest or made me want to spend time getting to know the people and concepts involved.

I have what I saw referred to as ‘nickel knowledge’ in the Eve Plumb book I read. I know the names of the philosophers, the very basic ideas and I guess I could get on the wavelength quickly enough to follow a thread but I don’t really see it as interesting enough to spend time on. Ethics is of more interest to me. When I was teaching I presented a lesson on ethics based purely on my own reading and reactions together with the ideas of other teachers with more knowledge and experience than me. Perhaps you can see that as an offshoot of Philosophy given that your own personal philosophy is what is giving you the ethical framework you need.

I am far more interested in real life and the thoughts that derived from that. My interest in social history and popular culture is based on what I see as authentic people living authentic lives. The massed ranks of ordinary people do nothing amazing and simply live as best they can reacting to life as it happens. There is no time for deeper consideration of life, the universe and everything, as real life is the be all and end all as you simply look to navigate your way through everyday existence. This may be a philosophy of sorts, but it isn’t an abstract one. I could easily take the time to learn about philosophy and upgrade my nickel knowledge but I have no inclination to do so. The philosophers of history will have to look elsewhere for their dinner I’m afraid 😂