Page:An introduction to philosophy (IA Introductiontoph00brig 0).pdf/23

philosopher will, it is true, have some opinion; and some knowledge is a necessary prerequisite to any philosophical thinking: but neither the opinion nor the knowledge is philosophy. Philosophy is essentially a spirit or method of approaching experience, rather than a body of conclusions about experience. This statement should not be taken to mean that it makes no difference what one’s conclusions are, as long as one has the right spirit, for one’s philosophical conclusions are of very great moment, both theoretically and practically. It means rather that opinions, even true opinions, without a reasoned understanding of what they mean and why we hold them, are below the level of philosophical thought. A parrot might repeat a series of philosophical truths; but a parrot philosopher does not exist.
The philosopher, of course, aims at true conclusions, as the mountain-climber aims to reach the mountain top. Like the mountain-climber, also, the philosopher searches for the way to the top—a way that leads from the valleys and lowlands of every-day experience to a view of the whole landscape. He who holds his opinions without knowing or caring why is like one who has been transported to the mountain-top in an aeroplane, and left there alone. He is surrounded by clouds; he does not know whether he is awake or dreaming; he knows neither where he is nor the way to anywhere else. The worst service that can be done to the mountain-top is for such a befuddled visitant to extol its beauties. Likewise, angels weep when they hear divine truth proclaimed by one who has never thought his way up to the heights where the truth dwells.