Philosophy

How does one know if they ARE a philosopher?

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The question presupposes that some people are philosophers--in some special and perhaps deep sense--and others aren't. (Of course some people are professional philosophers and others aren't. But I don't think that's what you're asking about.) I don't believe that there is a group of people who are philosophers in a deep sense. Philosophy is something that people do. Some people do it more than others. Most people can do it if they encounter a philosophical problem. Some people love to do it, others hate it. People tend to do it better if they are coached by others who have done it a lot. People who have done it a lot, love it, and have gotten good at it get called 'philosophers'. Likewise, people who run a lot, love it, and have gotten good at it, get called 'runners'. I can run if I want, but I'm not a runner in this sense. Just as it seems odd to ask whether someone really is a runner, I find it odd to ask whether someone really is a philosopher.

Perhaps you are wondering if you are cut out to be a philosopher and so if you should continue to do philosophy. If you love it, do it. Keep doing it as long as you love it (and can afford to do it). You may or may not succeed as a professional philosopher. But such success is not an indication of who really is a philosopher. There are a lot of factors, including luck, that play a role in professional life.

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