Topics Philosophy

Question Can you give me some good examples of things that philosophers have produced throughout history. The reason I'm asking this question is this: I can think of many things that scientists (including mathematicians) have produced but I cannot think of any thing that philosophers have produced. Ahmet Thanks

Accepted:
July 28, 2008

Comments

Philosophers have not produced a lot of concrete things like the technology that flows from scientific advances. But philosophers have produced a lot of abstract things of immense value. Here is an initial list which I hope others will continue:

Formal systems of logic (and crucial concepts for proper argumentation, such as validity and norms for abductive reasoning).

Important distinctions for moral reasoning, such as the distinction, put roughly here, between deontological (rule-governed) and consequentialist (outcome-based) systems, and the naturalistic fallacy (if only people could avoid the over-hasty moves from "it's natural" to "it's right" and from "it's unnatural" to "it's wrong").

Important work in the philosophy of science about the nature of theories, experiments, evidence, etc., and in particular branches of science, such as biology, psychology, and neuroscience. This work arguably helps scientists do better work and helps the sciences advance.

Advancements in law and politics. Consider, for instance, the influence of Locke's theories on the founding of American democracy.

And most importantly: A rich tradition of literature on human nature and the nature of the universe (comparable to the contribution of the literature of religious traditions, poetry, novels, etc.).

Oh, plus numerous examples of and methods for how to think more clearly and comprehensively that improve the lives of students of philosophy and the effectiveness of thinkers in all fields.

Isn't that enough?