Come Out, Fellow Philosophers

Come Out, Fellow Philosophers
October 6, 2007

Philippine Free Press

WHERE are the philosophers of this country? We need philosophers as we need politicians. Our people are getting restive because of the many unresolved moral, social, and political issues. We need philosophers to explain these issues to the people.

Among the problems that need explanation by philosophers are the war in Mindanao, the persistence of jueteng, graft and corruption, and electoral fraud. The philosophers' analytical and logical thinking will be effective in making people understand these problems and why they remain unresolved.

It is just unfortunate that the word "philosopher" has a negative connotation in this country. Here, those who philosophize are not seen as intellectuals but as rude people and are dismissed as fools and weirdoes. In western countries, philosophers are seen as learned and wise and some authorities consult them before making decisions.

Despite the negative view of many people, I call on my fellow philosophers to come out and help our countrymen become more critical in their thinking and more responsive to the needs of the times. Let us refute the notion that we philosophers are nerds. We should be proud of our calling and we should always be ready to give our views of the moral, social, and political issues that pain our country.

Reginald B. Tamayo
member, Sangguniang Bayan
Aparri, Cagayan