October 13, 2020
Written by William Biersach ’22
Are you a Democrat or a Republican? Do you support Biden or Trump? It’s hard to imagine that I could possibly ask a question more controversial than these.
The current political climate foists these increasingly polarizing questions on each and every one of us. Even though most students cannot vote, we still must evaluate political candidates, parties, and ideologies. I suspect that many Durham Academy students turn to media sources to get their daily dose of news and politics. I think this sort of worldly engagement and understanding is vital. However, those who have paid extra attention to the media or to the recent debates will understand how polarized the United States’ political climate is. The impending election certainly contributes to the current tumultuous environment, but the polarization and dysfunctionality in politics pervades most all bodies of government in the United States.
The stratagem of today’s politician is to polarize their opponent. Of course, this is not new. However, this polarization in politics is tearing our nation apart as if we were playing one huge game of tug of war. Worse, is that the polarizing claims are almost always tangential, personal, and not related to actual policy. Politicians routinely attack their opponents as extremists or insult them or their family personally without ever substantially discussing their plans or values. America has lost sight of the philosophical underpinnings that truly ought to dictate policies.
Where is one to look when caught in a battlefield of tribal politics? Well, most continue to turn to media outlets to hear the same partisan news over and over. The American media is understandably a bastion of entertainment not thought. So, not only is there a paucity of politicians with philosophically-based ideology, but American citizens themselves lack philosophical faculties. This election season has trenchantly highlighted the fact that many Americans and countless politicians have no substantial philosophical values. If politicians do have philosophical convictions, they certainly don’t make it known. This is where we arrive at the problem: American politicians largely base their ideology entirely in partisan dogma and the American people support them.
Education is the clear panacea for our predicament. Obviously, education generally is indispensable for a healthy political climate, but philosophical education specifically ameliorates the climate by providing a basis in reason. If a sound argument is the product of a philosopher, then reason and logic are his or her tools. As students of Durham Academy, it is our duty to learn so that we can become upstanding citizens of society with philosophical convictions rooted in sound reason. The Durham Academy student ought to study philosophy to develop a discerning political eye and, who knows, maybe to prepare for a fruitful term in an office of government.
The beginning of the Durham Academy mission states: “The purpose of Durham Academy is to provide each student an education that will enable him or her to live a moral, happy and productive life.” The mission statement goes on to refer to goals of “critical judgement” and “increased understanding.” I would like to add the phrase ‘philosophically inclined’ to that list of attributes Durham Academy strives to provide. Philosophically inclined students independently employ reason and logic to form their own conclusion on all issues.
The philosophically inclined student proudly flouts the prevalent herd-mentality and postulates his or her own convictions. Regardless of politics, the philosophically inclined student is free-thinking and optimistic for the future (unless they read too much Schopenhauer). Such a student is not fettered by partisan doctrine and therefore envisions solutions with the alacrity of one who is not ideologically ossified and complacent. Philosophy takes the politics out of politics. The philosophically inclined student or even politician can not only form sound arguments using reason but can also reconcile seemingly antithetical viewpoints. Because philosophy consistently examines opposing viewpoints, the philosophy student respects and understands all opinions. Philosophy simply unites.
Take advantage of the educational opportunities you have at your disposal now. Use your time now to begin thinking about what you value. Don’t just dive into axiology (value theory), also explore epistemology (theory of truth/knowledge) and metaphysics (theory of reality) for the valuable perspectives they provide to an engaged citizen of democracy.1
Strive to uphold these four attributes: happy, moral, productive, and philosophical. May the Durham Academy student adopt the philosophical attitude for the sake of our school and our nation. We are the next generation. Education and philosophical thought will pave our path to eudaimonia.2
1 Do you want to become more philosophically inclined? Perhaps the Durham Academy Philosophy Club is for you. If you have been moved by this, go check out the Philosophy Club. Who knows, maybe you can save American politics.
2 This is the Greek concept of happiness. The word describes the happiness of a person who is hard-working and highly virtuous. Eudaimonia is not entertainment but good action.