Whoa, for someone who claims a love of philosophy you are very down on the people who have decided to devote their lives to it (I am certainly not one of them). "Professional" philosphers have indeed read widely around the subject, learning what other great thinkers have said/thought before them. Is this a bad thing?
You call them sheep but I think you are missing the point of what philosphy is at its heart - tools and techniques for analysing arguments. By reading the greats you can aquire new tools, new ways of thinking whether you agree with their conclusions or not.
You state that philosphy isn't a science and try to separate the two with words like "facts". You are correct phillosphy is not a science, however you have failed to understand that science is in fact a philosphy. Indeed back in the days of Isaac Newton et al scientists called themselves "natural philosphers".
Here is a 'argument' for you...
Premise: You have not read any real philosphy (by your own admission)
Conclusion: You have stated philosphers use too much Jargon and overcomplicate things (again you stated this above)
If the premise is true then you have no justification for your conclusion as by your own admission you have not read any philosphy in order to judge that too much Jargon is being used.
For someone undevoted you seem triggered enough to be part of the conversation here, read, reread and think on ways to create a valid argument against my points.
You have also run under an assumption that 'I am' down on philosophers who devote their lives to it. Whoa, that is a big assumption, is it not? Do you base your words on a few lines in one article or on my actions day to day?
I am not saying you are wrong but how do you know you are right?
Regardless of how good the tools of reason we have available are, we all work under unreasonable assumptions and speak and act accordingly.
Being part of the conversation to remove some of the personal assumptions should not be limited to a few. Peehaps if more people feel connected and empowered enough to their experience, they will take agency and truly immerse themselves into an active role in their own lives.
One can acquire a lot through the words of others. Knowing and doing are quite different.
Thanks for taking part.
Not sure triggered is the right word. I found your article fairly interesting and thought I would offer comment as apparently that's the sort of thing you have to do to build your own followong on steemit - if that's "triggered" fair enough. If I'd agreed with everything you said would you still say I was "triggered"?
Big assumption? I'm basing my statements not on assumptions but on your opinions as you have expressed them in this articlle. e.g. "academics have hijacked it out of the hands of the common person and staked claim", "I find they tend to complicate the process, use jargon and require significant pre-knowledge to join a discussion", "Philosophy isn't for old Greek men to discuss in forums, or academics with patches on their elbows that look down upon all those not in the top half of Mensa" or "These highly intelligent thinkers are the most dangerous authority of all" - There are plenty more - are you telling me these weren't negative comments? I'd have a hard time buying that. I don't know I'm right but I must base my thinking about your opinions on your opinions as you have written them - if you don't agree with what you have written here then sorry, my bad.
Not sure what you're on about with the last bit but if you are suggesting that people should try to improve their thinking and be less reliant on the thinking of others then fair play, I'd agree with that.
If however, you're suggesting that people completely ignore the opinions of "great thinkers" so they can make their own minds up to "avoid being sheep" I'd suggest that, that would lead to greater "unreasonable assumptions" in peoples thinking not less.
I would say you were potentially crazy if you agreed for within was a whole lot of stuff that should be questioned.
Of course they are negative comments.
Take responsibility and develop the thinking to analyse rather than swallow. Ignore nothing perhaps.
When I write, I hope to get people thinking in different ways, including myself. It doesn't really matter at the end of the day if you agree or not but if a thought comes to you that helps improve your position somehow, great. If not, great, you can move on and find something that does or create it yourself.
I am always glad when people take the time to respond thoughtfully even in disagreement. It means they are thinking at least something. Many these days seem to avoid anything that will burn calories above the neck.