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Question of the Month

Who Is The Worst Philosopher?

Each answer below receives a book. Apologies to the entrants not included.

This is a difficult question as ‘the worst philosopher’ is liable to be considered not a ‘true’ philosopher at all!

It may be best to make clear the qualities of ‘great’ philosophy, in order to shed light on the worst kind of philosophy, and consequently apply these weaknesses of thought to a specific individual, who then would seem ‘the worst philosopher’.

Firstly, they should lack the high standard of critical thinking marking great philosophy. The work of a poor philosopher is liable to consist of unclear and indistinct ideas, and obscure, confused, overly-abstracted arguments, making it difficult or impossible to understand and evaluate. This contrasts with great philosophy, which, although it may deal with complex ideas and themes, is always based upon distinct, clear ideas which are subsequently built upon. Philosophy should never be overly rhetorical, or full of unnecessary arguments, hyperbole and oversights.

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