What makes a person philosophy?

To ask what makes a person philosophical is to ask, at the same time, what philosophy is and how it manifests itself in human behavior, thought, and character. A "philosophical" person isn't simply someone who reads philosophical texts or holds abstract ideas; rather, it is someone who lives with certain attitudes, practices, and ways of thinking that reflect philosophical inquiry. This essay will explore the concept of a philosophical person through the exposition of essential characteristics, including critical thinking, self-reflection, intellectual humility, ethical awareness, and openness to wisdom and new perspectives. 

1. **Commitment to Critical Thinking**

At the heart of philosophy is the commitment to critical thinking. A philosophical person is one who approaches the world reflectively, analytically, questioning assumptions, and exploring ideas in depth. Critical thinking involves not just the mere acceptance of things as they appear but, rather, the examination of reasons, evidence, and logical structure of arguments.

The philosophical person does not take beliefs, ideas, or practices for granted; he is deeply interested in knowing *why* things are so. For instance, he may question the standard history, political, or social fare, seeking to know the reasons and motives that have brought about these narratives. In this way, one is on an eternal quest for truths that may be deeper than those apparent at first sight.

Critical thinking also involves recognizing and challenging one's own biases and cognitive distortions. The philosophical character is actually self-conscience, realizing that one's views can be circumscribed or determined by personal experience, cultural background, or conventional wisdom. He or she does this by continually questioning their own assumptions and, therefore, keeps their thinking open for growth and development.

 2. **Self-Reflection and Introspection**

Another important ingredient of being philosophical is self-reflection. A philosophical person reflects upon their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors and tries to understand their inner motives, values, and life goals. This habit of introspection helps them to develop a deeper understanding of themselves and their place in the world.

The examined life has conventionally been associated with philosophical self-reflection, and is famously phrased by Socrates: "The unexamined life is not worth living." What he means is that, unless a life is pursued with the purpose of looking for deeper truths in it, then that life is wasted. Thus, a philosophical person is concerned with their self in an ongoing way, asking deep questions about purpose, values, and life choices.

This self-reflection may extend into a consideration of the ethical consequences of one's actions. A philosophical person might ask, for instance: "What impact do my actions have on others? How do my actions reflect my values?" They contemplate moral questions with the express purpose of bringing their behaviors into line with their higher selves. In this way, an individual is less likely to act on impulse or simply follow desires but reflects on larger aims and moral obligations.

3. **Intellectual Humility**

A crucial ingredient of the philosophical character is **intellectual humility**—the realization that one does not know much and there is always more to learn. This is the necessary condition for the philosophical mindset. A philosophical person, instead of approaching life with a sense of certainty or even arrogance, understands the complexity of the world and the fallibility of one's own knowledge.

Intellectual humility means openness to new ideas and the readiness to change one's beliefs before new evidence or convincing arguments. From Socrates through to modern times, philosophers have frequently displayed humility in recognizing the limits of their knowledge. Indeed, Socrates famously argued that he was the wisest man in Athens not because he knew everything, but because he knew that he knew nothing.

A philosophical person is willing to admit when they are wrong and is open to changing their views in the face of better arguments or more compelling evidence. This does not mean they abandon their principles or values easily, but that they maintain a mindset that encourages growth and learning, rather than being fixed in rigid convictions.

4. **Openness to New Perspectives**

Philosophy thrives on dialogue, debate, and the sharing of ideas. A philosophical person is one who welcomes the chance to hear diverse opinions and consider ideas beyond his or her own. Not bound by an attachment to any particular ideology, the philosophical is open to alternative world-views, including those which do indeed challenge the deepest of deeply held convictions.

This openness does not mean agreeing with every idea that comes along but being willing to listen and consider ideas in good faith. It is an attitude of intellectual curiosity, a recognition that there is value in exploring a variety of perspectives, especially when these perspectives are grounded in reason and evidence.

Such a person is also capable of engaging in constructive debate, not for winning arguments or proving others wrong but in an effort to understand the truth more fully. Often, philosophical inquiry is collaborative, involving conversations in which people test each other's ideas and refine their own understanding through discussion. 

 5. **Ethical Awareness and Moral Engagement**

Philosophy is not purely an intellectual exercise; it has practical implications on how one lives. A philosophical person is deeply concerned with ethical questions and committed to living a life of moral integrity. This moral awareness can take many forms: a philosophical person might be concerned with issues like justice, fairness, human rights, environmental sustainability, and social inequality.

Being philosophical in an ethical sense not only means reflecting on moral principles but also putting them into practice in life. A philosophical person does not act neutrally or indifferently in a moral sense; he or she is involved in an active process of questioning the way to live a virtuous life, and how to treat others with fairness, compassion, and respect.

For instance, the philosophical theory of **utilitarianism**, which advocates for actions that increase happiness or well-being for the most people, might inform a philosophical person's choices about ethics. Alternatively, other ethical theories, like **deontology**-which emphasizes duty-or **virtue ethics**, which places the emphasis on moral character-may influence how a philosophical person approaches their moral obligations.

 6. **A Sense of Wonder and Inquiry

Philosophy begins with wonder. The philosophical attitude is based on the awe and curiosity one has toward the world and all its secrets. A philosophical person is constantly asking questions about the nature of reality, the meaning of life, the nature of knowledge, and the human condition. This sense of wonder is not only about intellectual curiosity but also about deep emotional engagement with the world.

Children are naturally curious, hence the "Why is the sky blue?" or "What happens after we die?" questions. As we grow older, this sense of wonder tends to dissipate, but the philosophical person retains it, fascinated by the complexity of existence. A philosophical person embraces the mysteries of life, knowing that some questions may never have definitive answers but are worth asking nonetheless.

7. **Courage to Face Life's Difficulties**

Being philosophical is also a matter of how one faces adversity. Life is full of challenges—suffering, loss, failure, and uncertainty—and a philosophical person doesn't shy away from these difficulties. Instead, they confront them with a sense of resilience and intellectual courage.

The no-mean-feat questions of reality have been debated by many great philosophers, from the **Stoics**, including **Epictetus** and **Marcus Aurelius**, to the **Existentialists**, such as **Søren Kierkegaard** and **Jean-Paul Sartre**. Stoicism does this by teaching individuals to pay attention to what can be controlled and to let go of what cannot. It is with lessons such as these that the philosophical character will approach his or her hardships in life with poise and use reflective and intellectual apparatus to negotiate life's challenges.

Conclusion: A Way of Life, Not Just a Discipline

Being a philosophical person is not a matter of having specific intellectual capabilities or knowledge but rather a way of living.

The philosophical person is one committed to critical thinking, self-reflection, intellectual humility, ethical responsibility, openness to new ideas, a sense of wonder, and fearlessness in the face of life's challenges. It is a mindset that epitomizes the very ethos of philosophy itself: wisdom, search for truth, and leading a meaningful life in a thoughtful manner. Philosophy in that sense is not limited to academic circles or the reading of ancient texts; it's a lived practice that can inform the way we interact with other people, approach our lives on a daily basis, and meet the uncertainties and difficulties that present themselves in human life. In this sense, the truly philosophical person is one who always seeks, always questions, and always strives to live with deeper understanding and greater purpose.