What makes up a happy life? How should we behave with others? What is the purpose of life? What is your purpose in life? Who are you? These are all questions of philosophy.
The philosopher is the grand questioner who doubts all systems of belief, of thought and ideology, of manipulating influence and control. He asks, "Why am I supposed to be obedient to you, authority? What primacy over experience do you have over me?"
The philosopher steps outside of himself and questions his own actions, his own inactions and hesitations. He makes sure that he is perceiving the world through clear eyes, untainted by prejudice and preconceived judgements, and assumptions.
Philosophy is so important today as it always was and has been because it deals with questions of the human condition. People today are disconnected from their fellow men in an increasingly connected world than ever before. Supposedly, we are more connected, more aware, and have access to more people and more information than ever before. But we conform ourselves to the monotonous rhythms of society.
Philosophy is so important today because science possesses greater power than ever before. With an increase in technological advancements come the increase in the power of the individual who has access to these technological advancements. With an increase in the individual's power there needs to be an increase in the individual's sense of morality, where he lives in a manner that is in accord with the freedom and opportunity for the people around him to live in a way that satisfies their own desires. We live in an imperfect world where people still can't seem to get together, to love one another, and to share in the selfless pursuit towards an overall greater peace and understanding among the people. Instead, as ever before, we as a species are riddled with conflict, base and selfish desires clashing against other's who bear contradictory desires. We live in a world riddled with warfare and sickness exacerbated by governments that largely pursued the interests and desires of the wealthy minority - to whom the political apparatus is always primarily tuned.
Why is philosophy important or relevant? This still remains a question for many people who see that we live in an increasingly advanced society where it seems that the current age clearly demands medical scientists and engineers, as well as software developers and computer scientists. The philosopher is a characteristic that can be developed within all of us. Philosophy is a way of looking at the world; it is not just a major in college. It is a lens we can use to look at science, entertainment, culture, politics, law, morality, life, and so on. The work of philosophy is essentially asking the right questions. It is questioning and doubting, as well as dissolving and building. It dissolves established thought into rubble and constructs a differing system out of the scraps that is more in line with the present age. This age should also strongly demand philosophers and artists, who are supposed to help lead the way in a world that has forgotten the way.
