Often times we tend to neglect the effect Philosophy constantly has in our lives.

In fact,

some of us are completely ignorant to how our personal philosophies have affected our past

and will affect our future. Rachels (2010) brings to light the necessity and uses of Philosophy in

a broad spectrum.

When we think about Philosophy, we tend to view it in an academic and technical

perspective. For example, in a school setting we may view Philosophy as another obligatory

subject, but if we were given the choice we would skip it, because we do not see it as necessary

for our field of study. Rachels (2010) begins by acknowledging the scientific advances, which

have happened in the last few years, and how they caused us to have greater control over the

world. Even though we have all these amazing advances, people are still constantly anxious

because they are unable to find meaning in life. In other words, we are living in a world where

we constantly gain knowledge, but lack a sense of being, hence why Rachels (2010) states

“Knowledge seems divorced from values; it is possible to have great power without insight.”

Rachels (2010) continues by giving the example of the Middle ages where people found

meaning to life in the renaissance, resulting in the age of exploration. What Rachels aims to

highlight is that without Philosophy the latter wouldn't have been possible, and we may be led

astray by knowledge that isn't accompanied by Philosophy.

When it comes to the uses of Philosophy we fail to realize that there is much more to it

than communication and writing skills. Rachel (2010) places emphasis on the uses of

philosophy in relation to everyday life. He explains that Philosophy is inescapable because

everyone has a set of beliefs and values that they use in order to determine what they deem to

be the right things to do. He continues by stating that we may not be aware of it, but Philosophy

is used in workplaces, families, friendships and education. All including scenarios where we are

propelled to utilize values already instilled within us to make decisions that we internally
determine to be the right ones. With these, Rachel was successful in proving that Philosophy is,

in fact, used in our daily lives, without our knowledge in most cases.

In conclusion, Philosophy is necessary because it helps us find a sense of meaning in human

existence and is a fundamental part of human living.