I always suggested to all my nieces and nephews that they AT LEAST take Logic 101. That class was fundamental for keeping me rational and same for these past few years.

What about meta philosophy?

Not even close. Unless you’re an undergrad or not even in academic philosophy.

Why worse?

It can be good and bad. No one has to grasp at things that do not resonate with them or that don't help improve their perspective

So can the world and just existing at all :) philosophy, similar to religion in some aspects, can at least help lay a foundation for perpetual growth

“See to it that no one takes you captive by philosophy and empty deceit, according to human tradition, according to the elemental spirits of the world, and not according to Christ.” ‭‭Colossians‬ ‭2‬:‭8‬ ‭

I would not assume that. The majority of the responses in this thread are at least attempting to engage critically with this hypothesis and significant number disagree. It might not be the most interesting topic, but I don’t see too much self-congratulatory posts either. The OP might as well have used the change my mind guy meme. People took the bait.

[removed]

Sounds like something an alcoholic would say

Philosophy is a gateway drug, man! Before you know it, you're whiling away your days watching kitten videos on YouTube.

Interpretations of what? Are you asking why people believe in conspiracy theories or why we label them that way? Or are you asking why large amounts of people believe in the same conspiracies?

Oh yeah, I misread the title of the post

Funny how most people concluded the inverse

That's not at all what's being said?

Depends on what you mean by answer and meaning. It can definately help people find meaning and peace in situations they didn't have otherwise.

Totally agree. Every high school should have a mandatory philosophy series as part of a standard education.

Meh, I am very sceptical that philosophy can provide an answer to the meaning to life

People may interpret the deep meaning of a novel differently. However, they are still reading the same intelligible words. Readers can agree on definitions, which are objective, despite their disagreements over the deeper meaning of the novel, which is subjective.

For sure its definetely the extremes that tend to go that way.

I am relentless in my pursuit of justice for all of humanity.

Also: did you notice that you didn't answer my question? It isn't only conspiracy theorists who are typically unable to defend their facts, it is almost all people, due to the manner in which the human mind evolved, combined with culture and educational curriculum.

I think extremes tend to gravitate toward conspiracy thinking whether left of right. On the right, you have the Ruby Ridge/sovereign citizen types and on the left you have the animal rights/antifa/race separatist terrorists. I am, of course, simplifying things but my argument still stands. All of these movements, as you correctly pointed out, rely on some sort of conspiracy to prop up their cause. What is baffling in many cases is that the leaders and/or members are not the dumb yokels many would like them to be, but educated, rational people. It’s fascinating stuff, but also terrifying because people can, and are, very easily swayed given the proper motives.

Also, I am sorry for being a prick.

Ah, you suspect an echo chamber?

Socrates or someone said: Freedom is the ability to change one's mind when one hears a better argument. Maybe you need to lay your case out a little better to your buddy. See if he is free.

Ah the classic "The most virtuous life is the life of the philosopher" cliche

Every philosophy grad I know has become a lunatic on social media pushing their beliefs. Bordering on insane