Philosophy without works is dead
The book of James can be summarized by this verse, “So also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead.”
James’ point is that religious faith is inseparable from actions.
Now replace “faith” with “philosophy” and you have the purpose of doing philosophy.
Yet, sadly, many modern “philosophers” think doing philosophy is linguistic analysis or thought experiments. Sure, you can sit and reflect on whether your brain is in a vat or whether Mary did really acquire new knowledge when she saw a red apple for the first time. You could also spend your days writing up truth tables and filling your books with modal logic.
But when the night descends, the question is have you become a better human? Is the man in the mirror more courageous than he was yesterday? Has his capacity to love increased?
There is no greater modern scam than this belief that philosophy is armchair speculation.
Language and logic are important because they are means to helping us find truth. Nevertheless, the path to truth requires walking not sitting. If your philosophy does not teach you how to live well, then you’re merely playing word games.
The way must be made by walking in it.
I leave you with this modified version of James 2:14-17:
14 What good is it, my brothers, if someone says he has [philosophy] but does not have works? Can that [philosophy] save him? 15 If a brother or sister is poorly clothed and lacking in daily food, 16 and one of you says to them, “Go in peace, be warmed and filled,” without giving them the things needed for the body, what good is that? 17 So also [philosophy] by itself, if it does not have works, is dead.