The article discusses the diminishing role of philosophy in contemporary society, arguing that it disrupts the established harmony of governance and institutions. It reflects on the historical significance of Socrates, noting that his philosophy advocates for an examined life without authority at a great personal cost. The author warns against the dangers of intellectual atomization in a technocratic world, suggesting that philosophy's role as a critique of authority has become increasingly marginalized. Ultimately, it portrays philosophy as essential for authentic thought amid a landscape dominated by conformity and administration.
The tragic hallmark of philosophy as a discursive practice is its inability to fit the synchronized harmony of regime, order and institution. Philosophy is by definition the disruption of discourse.
Philosophy is cultivation of ignorance. Its enlightening task lies in providing a gentle disappointment to the vanity of thinking in a world only possible through thinking.
Socrates is the triumph of speech without authority, so much that it cost him his life. Is the unexamined life worth living? Sartre would posit the role of the intellectual is never to go about his business.
In a world more and more atomized through technocracy, autocracy and entertainment, the sobering role of philosophy as speech without authority is dangerous. The administration can see through it, and it quietly works to remove Socrates' heritage from universities.
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