Oh philosophy paper... thou art escaping me

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One of the great (and worst) things about studying philosophy, and being a philosopher, in general, is the task of analyzing the great questions of life.  That is the task I’ve been assigned for one of the last classes I’m taking toward my Master in Philosophy.  I’m supposed to analyze and interpret Plato’s argument, via Socrates, and document a several-page long discussion of why one should live a just life; I have to explain the point of living morally, especially when it seems that living immorally or unjustly can be much more beneficial.  All philosophers know in the forefront of their minds that there is no right answer – nothing can be proven or argued to an end.  This notion does not, however, stop any of us from thinking that we can get painfully close to the truth… that the truth is somehow worth deliberating and arguing and discussing.  We believe that it means something when we can agree or when even the greatest of us cannot offer a counterargument. 

So, in preparation of this paper, I’m considering these ideas and my inclination to come up with “the right answer”.  Again, I realize this is impossible but a good friend of mine once said, “If it’s impossible, let’s try it.”  I couldn’t have said it better myself – these are surely words I live by… but I digress.  After pondering a question that so many have pondered, I’ve decided that the best I can do is be original.  I may be a trained philosopher, a student of some of the greatest philosophical minds that exist, but my mind and my ideas are still my own.  I still approach things in a unique way.  Besides, my professor won’t accept that I decided not to do the assignment because so many before me have already tried, whether success or failure was the outcome.

Although, it can be intimidating to have to write papers like this, it is also rewarding.  I get swept away in reflection when it comes to defining truth, wisdom, the good and the bad, justice and the nature of humans and their preferences.  I feel accomplished when I write a good piece on something so abstract and my esteemed professors return it with favorable comments.  I admit the evidence of these feelings remains to be seen – I have yet to write the philosophy book(s) I daydream of writing.  But I won’t allow myself to waste much more time, I promise.  It’s time my most basic truths be put to paper and better yet, on shelves.  I have published one piece in a journal and that was an extremely proud moment for me… I look forward to many more… again, I digress.

I’m off to write my paper.  This post is actually a great help since I’ve been reflecting on my thoughts and it gives me the outlet to speak formlessly before I conform to the “proper” philosophical framework.  I do invite those who are interested to comment on this post with your own ideas of truth, wisdom, justice, etc.  Do you think it is good or beneficial to lead a just life? Why?