Column
Désanne van Brederode
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(No) idea
In my first year of studying, I already learned that getting or having an idea has nothing to do with Plato's theory of ideas. The distinction between philosophical ideas, conceived as transcendent, perfect, immutable concepts or Forms, and ideas in the sense of opinions, plans or incursions, could be made by the Dutch article used, either “de” or “het”. For example, there was talk about the idea (de idee = philosophical insight) of an immortal soul – and about the idea (het idee = opinion, plan) of reviving the faculty association. Clear and meaningful.
"Philosophising is a practice, ideally, even an art form."
Until I heard Connie Palmen often use 'the idea' (de idee) in interviews, where she meant 'the idea' (het idee): 'The idea (de idee) for this novel came about...' There are more people who implicitly point out that they have studied philosophy with this kind of (erroneous!) weightiness. And being a philosopher. Another mistake.
I also graduated in philosophy and can therefore somewhat cope with the philosophical reflections of others; bringing them together into a conversation about current events and as a result sometimes seeing something that eludes others – or at first asking questions.
But a philosopher? This is someone who clarifies and develops ideas with dedication and precision, in mutual cohesion, where he thinks relentlessly about the activity of thinking, and this while he thinks. A project and education with no end.
Others may determine whether someone is, or was, a philosopher, or if he or she simply cleverly dealt with the ideas of those who did show themselves to be real thinkers, not only in terms of content, but also in the how; in the way in which -- and the commitment with which -- people thought.
Philosophising is a practice, ideally, even an art form. The idea/de idee and the idea/het idee can both be material -- mixed media -- as long as you thoroughly know the materials and the craft and want to get to know them better. Also – or precisely – outside working hours, lecture hall, study room. The opposite of non-committal musing and brainstorming and not focused on success.
There are companies that present the philosophy behind their products with verve and sometimes philosophy is sold as glorified self-help, a package of answers to life questions... erosion, inflation of an unprotected term. Just an idea: maybe the idea philosophy needs to be thoroughly questioned again.
Désanne van Brederode (1970) is a writer, philosopher and essayist. She received her master's degree in Philosophy at Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam in 1996.
magazine for humanities alumni december 2022