Philosophical Wonderings: How Mr. Smith Became so Socratic

A “normal” Mr. Smith answer would be “that’s relative,” but today a basic definition will be provided to further the narrative of this conversation. Philosophy is literally translated to “love of wisdom.” If one is to love wisdom, then how can wisdom be obtained through critical thinking? Wait, what is critical thinking? How does one create a critical analysis that can be defended and replicated? Does it matter? If critical thinking is defined as “the objective analysis and evaluation of an issue in order to form a judgment,” then what is a judgment and who is the judge? A judgment is defined as “the ability to make considered decisions or come to sensible conclusions.” Oh, no. This is not going to be good… What is a sensible conclusion if there is no such thing as common sense? If sense is common, then everyone living in society should have a common chronicle to go off? Sense is defined as “a feeling that something is the case.” Where common is defined as “shared by, coming from, or done by more than one.” So if we have a common feeling, then feelings have an irrationality to them? If feelings are irrational, then “Man stands face to face with the irrational. He feels within him his longing for happiness and for reason. The absurd is born of this confrontation between the human need and the unreasonable silence of the world.” If we are speaking of feelings and happiness then how do we know what feelings and happiness are? Feelings can be defined as “a belief, especially a vague or irrational one.” So feelings continue to be irrational, yet it is common to feel irrational. So, then it must mean humans are irrational. But wait, what about Happiness? Happiness can be defined as “feeling or showing pleasure or contentment.” But what does it mean to be content? “Content” is defined as “in a state of peaceful happiness.” But how do we as society view “peaceful happiness?” What I may view as peaceful will be extremely different than what other people view. What does it mean to be peaceful? Peaceful is defined as “free from disturbance; tranquil.” But what does it mean to be free from disturbance and to be tranquil? How does disturbance have a tranquility to it? “Disturbance” is defined as “the interruption of a settled and peaceful condition.” Again with this peace stuff? Tranquility is defined as “free from disturbance; calm.” So if peace is calm then calm must be the answer? Calm is defined as “not showing or feeling nervousness, anger, or other strong emotions.”……. Back to Irrationality!