Q&A: Acquiring Philosophical Skill
Originally published:
This is an English translation (via GPT-5.4). Read the original Hebrew version.
Acquiring Philosophical Skill
Question
Hello Rabbi Michi,
You often speak about a “philosophical skill” that is sometimes lacking even among intelligent and educated people. I would be interested to know how, in your opinion, one can acquire such an ability.
Is it built through reading books?
If so, what would you recommend (I’m not asking about a specific book, but about a style)?
Thanks in advance
Answer
I don’t have a general method. It’s worthwhile to read philosophical literature. It is advisable to study logic. And above all, it is important to be aware of the importance of systematic thinking and to be open to criticizing arguments that seem reasonable to you at first glance. It is important to try to define concepts and principles היטב before using them.
Campus IL has a course on logic (it’s called “Critical Thinking”) that gives a mathematical and orderly background to the field of logic.