Philosophy as a Liberator

            In a recent New York Times article, author and philosopher Simon Critchley discusses the value of philosophy, and its relation to anxiety and fear caused by the current pandemic. Critchley characterizes anxiety by first establishing that the mental state has no specific reason for occurring. This is contrasted with fear, which has a direct cause for concern, such as a person who is afraid of bears encountering one. Anxiety also feels different than fear. Anxiety is more of a feeling of uncertainty, while fear is terror. Whether fear or anxiety, Critchley believes that harnessing these issues can lead humans to become stronger beings.

            It is no surprise then that Critchley believes the role of philosophy is to allow individuals to better understand and accept their biggest fears, such as death. He believes that by accepting death as a fact of life, and even embracing its inevitability, people can liberate themselves and live happier lives. People will no longer live in fear of when they will die. Instead, they will live in the moment and celebrate what they have. This applies to the pandemic as there is much uncertainty, anxiety, and fear in the world. As discussed in the article, the virus is invisible to us, yet it can cause significant damage and death. Philosophy should be a tool that allows people to better understand their fears that are caused by the virus, and possibly reduce the stress on them as a result.

            I do agree with Critchley's points regarding the value and use of philosophy. Only when people truly confront their fears can they finally move past them. Oftentimes people push fears away, hoping that they disappear. However, this only prolongs the strain that they will cause the sufferer. By confronting anxiety and fear, one can try to accept them as facts of life, and attempt to finally move past what has been causing them many problems throughout their life.