Chapter 21: A Philosophical Enterprise
"It is not the business of philosophy to provide entertainment. The business of philosophy is to provoke us into reflecting about the experiences and events that imply the presence of the human person. To look into these happenings and understand any meaningful sequences are patterns of existence that only the human mind is able to conceive. Yet, it is an ever-changing process that one can only have a glimpse of."- Arthur L.
While he was writing the quote on the board, Ariadne took note of it and at the same time pondered on why he was writing the quote on the board. And who was Arthur L.? It obviously couldn't have been Arthur C. Clarke or Arthur Golden. She thought to herself, "This was philosophy class, after all. I might as well try to think as deeply as I can."
"Okay class, pass your assignment. And I'd like to get your insight on the quotation."
He glided towards the back row of seats and comfortably sat on one of the chairs. Ariadne felt that he was expecting some sort of futile attempt in providing a kick-ass explanation of the quote. Suddenly she felt the weight of stress and schoolwork on her shoulders. She didn't go to a late-night class just to sit and do nothing. She was determined to make the most of her lesson and she didn't pay for her teacher just to sit and belittle them. So she cleared her mind and did her best to whip an answer. She didn't care what he would think of her or if the class would make fun of her. All she knew was that she was tired and she wanted to get over with this. She raised her hand.
"Yes, miss." He directed her to stand up.
"Okay, so here's my take on the quote: we shouldn't treat philosophy as a farce, meaning it shouldn't be something we make fun of or something that we could laugh at or belittle. It is something that can help us define the meaning behind the experiences we have every day. Like, why do we go to school or why do we have to eat this or that. Basically it helps us understand the answer to the question 'why.' Furthermore although our experiences prove that we exist, the realities we perceive are only the products of our minds. So there is always doubt regarding our unique and individual existence. So now, thinking may be the only fleeting proof that we exist and hence, philosophy can help us totally grasp this proof."
She slowly sat down and heaved a sigh. She replayed the things she said in her mind and thought that all she did was babble and come up with a bullshit answer. Her skills in impromptu speaking were a little bit rusty, but when she realized that her classmates were clapping, she was assured that maybe she did come up with a decent answer. She couldn't dare to look at her instructor for fear that she would find a mocking smile plastered on his face. So she just slumped on her chair and stared out the window.
"Alright. One point for girls. Any more attempts?"
The class laughed lightly. For a few minutes no one dared to try until Macy and another girl took their shot at interpreting the quote. Macy did her best to start off eloquently, but mid-sentence she started laughing and the class just laughed along with her. As for the other girl, she did quite well because her brief sentences embodied as much meat as Ariadne's answer. Five minutes before the bell rang, a brave gentleman gave his try in venturing into philosophy. Needless to say he did his best and everyone clapped at his efforts.
The bell rang and the students crammed through the door. Ariadne did her best to exit quickly but she was one of the last people who left the room. Somehow she felt that her philosophy instructor's eyes were piercing her back. It turned out she was right.