The Society for the Restoration and Advancement of Philosophy (SRAP)is based on the assumption that philosophy and professional philosophers have something of value to offer both the academic community and the greater community of humanity. This value is taken as both including and extending beyond the traditional academic roles of the philosopher which include those of researcher, advisor and teacher of philosophy classes.

Academic philosophy and professional philosophers face numerous problems and challenges that can, with diligent effort, be solved or overcome. These problems and challenges are great, but so too are the opportunities. SRAP is dedicated to working out and implementing to such problems. These problems include, but are not limited to, the following:

Community Involvement
The discipline has come under attack in recent years for its lack of involvement in the general community. While philosophers are academics and hence have responsibilities that cut down on the available time for community involvement, it is contended that philosophers, as philosophers, have something of value to offer their community. Of course, it must be determined just what this might be.

Ethics Courses
One area where philosophers have dropped the ball is in the area of professional ethics. Most institutes of higher learning offer courses in professional ethics (such as business ethics and medical ethics) but these courses are often not taught by philosophers. While much of this can be chalked up to the desire to keep funds within a particular academic unit, it is likely that this situation stems, in part, from the perception that philosophers are useless in that they focus on abstract matters that have little practical application. Philosophy would be well served if such classes were effectively taught by philosophers.

Philosophy and the Media
Philosophy and professional philosophers tend to receive very little coverage in the general media and much of the existing coverage tends to be very limited, over-simplified and sometimes inaccurate. In some cases, the treatment of philosophy and philosophers (especially "pop" philosophers) conveys a rather negative image of the discipline. One of SRAP’s key objectives is to increase media coverage of philosophy and philosophers and to help ensure that such coverage is fair, accurate and does not over simplify philosophic positions. Naturally, it is hoped that such efforts will create a positive image for the discipline.

Self Destruction
While philosophy has often been under attack by its own, the tendency to attack philosophy itself has become a matter of great concern. While self-criticism and a lively debate are essential to the health of philosophy, the vicious and often petty attacks within the discipline need to cease.

Uselessness
Philosophy has long been branded as being useless and impractical. While Russell addresses the value of philosophy in his classic Problems of Philosophy, he regards philosophy as having a rather limited area of value (mostly in helping to fight dogmatism). It is contended that philosophy, as philosophy, is useful and that philosophers can prove this value to students, other academics and the larger community.

Copyright 2002 by Dr. Michael C. LaBossiere

This page last modified 12/9/2002