Midgley, Mary. Philosophical Plumbing
1992, Royal Institute of Philosophy Supplement 33:139-151
Added by: Andrea Blomqvist, Contributed by:
Summary: Is philosophy like plumbing? I have made this comparison a number of times when I have wanted to stress that philosophising is not just grand and elegant and difficult, but is also needed. It is not optional. The idea has caused mild surprise, and has sometimes been thought rather undignified. The question of dignity is a very interesting one, and I shall come back to it at the end of this article. But first, I would like to work the comparison out a bit more fully.
Comment: This article raises questions about what philosophy is, and what philosophy is for. It would be very suitable for students that are new to philosophy, for example in a first year History of Philosophy module.