The Approach to Philosophy

by Ralph Barton Perry

"The Approach to Philosophy" by Ralph Barton Perry is a philosophical treatise written in the early 20th century. The work explores the relationship between philosophy and the practical experiences of life, aiming to make philosophical concepts accessible to the general reader. Through this exploration, Perry seeks to illustrate how philosophical inquiry emerges from everyday human interests and experiences, bridging the gap between abstract thought and practical life. The opening of the book sets the stage for Perry's inquiry into what philosophy is and should be, arguing against the prevailing notion that philosophy is an exclusive academic pursuit detached from the realities of everyday life. He emphasizes that philosophy is intimately tied to practical existence and that understanding one’s life purpose leads naturally to philosophical reflection. Perry notes that individuals do not start from a blank slate; instead, they engage in a series of preordained customs and purposes shaped by their environment, ultimately challenging readers to consider their own philosophical inclinations as inherent parts of their living experience. He aims to demonstrate that philosophy can grow out of the interests already present in every individual, urging readers to recognize the philosophical dimensions within their own lives.