Chapter 1: The State of Philosophy in Academia

In the realm of academia, the presence of cancel culture is unmistakable, even within philosophical discussions. Allow me to introduce myself; I am Yildiz, pursuing studies in physics, philosophy, and computer science with the aim of becoming an educator at the Christian-Albrechts University in Germany. It’s often amusing to see the astonishment on people's faces when I reveal my academic interests. While physics and computer science are characterized as rigorous disciplines grounded in mathematical reasoning, philosophy is frequently misinterpreted as a field of abstract musings without tangible conclusions. This misconception arises because philosophy is often conflated with artistic expressions or poetry. However, the core of philosophical inquiry relies on logical reasoning to dissect complex issues that remain unexplored by other sciences. When faced with ethical dilemmas, philosophers do not merely express opinions; they meticulously analyze the roots of these issues and strive to devise solutions through logical analogies and deductions.

For example, consider the ethical debate surrounding abortion. A critical question arises: when should a fetus be deemed conscious? This is a highly intricate matter. To navigate this, we can draw analogies, comparing a fetus's cognitive abilities to those of a cow or a chicken. Interestingly, research suggests that a cow exhibits greater mental faculties than a fetus. Thus, if an anti-abortion advocate consumes beef or poultry, they encounter a logical inconsistency in their argument. They might argue that humans hold a superior status over other species. However, before delving further into this contentious topic, I encourage you to read my previously published article titled “Reasons to be Pro-Choice” for a more comprehensive discussion.

My primary assertion is that, as an aspiring philosophy educator, my focus lies not on the conclusions drawn but on whether the arguments follow a coherent logical structure. If a student's reasoning leads them to assert, for instance, “Hitler was right,” it would warrant a serious discussion, possibly even a referral to a mental health professional. Nevertheless, universities do exhibit a discernible bias favoring right-leaning perspectives. Cancel culture is indeed a reality, often targeting conservative viewpoints, a significant concern I acknowledge as someone with leftist leanings. However, initiating ethical discussions with preconceived notions of “correct” ethics undermines our identity as philosophers.

My allegiance lies not with the political left or right but with the principles of philosophy itself. My judgments are dictated by logical frameworks. While not all questions can be resolved through logic alone, it remains the most effective tool we have for addressing profound, unresolved inquiries. Unfortunately, I believe this essence is no longer adequately conveyed in educational institutions. Philosophy has regrettably devolved into a platform for individuals to air opinions, often masquerading as intellectually significant insights.

My personal experiences reflect a pattern where I have faced hostility from peers and educators for challenging leftist viewpoints that I found to be logically inconsistent. I sometimes fear that my philosophical reasoning may be overshadowed by my political stance.

This sentiment is echoed by many conservatives, who have long warned that educational institutions propagate leftist ideologies as the only acceptable truth without allowing dissent. While I do not hold a high opinion of conservative ideologies, I firmly believe in their right to seek the truth. This right belongs to all students, and it is essential that leftist views are subjected to scrutiny. I contend that the current rise of right-wing sentiments in Europe can be attributed to a failure to challenge leftist ideologies, which, in turn, remain unexamined and thus weakened.

To my fellow educators, I urge you to reflect on the fundamental nature of our discipline, which is grounded in logic rather than political agendas or activism. While there are certainly roles within educational institutions designed to advocate for marginalized identities and combat extreme policies, it is essential to remember that philosophers are tasked with questioning values rather than safeguarding them.

In a rather cynical view, radical conservatives provide ample opportunities for us to identify logical inconsistencies in their arguments, rendering cancel culture unnecessary.

Chapter 2: Engaging with Conservative Views in Philosophy

This video explores the question: Can 25 liberal college students outsmart 1 conservative? Featuring Charlie Kirk, it delves into the dynamics of political discourse on campuses.

In this video, learn practical strategies on how to succeed as a conservative within a predominantly liberal campus environment, providing insights into navigating ideological challenges.