May anyone call themselves a philosopher?

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Subject classification: this is a philosophy resource.

Philosophy is the love of or the desire for wisdom. Everyone can philosophize. You ask yourself big questions and then think about those questions. But if everyone can philosophize, does that mean everyone may call themselves a philosopher, regardless of their experience or education? Or are there certain requirements for this?

Anyone may call themselves a philosopher

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  • Argument for The term 'philosopher' is not protected, unlike 'doctor' or 'historian'.[1] This means that anyone can call themselves a philosopher.
  • Argument for Everyone is a philosopher, since everyone does ask questions about life.
  • Argument against You should have completed an accredited education in philosophy.
    • Objection What if people struggle with studying in school but are still good at philosophizing? Then they would never get the chance to call themselves a philosopher.
  • Argument against You should be able to prove that you are engaged in philosophy if you want to call yourself a philosopher, otherwise even a non-philosopher with dishonest intentions can call himself a philosopher.

Notes and references

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  1. Jonathan Janssen (November 2, 2023). "Wat is filosofie? Over het belang en de betekenis van het filosoferen". Filosofie Magazine (in Dutch).