RE: Is philosophy a science? - With an example involving a bear (what more could you want?!)
I find that most people shy away from any discussion of philosophy once it trips into the bottomless well of infinite core interpretations of reality. What defines existence? Do I exist? How can we be certain of existence outside of our own minds? How does one derive an ought from and is? I think these questions are fascinating topics from an academic perspective of philosophy.
The commercial success of mindset philosophy marks a contrast. Wheras the other questions don't usually make much difference in our day to day lives regardless of the conclusion, the questions posed by mindset philosophy are often simple and accessible. Furthermore, they offer solutions to everyday problems that are within our control and impact our relationships and personal happiness.
I won't say that this is where academic philosophy falls short, because you can't fall short of what you aren't reaching for, but I would say that this point marks the divide where many philosophers' find their own interests in philosophy fail to be appreciated by others.
Just some rushed ramblings. Hope it was somewhat coherent.
Yup, coherent enough. Not sure I agree completely. Yes, those question may seem to be only fascinating in an academic environment. And I'm also not saying that we should all, always be wondering about those things - think of the bear example.
Yet by training my mind to think those things, by wondering on that level, life becomes more complicated and complex, but also much more rich. Without training that skill, that attitude, many things remain off-limits from people. Which is why I think those type of questions should definitely be appreciated, also outside of academia. Academic philosophers should stop thinking they 'own' that part of thinking, making everything complicated. Yes, sure, it's good there is a place for 'hardcore philosophy', but things should never remain locked up there. And general philosophy should not be made to downplay the complexity either.
Don't really know what you mean with 'mindset philosophy' - but will do some googling :)
I guess a good classical example that comes to mind would be Meditations by Marcus Aurelius (currently listening to this so it came to mind), or something more modern and niche like Gorilla Mindset.
I have to concede to your point on the value of those things, but the question would be of value to whom? I personally find those examinations valuable. My mechanic probably doesn't care, but he might listen to his buddy give him a new perspective on his recent relationship problems that allow him to think positively again. It's not one size fits all, which is obvious to both of us and I certainly understand not the point you were trying to make.
Your comment on academic philosphers in general I thinks is spot on and I fully agree.
Oh and I can't understate enough what an amateur I am on the topic, so if I am misusing some of these terms or mischaracterizing some of the positions I apologize.