Remember back in 2000, when the Republicans were fighting it out for the presiential nomination, and the question came up in one debate of who was each person's favorite philosopher? The man destined to become Our Glorious Leader, the Big Dubya, replied "Jesus Christ." Well, I sort of thought that was odd on two counts. It's far from settled that this Jesus person ever in fact lived, and it would be pretty obvious that the few bits of philosophy that Jesus is reported to have uttered were all copied from earlier philosophers and theologians. Not one original thought was ever reported coming from the mouth of Jesus. So I thought it was something of a mistake to list him as a serious contender for "favorite philosopher."
But you know, I started the other day to ponder this situation. I wonder how I would answer the same question, if I were ever in such a position. Granted, the chances that I'll ever be anywhere near such a pass are as close to nil as one can imagine... but you never know what sort of twists a life can take.
So here I am, let's say. An atheist, on stage in a presidential debate, and I'm asked this question by some person out in the audience, trying for some reason to get me tripped up with a stupid, loaded question. And I can just see an opponent, looking to score points with the audience, saying "My favorite philosopher is Jesus, the Christ, my Personal Savior!" How would one respond to that when the turn comes around? Here's a few thoughts I think I would use.
"I would like to begin my answer with an observation about the word 'philosophy.' It comes from Greek roots, meaning 'love of knowledge,' and I think that makes philosophy one of the most admirable things any person can pursue.
"At the same time, I think it's vital that everyone listening know that the idea of having a 'favorite philosopher' is very misleading. I think a lot of folks would take whatever person I might name, look up him (or her), and learn that particular philosophy, assuming that I conform my opinions and philosophy completely around that one philosopher. I personally would be incensed if someone thought that of me. You might as well be voting for Hegel, Rousseau, Plato or Jesus, rather than for me or one of my opponents. Perhaps that is the idea that is behind the question, and some of the answers already given.
"It seems to me that when one wants to pursue philosophy intelligently, a person really should study as many philosophers as possible, learning many different styles of thought, many different ways of seeing life. Then, a serious student of philosophy will use what she or he has learned and build a philosophy that makes sense personally. It seems to me that just about any of the great thinkers of history or present day will have ideas worthy of serious consideration or discussion.
"I know this was a long-winded reply, but I wanted to make sure everyone knows how I view this question. It was maybe a long wait to find out that I don't follow any codified philosophy that was defined by any phiosopher of the past. Rather, I put together what I think is best from all that I've read. In my philosophy, I have bits from Confucious, Socrates, Aristotle, Thomas Aquinas, Voltaire, Rousseau, Thomas Jefferson, Thomas Paine, Robert Ingersoll, Bertrand Russell, C.S. Lewis, Nietzsche, Sartre and many others. Every one of them had something worthwhile and stimulating to read. But I can't single out a particular one and say 'this one is my favorite.' Even if I did, everyone can no doubt see that it would be nearly meaningless.
"So the long and short of it is this -- I don't have a favorite philosopher. I respect all serious thinkers, without having a 'favorite.' I take the matter of philosophy seriously enough that I will not choose a single philosopher and blindly, unquestioningly follow that person's thoughts. The love of knowledge requires far more work, dedication and care than that."
I bet I wouldn't buy any votes talking like that, but at least I would be able to say I didn't bend over for any of the silly mind games that are the hallmark of such events.