The Tension Between Abstract Philosophy And Lived Experiences

I am continuing my reread of C. S. Lewis’s The Pilgrim’s Regress. C. S. Lewis taught us we should reread books and I am so enjoying reading this book a second time. I keep discovering new things to ponder this second time around. In my first blog post during this reread it was Mr. Vertue that triggered deeper thought in “Finding Happiness In The Journey.” This time it was Mr. Sensible saying “Philosophy should be our mistress, not our master” in the allegory. The character Mr. Sensible represents rational thought and human reason, emphasizing the importance of understanding through experience rather than purely abstract concepts. This highlights the tension between philosophical reasoning and the richness of personal faith.

This phrase also highlights the importance of seeking deeper understanding and truth in one’s journey through life. In A Pilgrim’s Regress, Lewis explores themes of longing, desire, and search for meaning, drawing parallels between the protagonist’s quest and broader philosophical inquiries. By incorporating the phrase, “Philosophy should be our mistress, not our master,” Lewis emphasized that while philosophy can guide us, it should not overshadow personal experience and authentic living. Instead, he suggested that philosophical thought should complement our understanding of faith, morality, and purpose.

Ultimately, instead of being bound by rigid philosophical doctrines, we should use philosophical ideas as tools for exploration and understanding, allowing them to inform our decisions without becoming overly reliant on them. It emphasizes the importance philosophy should guide and inspire us, rather than control or overwhelm us. When philosophy is viewed as a mistress, it can provide valuable insights and perspectives that enrich our lives and inform our decisions. However, if it becomes master, it can lead to rigid thinking and dogmatism, restricting our ability to experience life fully and of maintaining agency and flexibility in our thinking, rather than allowing any single philosophy to dominate our perspective.

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