Fri Sep 27 17:19:00 UTC 2024: ## Travel and Philosophy: An Unexpectedly Intertwined History
**Durham, UK -** On World Tourism Day, Professor Emily Thomas, Head of the Department of Philosophy at Durham University, sheds light on the surprising and enduring connection between travel and philosophy.
Professor Thomas argues that travel not only poses profound philosophical questions, but also has been profoundly shaped by philosophical thought.
“Meeting unfamiliar peoples forces us to ponder the nature of human minds,” she says. “The ethical implications of visiting endangered ecosystems like the Great Barrier Reef raise questions of responsibility. And the very act of travel itself begs the question: is it primarily a male pursuit?”
Professor Thomas traces the historical impact of philosophy on travel, highlighting how the philosophy of space encouraged seaside tourism, while ideas about the sublime spurred mountaineering and caving. The philosophy of science, she explains, inspired scientists like John Ray and Charles Darwin, who embarked on expeditions to collect specimens from far-flung corners of the globe.
One of Professor Thomas’s favorite examples comes from the 17th century. During the “Age of Discovery,” European travelers brought back accounts of diverse cultures and beliefs. English philosopher John Locke, in his “Essay Concerning Human Understanding,” used these accounts to challenge the prevailing belief that all humans are born with the same innate ideas, particularly about morality and religion.
“Locke’s work is a powerful reminder that travel can challenge our assumptions and force us to reconsider our understanding of the world,” Professor Thomas explains.
The interrelationship between philosophy and travel persists today, with pressing questions about climate change and the ethics of “doom tourism” – the act of visiting shrinking glaciers and sinking islands. More broadly, travel prompts questions about the intrinsic value of nature, the ethical implications of space exploration, and our relationship with the universe.
“Philosophy seeks to understand the world, and travel provides us with a vast and ever-changing landscape for contemplation,” concludes Professor Thomas. “The two disciplines are inextricably linked, and their ongoing dialogue is crucial for shaping our understanding of the world around us.”
First Piper 