A philosopher can fight men’s fear “to understand things that clash with their own customs, privileges, or beliefs.” He can try to make men more sensitive to other points of view, and to show how an outlook that is widely slandered and misunderstood looks and feels from the inside. To that extent, his efforts may resemble literature. What distinguishes philosophy is the sustained attempt to explore ramifications, objections, and alternatives.

 
The Faith of a Heretic
Walter Kaufmann