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On this site I've observed fairly dubious "philosophical" explanations, that are still highly rated and accepted as answers. I have two questions from this.

1. In general, what counts as a good philosophical answer? Are there any standards? If there are none, then what sets philosophy apart from fiction?

2. If such standards exist, how do they apply to this site? This second question is a meta question, and should not be addressed in an answer here.

UPDATE: Here's an example of a bad set of answers, and why they are bad:

Why does the universe obey scientific laws?

Only after I pressed the official answerer did he provide any sort of citation (though I personally found that answer to be very unsatisfying). The most highly rated answer is similarly bad - it looks like just the answerer's personal opinion. Finally, both answers essentially amount to saying "it is what it is". If that counts as a good philosophical answer I can answer any question on this site!

In general (not restricted to this site), what counts as a good philosophical explanation? Are there any objective standards?

On this site I've observed fairly dubious "philosophical" explanations, that are still highly rated and accepted as answers. What counts as a good philosophical answer? Are there any standards? If there are none, then what sets philosophy apart from fiction?

UPDATE: Here's an example of a bad set of answers, and why they are bad:

Why does the universe obey scientific laws?

Only after I pressed the official answerer did he provide any sort of citation (though I personally found that answer to be very unsatisfying). The most highly rated answer is similarly bad - it looks like just the answerer's personal opinion. Finally, both answers essentially amount to saying "it is what it is". If that counts as a good philosophical answer I can answer any question on this site!

On this site I've observed fairly dubious "philosophical" explanations, that are still highly rated and accepted as answers. I have two questions from this.

1. In general, what counts as a good philosophical answer? Are there any standards? If there are none, then what sets philosophy apart from fiction?

2. If such standards exist, how do they apply to this site? This second question is a meta question, and should not be addressed in an answer here.

UPDATE: Here's an example of a bad set of answers, and why they are bad:

Why does the universe obey scientific laws?

Only after I pressed the official answerer did he provide any sort of citation (though I personally found that answer to be very unsatisfying). The most highly rated answer is similarly bad - it looks like just the answerer's personal opinion. Finally, both answers essentially amount to saying "it is what it is". If that counts as a good philosophical answer I can answer any question on this site!

On this site I've observed fairly dubious "philosophical" explanations, that are still highly rated and accepted as answers. What counts as a good philosophical answer? Are there any standards? If there are none, then what sets philosophy apart from fiction?

On this site I've observed fairly dubious "philosophical" explanations, that are still highly rated and accepted as answers. What counts as a good philosophical answer? Are there any standards? If there are none, then what sets philosophy apart from fiction?

UPDATE: Here's an example of a bad set of answers, and why they are bad:

Why does the universe obey scientific laws?

Only after I pressed the official answerer did he provide any sort of citation (though I personally found that answer to be very unsatisfying). The most highly rated answer is similarly bad - it looks like just the answerer's personal opinion. Finally, both answers essentially amount to saying "it is what it is". If that counts as a good philosophical answer I can answer any question on this site!