Have you ever wondered why abstract philosophy matters in everyday life? You’re not alone. Many people see philosophy as irrelevant—floating in the clouds of theory—while plumbing keeps our homes running smoothly. But British philosopher Mary Midgley argued the opposite: philosophy is just as essential as plumbing. In fact, she famously compared the two to highlight how both maintain the hidden systems that keep society functional and healthy. In this article, we’ll explore 4 ways philosophy is like plumbing according to Midgley, unpacking why this metaphor remains profoundly relevant—especially in today’s complex world.
Why Did Mary Midgley Compare Philosophy to Plumbing?
Before diving into the four parallels, it’s important to understand Midgley’s intent. Writing during the late 20th century—a time when philosophy was increasingly dismissed as impractical—Midgley pushed back hard. In her essay “Philosophy and Common Sense” and later works, she insisted that philosophy serves a vital maintenance function in society, much like plumbing does in a house.
“Plumbing is not glamorous, but try doing without it,” she once quipped. “Philosophy is the same: invisible when working, disastrous when ignored.”
Her point? Just as clogged pipes or leaky joints can cause a home to collapse, flawed moral frameworks or unexamined assumptions can corrode social trust, justice, and even democracy.
For more on Midgley’s life and contributions, see her [Wikipedia profile](https.
1. Both Operate Behind the Scenes—but Are Essential for Functionality
Plumbing systems are rarely seen unless something goes wrong. Pipes run through walls, under floors, and out of sight—yet they deliver clean water and remove waste, enabling modern hygiene and health.
Similarly, philosophy shapes the unseen infrastructure of thought: our concepts of justice, truth, identity, and ethics. These ideas influence laws, education, media, and even artificial intelligence—but most people never question them until a crisis erupts (e.g., debates over AI bias, climate ethics, or social justice).
Real-world example:
When Facebook’s algorithm amplified misinformation during the 2016 U.S. election, the problem wasn’t just technical—it was philosophical. What counts as “truth”? Who decides what’s “harmful”? Without philosophical clarity, even advanced tech can backfire.
| Feature | Plumbing | Philosophy |
|---|---|---|
| Visibility | Hidden behind walls | Embedded in cultural norms |
| Failure Impact | Flooding, contamination | Moral confusion, social decay |
| Maintenance Need | Regular checks, upgrades | Critical reflection, dialogue |
2. Neglect Leads to Systemic Collapse
If you ignore a dripping faucet, it might seem harmless—until mold spreads or your water bill triples. In the same way, ignoring philosophical questions doesn’t make them disappear; it just lets them fester.
Midgley warned that societies that treat philosophy as “optional” risk conceptual rot. For instance:
- Without ethical frameworks, businesses prioritize profit over people.
- Without epistemology (the study of knowledge), misinformation spreads unchecked.
- Without metaphysics, we lose shared language to discuss meaning or purpose.
A 2023 Pew Research study found that 68% of Americans feel “moral confusion” about major social issues—precisely the kind of crisis Midgley predicted when philosophy is sidelined.
3. Both Require Skilled Practitioners—Not Just DIY Fixes
You wouldn’t unclog a main sewer line with a coat hanger and YouTube tutorials. Likewise, philosophical problems can’t be solved by slogans or hot takes.
Midgley emphasized that philosophy, like plumbing, demands training, precision, and systemic thinking. A plumber understands pressure, flow, materials, and code compliance. A philosopher understands logic, history, language, and human nature.
Consider climate change:
- A superficial response: “Just recycle more!”
- A philosophical approach: Examines responsibility, intergenerational justice, and the ethics of consumption—leading to more robust policy.
As Midgley wrote:
“Philosophy is not a luxury. It is the toolkit for thinking clearly about what matters.”
4. Both Serve the Public Good—Not Just Individual Preference
Plumbing isn’t about personal taste—it’s about public health and safety. Clean water and sanitation protect entire communities, not just one homeowner.
Likewise, Midgley argued that philosophy serves the common good by fostering shared understanding. In an age of polarization, this is more urgent than ever.
Take the debate over free speech vs. hate speech:
- Without philosophical grounding, we swing between censorship and chaos.
- With it, we can develop nuanced policies that balance rights and responsibilities.
A 2021 Stanford study showed that communities with strong civic dialogue programs (rooted in philosophical inquiry) reported 23% higher social cohesion—proving Midgley’s point that philosophy, like plumbing, keeps the social “pipes” flowing.
FAQ Section
Q1: Who was Mary Midgley, and why does her plumbing analogy matter?
A: Mary Midgley (1919–2018) was a British moral philosopher known for making complex ideas accessible. Her plumbing analogy reminds us that philosophy isn’t abstract—it’s practical maintenance for society’s moral and intellectual infrastructure.
Q2: Is philosophy really as important as plumbing?
A: In terms of visibility, no—but in terms of function, yes. Just as plumbing prevents disease, philosophy prevents moral and intellectual decay. Both are foundational systems we rely on daily, often without noticing.
Q3: Where did Midgley first compare philosophy to plumbing?
A: She used the analogy in several writings, notably in interviews and essays like “The Usefulness of Philosophy” (2001). It became one of her most quoted metaphors for defending philosophy’s relevance.
Q4: Can ordinary people “do philosophy” like they fix a leaky faucet?
A: Everyone can engage in philosophical thinking—but complex issues (like AI ethics or global justice) require trained thinkers, just as major plumbing jobs need licensed professionals.
Q5: How can I apply Midgley’s idea in my daily life?
A: Start by questioning assumptions: “Why do I believe this?” “What values underlie this policy?” Encourage dialogue over debate. Philosophy, like plumbing, works best when maintained regularly.
Q6: Does this analogy downplay philosophy’s intellectual depth?
A: Not at all. Midgley used plumbing precisely because it’s undervalued despite its complexity. The analogy elevates both fields by highlighting their quiet, essential roles.
Conclusion
Mary Midgley’s comparison of philosophy to plumbing wasn’t meant to diminish either—it was a wake-up call. Just as we wouldn’t skip plumbing inspections to save money, we shouldn’t skip philosophical reflection to “get things done.” In a world grappling with AI, climate collapse, and social fragmentation, we need philosophical plumbing more than ever.
So next time someone says, “Philosophy doesn’t pay the bills,” remind them: neither does clean water—until it’s gone.
Found this insight valuable? Share it on Twitter, LinkedIn, or with a friend who thinks philosophy is “useless.” Let’s unclog some minds together.
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